“From the time of discovery and for the balance of life, an individual diagnosed with cancer is a survivor.” - National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship.

Can-Help News: What went through your minds when the doctor told you that you had Hodgkins Disease (Lymphoma)?
Josie: How can that be? I am so young. How could such a thing happen to me? I remembered my doctor telling me that the tests showed cancerous “lumps” and I needed to be given injections. I thought that it would just be one or two injections like those to cure chicken pox. But then, I realized that it was actually chemotherapy… I was going to lose my hair for sure! I really don’t want that to happen. I can’t imagine myself bald.

Alex: I was mentally not prepared for it. It took me by surprise. Why must it be me? Why must I be so unlucky? I wanted to escape from it all and stop seeking treatments. But at the same time, I felt that the consequences could be serious if I didn’t get treated immediately.

Can-Help News: What were your feelings at that time?
Josie: I had a sudden fear of death as I have so many unfulfilled dreams and I’ve just started working. I cried and felt sorry for myself. The expressions on my father’s face made me feel even worse. He was with me in the clinic at that time.

Alex: I felt very nervous and scared because I have heard many things about chemotherapy. I felt very depressed when I was told that I needed such a treatment.

Can-Help News: What are your feelings now a year down the line?
Josie: Well, I thought I was pretty brave to have gone through all the ordeal of therapies, countless injections, etc. I also consider myself lucky too to be alive. Everyone should really cherish what they have…family, friends, and most importantly their health. No matter how rich a person is, without good health; you won’t be able to enjoy wealth. After all, health is wealth.

Alex: I’m glad that the worst is over and I emerged successful.

Can-Help News: Anniversaries can be times of pain or joy, and sometimes a mixture of both. There are different anniversaries for everyone: for some it is the date of diagnosis, while for others it is the last day of treatment. Some feel very anxious as the follow-up with their doctors draws closer.
How do you deal with the fear of recurrence and follow-up anxiety?

Josie: My worst worries were actually during treatment, especially during follow-up with my doctor. What if my blood count is low? What if I have a fever? That means I can’t go for chemotherapy and the date of the final treatment is delayed.

The thought of recurrence does come to mind occasionally. It always frightens and frustrates me. I vented my frustrations on my loved ones and that made me even unhappier. Then I decided to lead life positively. OPTIMISM IS THE MEDICINE!
I started writing in a diary during my therapy. I found it therapeutic and it soothed my emotions. Also, talk to someone who can hear you out. I suggest someone mature, as they make better listeners.

Alex: I am very afraid of a recurrence, as my risk is much higher than any normal person. However, I live one day at a time because no one can predict the future.

Can-Help News: On relationships with your family and friends. How did they react to you having cancer?
Josie: My entire family was very supportive. My dad even stopped working to keep me company during my treatments. Sometimes I got friends to accompany me during therapies. It is very comforting to have someone there whom I can talk to and distract me from the pain. Adversity is the true test of love and friendship.

Alex: I realize that family and friends play an important role. But at the same time, I don’t want them to worry too much. Friends didn’t avoid me. On the contrary, I became very close to some of them. I feel truly grateful to them for just being there when I needed them most.

Can-Help News: What do you think would be the most UNHELPFUL thing a person can say to someone with cancer?
Josie: “Is it contagious and will it spread to me?” That would be an inconsiderate thing to say.

Alex: “So unlucky for you!”

Can-Help News: What are the HELPFUL things a person can do or say to someone with cancer?
Josie: Accompany the patient when they go for treatments. One does not need to say much. Being there is enough. Be supportive and encouraging.

Alex: Just by being there for the person is good enough. Cancer can make someone feel very lost and lonely.

Can-Help News: Some find that they avoid thinking about the future because expectations of a long, healthy life have been exploded by the cancer diagnosis. Commitment to a relationship or a long-term goal may be difficult. Thinking about having children may become complicated. What are your feelings about all this? Have you considered going into a serious relationship with a partner, if you are not already in one?

Josie: The fear of rejection is always present. If I’m not to in a supportive relationship now, I guess I would not have this much confidence in myself. Going through happy and difficult moments together, you will realize how much your partner loves you. The bond will definitely be strengthened. Just be positive. I understand most cancer drugs have adverse effects on fertility. Being a young female adult, I am worried about the possibility of being infertile. But then again, I can’t predict the future. Just let nature take its course.

Alex: No comments

Can-Help News: In the course of your cancer journey, which would you say was the most difficult period?
Josie: The thought of needles, packets of chemo-drugs, hair loss definitely put me off. I cannot imagine going through it again. Radiotherapy was but I had to disguise all the treatment markings on my body as they are rather obvious to me.

Alex: I agree. Chemotherapy and the side effects are unbearable. It took me a few days to recover from each cycle.

Can-Help News: Who or what motivated you to press on and fight the disease?

Josie: My family

Alex: My parents and a few close friends were always there for me. But most important of all it’s self-determination.

Can-Help News: What was the most valuable experience that you would like to share with those affected by cancer?
Josie: This illness has definitely given me a different perspective to life. I have gone through and survived cancer. Not everyone would have that “chance”. I’ve become more matured than most people of my age. Maturity, that’s what I had gained.

Alex: Be strong. It helps to keep an open and positive mind. It doesn’t help to be depressed all the time. The treatment will make us weak, so mentally we have to be strong to overcome the ordeal.

Can-Help News: What are your plans for the future?
Josie: I would like to pursue my dreams and try to fulfill them. Keeping a healthy body is also very important.

Alex: To enjoy life because the future is a little uncertain now.

Can-Help News: What advice do you have for young cancer patients still fighting the disease and for those who have just finished their treatment?
Josie: Most patients feel inferior of themselves when they see friends physically fit and active. That’s a normal reaction because as a young person we want to have fun. You can still enjoy yourself; you just need to be more careful. In fact I still go for outings in the park with my family, and even karaoke at the community center where it is smoke-free and less crowded. Our immunity is low, so avoid crowded places to prevent from getting an infection.

Some are upset by the hair loss, especially girls. If you have long hair, do cut it shorter before your treatment so that you do not get too upset when your hair starts to fall. It will also be easier to put on a wig when your hair is short.

Do get yourself a wig before your treatment starts. Get someone whom you can trust with to go you when choosing your wig. It is important that you are comfortable with it as you are going to wear it until you no longer need it.

After treatment is over, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables like tomato, apples, carrots and broccoli and exercise regularly. They have anti-cancer properties. You can find out more information from the Internet. Rest when you are tired. You need good health to keep living! Remember to SMILE always and keep a positive mind about the future.

Alex: Yes, a well-balanced diet and leading a healthy lifestyle are important. Post treatment follow-up is important. Lastly, trust your doctors and nurses.