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A Recipe On Getting The Most Out Of Living With Cancer
By Ms Ranjit Kaur, Breast Cancer Survivor, President of Breast Cancer Welfare Association, Malaysia Discuss this topic at the Radiology Malaysia Forum t can be devastating when the doctor breaks the news that we have cancer. Whilst our mindset is taking a long time to change to the new idea of living with a disease, we start off by thinking that we are dying of cancer. As time and experience takes us along the pathway to recovery, we steadily begin to revise our way of thinking and begin to register that we can and are living with cancer. Every living being is constantly striving to get the most out of life. What more if we are facing a life-threatening disease and we do not try to get the most out of living with it. It is not surprising that the struggle to survive can become the key factor in cancer. Many go to their wits end searching for miraculous cures, as the saying goes, “clutching to the last straw to keep alive”. It is not surprising that the ordinary lives of those living with cancer after medical treatment are not highlighted. On the contrary, those who are living extraordinary lives due to some mysteriously curious method of a “miraculous cure” are always published for the public to be waylaid. Whilst the nation is building its population to face the challenges of an increasingly developed country, some sectors seem to be regressing. Sadly, the few Malaysians who are into the reading culture are referring to the wrong materials. We seem to be more convinced by mysterious methods of treatment of cancer rather than the hard facts of science that have been endured through rigorous research and clinical trials before they are approved for use by the consumer. Many sectors that are trying to sell their products and unproven methods of “screening or treatment” for cancer, are taking full advantage of our vulnerability. Medical technology has advanced such that one can live with the disease after it has been treated by scientifically proven methods. As I have always introduced myself: “I am living with breast cancer”, it proves that one can continue with one’s role and function in society quite normally. Of course early detection and prompt medical treatment are essential components of the early stages of living with cancer. To get to this stage, each person diagnosed with cancer, should not leave any stone of medical treatment unturned. Using our experience of health screening, diagnosis, treatment and recovery of breast cancer we are willing to guide you and your loved ones in the right direction in life. Most Malaysians are either directly or indirectly touched by cancer. Regular screening for the healthy lot and medical follow up sessions are essential with your family doctor and any medical specialist attending to your specific existing health problem.
Preparing for treatment
It helps when a family member or a friend is with you when you talk to the doctor. Some questions you could ask the doctor are: • What kind of cancer do I have? • What is the stage of the cancer? • What kind of treatment would you recommend? • How much will the treatment cost? • How do I manage the side effects of the treatment? • Will I need to reorganise my lifestyle during treatment?
Tips On Receiving Treatment In Cancer
1. Ask the doctor questions even if you think it may sound silly 2. Take along all your previous screening, diagnostic materials, x-rays, scans, test results when consulting the doctor 3. Follow up on your own self-examination as instructed, e.g., monthly self-breast examination 4. Ensure that your specialist gives you all the information. It may sound shocking at first, but getting the hard facts will help you understand your medical condition and you will be able to manage yourself sensibly. 5. If you read articles regarding your cancer in the net or in any other materials, check its reliability with your medical specialist. Due to our vulnerability we are rather gullible and we can fall prey to any insidious ways that are aplenty waiting for us to empty our bank account and earn fame, leaving us as “victims of frauds and quacks”. If you are keen to take herbs, you must inform your medical specialist. The effects of herbs and medical treatment could clash and you may suffer the consequences. 6. Diet in cancer is a popular topic and it is highly capitalised upon by those who can get hold of you. The testimonies are so convincing that you may be tricked into believing that certain foods can actually cure the disease. There are cancer survivors resorting to kilo-loads of carrots for juice daily, an overload of wheat grass, and many other so-called remedies. On the contrary these amounts are actually damaging rather than curative or restorative. Check with a dietitian in the hospital before you change your diet. 7. Diagnosis of cancer should be followed by systematic scientifically proven medical treatment which is crucial to keep you alive and at the same time give you a good quality of life. Consult your team of specialists which could include a surgeon, an oncologist, and other related medical specialists. 8. During treatment you may face side effects that many of us have experienced. Contact NGOs for emotional support and practical information Breast Cancer Welfare Association (+603-7954 0133), National Cancer Society of Malaysia (+603-2698 7300), Hospis Malaysia (+603-9133 3936) 9. Whilst second opinions can help, it is essential for you to be clear as to what you will do with two contrasting opinions which could cause confusion. Be thorough with your questions and queries with your specialist so that you can get to the bottom of the whole issue of diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Many Malaysians also think that specialists abroad especially in the neighbouring countries are better qualified and equipped with knowledge and skills. By the way, our specialists are trained in exactly the same renowned higher learning institutions and they have more experience due to our higher population. It is true that one of the drawbacks we face as medical consumers is that we choose the medical specialist after listening to friends and colleagues. Isn’t it important that we have access to a list of suitably qualified medical specialists so that we can feel secure about our treatment and recovery? 10. Remember that you are very vulnerable at this stage, so be cautious when anyone tries to convince you regarding a miraculous cure for your condition. Your medical specialist is the best person to seek for advice. Be a critic when reading information and articles on cancer cures on the net or any unauthorised sites.
Tips On Managing Yourself During Recovery In Cancer
1. The journey to recovery can be filled with mixed feelings of anxiety and relief. You may want to shift into the first gear to a new lifestyle. Do not forget your regular follow up medical appointments with your specialist whilst you are living with cancer. 2. A balanced diet and regular exercises help us to regain and maintain our well being. If you want to change your eating habits consult the dietitian in your hospital. 3. Develop hobbies and activities for yourself that make you feel good. Treat each day as a new beginning. 4. Seek the company of friends and colleagues you enjoy. Indulge in comedies, be they movies or books. 5. Do not be ashamed. Tell those around you that you are living with cancer and ensure that they congratulate you for having battled the disease successfully. They will admire you for your endeavours. 6. Participate in a peer support group of people with a similar condition as yourself. Eventually you will also find yourself being a role model to other new patients. Make yourself useful to society and you will feel good. Your cancer experience can help someone cope with his or her cancer. 7. Rebuilding confidence and bouncing back to active life can take time. Stay close to friends and family members who encourage positive attitudes in you. 8. Do not procrastinate. You have another chance to live. If you feel like doing something, do not hesitate. Just Do It!!! 9. Always remember that you are on the road to recovery. Your whole life is ahead of you. The sky is the limit. Make the most of being alive.

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By Ms Ranjit Kaur, Breast Cancer Survivor, President of Breast Cancer Welfare Association, Malaysia Discuss this topic at the Radiology Malaysia Forum

By Ms Ranjit Kaur, Breast Cancer Survivor,
President of Breast Cancer Welfare Association, Malaysia

Discuss this topic at the Radiology Malaysia Forum