And that may have not only increased her lease on life but also helped her - and those around her - cope better, say cancer caregivers.
It is an inspirational tale for any cancer patient, said oncologist Toh Han Chong, even as he acknowledged
that such a positive reaction is understandably rare.
'It's really fantastic to see that kind of courage under fire, that resilience in the face of death...especially since it's so human to be fearful,' he said.
Psychologist Adrian Wang admits that Ms Lim is 'more the exception that the norm'.
It is much easier, he said, to be dragged down not just by the illness, but also the realisation that life is going to be limited. Patients also lose a degree of independence and have to deal with their own grief, besides that of their family and friends.
'It takes great strength of character because it means having to deal with all the issues and feelings very quickly. But having good support from loved ones, or strength in religion or faith, helps,' he said.
Even harder, said Dr Toh, is coping so well when cancer makes a comeback - despite a patient thinking that the worst is over - and not much can be done.
'It's one of the hardest things for us to say to a patient. When we put up the CT scan and there's a shadow on a lung, or when we find that the pain in the back is not a sprain, it can be devastating,' he said.
But dealing with the disease - and the time one has - realistically is vital, said Dr Wang, adding that staying positive and upbeat, and setting short-term goals, could help.
'It means being able to gain as much fulfilment as you can from the life that you have left,' he said.