A well-known live streamer who shared her journey battling cancer online has passed away, just months after declaring herself “cured” to her followers.
Chen Meiying, a 39-year-old mother, lost her life on October 12 after a year-long struggle with triple-negative breast cancer, a highly aggressive form of the disease. Her diagnosis in 2024 led to significant changes in her life, including the closure of her small clothing store and the depletion of her family’s savings due to escalating medical expenses.
Resorting to live streaming on TikTok, Meiying, originally from Chongqing, China, entertained her audience by singing traditional songs in return for donations, maintaining a positive and cheerful demeanor despite her health challenges.
In a surprising turn of events on April 16, Meiying removed her IV line on camera and proclaimed herself cured. However, her optimism was short-lived as the cancer returned just two months later, spreading rapidly to her bones and internal mammary lymph nodes, with doctors informing her that only life-extending treatments were available.
Throughout her declining health, Meiying remained steadfast in her daily routines, drawing strength from her teenage daughter, who was completing her final year of high school. Meiying insisted on continuing the school run, even amidst pain.
Her final social media post was shared on September 22, followed by her hospitalization on September 26. Meiying passed away on October 12 and was laid to rest in her hometown, leaving behind her elderly mother.
Known for her uplifting spirit, Meiying once said, “You can be poor, you can be tired, but you cannot be unhappy, because unhappiness makes you sick.”
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is recognized as a highly aggressive and challenging type of invasive breast cancer. Characterized by rapid growth and limited treatment options, TNBC is generally linked to a less favorable prognosis compared to other breast cancer subtypes.
Cancer Research UK notes that TNBC predominantly affects women under 40, with rare occurrences in men.