This World Cancer Day, cancer survivors and PatientsEngage contributors share advice based on their lives experience on how best to deal with a cancer diagnosis. #WeCanICan #WorldCancerDay #WCD2018
What would you tell a person who just learned of their cancer diagnosis?’
1. Dilip Kumar Mevada, Multiple myeloma survivor
- Cancer so what? You can overcome it.
- You have to accept and forgive that you have cancer.
- If I can survive you can also survive. We are the luckiest human beings to have cancer because we can fulfil our wishes as God has blessed us with time and create miracles and get cured.
2. Usha Jerome, Upper rectal cancer survivor
- Do not feel like you've been served with an ultimatum - a death sentence as it were because it is not so.
- Judiciously choose the correct doctor and hospital and have implicit faith thereafter.
- Remember it's an ailment /malady, not an infectious disease and can be treated and cured.
3. BV Lakshmi, Three times cancer survivor
- Trust and Surrender: The moment a person is diagnosed with cancer there is this fear that takes over. We think it's a death sentence given to us and try to blame ourselves for what is happening. We have to stop that and understand that fear is because of the unknown. We do not know what will be the outcome, but if it has been given to us then we will be given the strength to endure it. Nothing comes in to our life without a reason. So trust and surrender completely to the higher being. Miracles do happen. God has his own way of taking care of his children.
- Be positive. We have to understand that if there is a problem then there will be a solution too.
- Take one day at a time. If you are having a good day, be grateful. Thank God for that and see how the next day turns out be. Ultimately, it’s how we look at life, life will turn out that way.
- These are the three things that I did for myself to overcome my disease because at the end of day it's you and you alone who can conquer anything in your life no matter what kind of treatment you get.
4. Usha Jesudasan, Breast cancer Survivor
- When you first hear the words,” You have cancer,” the first feeling that grips you is intense fear. Fear of the unknown, of pain, of where this journey through cancer will lead you, of death. One way to cure fear is to confront it and to know what exactly you are afraid of. So take a piece of paper and jot down all your fears. Now that you have named your fears and you can see them in front of you, see which are the major ones you really need help with. Delete those which you think are not worth worrying over.
- Think of the period of your treatment as a journey. During this journey you will experience many new things – some good, some painful. You will learn many new things about yourself and those close to you. These new things you learn will be your best friends throughout the rest of your life. You will sadly find out who your real friends are and which of your family will stand by you. Don’t be upset and cry over those who move away from you or say things to upset you. You will also learn what being helpless and being dependent on someone means. Be nice to your caregivers even when you hurt. Have faith in God. Pray for strength to get through one day at a time.
- You are the most important person in your life. Your healing depends on how you see yourself. You are both a victim – in that the disease came to you without your asking; but you are also a survivor – and that is more important. A survivor is positive. Take your medication regularly. Do your exercises. Repair broken relationships; move away from the ones you cannot. Look out for daily blessings. You have been given a second chance at life; grab it with both hands. Enjoy your new life.
5. Kamini Pradhan, Ovarian Cancer Survivor
- Do not panic. There is best of treatment available in India as well abroad
- Once malignancy is detected, don't waste any time. Each day is precious. Don't be in denial mode. You will only be wasting time
- Have a very strong determination. Your positive attitude will see you through your treatment. Your will power will see through the chemotherapy. Best of medicines are available against side effects. It isn't as bad as its made out to be.
- Have only positive people around. There is no scope for negativity.
6. Rita Banik, Breast Cancer Survivor and Founder Race to Rein in Cancer
- Keep your cool and listen to the doctor's advice about treatment carefully
- Take a second opinion before starting treatment
- Try staying independent during treatment. Don't become a burden on others
If you have any advice or an experience to share write in to us or in the comment below
Community
Condition
