THIS dying author is in the final stage of cancer but she launched a book last week.

To some of those who were present, she said: 'I'm sorry I cannot remember you, but thank you for coming.'

With pain adding to her confusion, Madam Florence Heng still managed smiles for everyone.

Earlier, she went for 10 more painful bouts of radiotherapy so she could steady herself for the occasion.

The Chinese edition of her book, My Journey With Breast Cancer - Awakening, was released at the Singapore Chung Hwa Medical Institution on Saturday.

An anonymous buyer applauded Madam Heng's efforts and bought a copy for $20,000.

The proceeds went to the Chung Hwa Medical Institution.

Madam Heng wrote the book in English and paid $6,000 for its publication in April.

The book means so much to her because it will help cancer sufferers like her.

She had stopped chemotherapy treatment months ago when doctors told her that it could no longer improve her condition.

Confined to a wheelchair, and struggling further with new tumours threatening her brain and upper spine, the 52-year-old housewife badly wanted to see her writing come out in Chinese.

'If that did not happen, it would be a waste,' she said.

'Many lower income, Chinese-educated patients are suffering from cancer but they are too afraid to ask doctors questions about their illness. They feel inferior because they are subsidised patients.

'Many of them don't know how to use the Internet to learn about their illness.'

The book gives a personal account of her fight against recurrent breast cancer.

Her eldest daughter, teacher Tan Joe-sie, 25, said: 'Rather than take a chance with the few per cent success rate from chemotherapy, my mum had decided to stop treatment so she could avoid the side-effects and lead a better quality life.

'But she underwent radiotherapy to her brain to stabilise her condition for the launch.'

In April, The New Paper had written about Madam Heng's black bag.

It contained items for her family after her death, including her insurance policies, songs for her wake and letters to her family.

Does she still think the bag will be useful?

Madam Heng, who goes by the nickname Sunflower Heng, said: 'When you are almost near death, I don't know how useful the word 'useful' is.

'I do feel sad coming to this stage. I never thought it would be like this. I never expected pain of such a degree. It is worse than labour pain. When it hits you, it cannot be tolerated.'

Her battle against cancer has inspired and touched people, including her translator, Mr Shaun Yeo, 40.

Said Mr Yeo: 'It's one thing to say you aren't afraid of death but quite another when death really stares you in the face. Her willingness to share her thoughts despite the pain moved me.'

Madam Heng has this to say to cancer patients: 'Think for the worst, especially the pain.'

The left side of her body is very stiff but raising her left hand to her face, she still managed a light-hearted tone as she said: 'You see, I can't touch my nose with my fingers now.'

A colourful, plastic butterfly is attached to her wheelchair.

Rubbing her fingers over it, she said: 'I will try to be positive, I will try.'

Before The New Paper left Madam Heng's house last Wednesday, she stared into space and whispered: 'I hope the turnout (at the launch) will be good.'

And it was - more than 50 people turned up.

FYI

WHAT: The Mandarin edition of My Journey With Breast Cancer, $18
WHERE: The book is available at the National Cancer Centre Pharmacy, Toa Payoh Chung Hwa Free Clinic, Breast Cancer Foundation, Rank Books (www.rankbooks.com), Kinokuniya Bookstore.
Also, visit www.florenceheng.com