NCC - Tumorrow

Bad news knocks not once but thrice, so the saying goes. Well, that’s what happened to me these past five years as I grappled with cancer. But with grit and some mental adjustments, among others, I was able to overcome these set backs and live to share my experiences with you.

The first blow came when the doctor broke the news that I had colon cancer after looking at the results of my barium enema. I underwent surgery, after which the oncologist visited me at the ward and recommended chemotherapy. Soon I began the weekly 30 sessions which were an unforgettable experience with the side effects predictably uncomfortable and energy-sapping.

Three years later, I had a relapse. This time I was diagnosed with lung cancer. I was back to the operating theatre followed by another round of intravenous and oral chemotherapy.

A year later, I underwent a lung resection. Fortunately, the biopsy report showed that the lobe removed was not cancerous; instead it had a fungal infection. This entailed taking a very strong drug with some side effects for the next six weeks.

So, for five years, my life became a series of ups and downs. I have to adapt to the best that I can throughout this roller-coaster ride. This is when I learnt the importance of a healthy mental attitude with an outlook to live each day to its very best, and to take in my stride the uncertainties in health which I may encounter.

These are some guidelines that I have attempted to follow and I hope you find them helpful. There will be times when it may be physically impossible to carry out some of the things I have mentioned, but with your own perseverance and some modifications, you will be pleasantly surprised at the improved quality of life you will experience.

1. Accept the prognosis. This may take some time. Don’t blame God or anyone for your illness. Reading and research will equip you with the necessary information to accept and expect the progress and setbacks of your condition.

2. Network with a support group and attend the public education talks on related topics. Share your fears and misgivings with your immediate family, relatives, colleagues and friends. Be appreciative of their moral support and prayers. Keep them informed of your progress if they ask. Remember they too are anxious about your well being. Make time and be involved in different activities with them, be it shopping, going on short trips or even helping out with the underprivileged.

3. Change or modify your lifestyle. You may want to join a group to exercise with, acquire a new interest like cooking, sewing, dancing, surfing the web or learning a new language. This way, you will find yourself making new friends and participating in organised activities.

4. Pamper yourself and indulge in activities which you previously never had the time for. Avoid stress in whatever you do and just enjoy yourself . Take time to smell the roses and cultivate a habit of appreciating Mother Nature .

5. Spend some time in meditation and prayers daily. A quiet period of reflection will help you see things in a proper or different perspective.

6. Some thought s should also be given to your diet after consultation with your nutritionists and respective medical personnel. Listen and make informed choices after consulting your care-givers, and try not to compromise your health and immunity in any way.