Tell us about your survivor journey.
2019 has been a very special year for me. True, it has been full of success and achievements at the professional and academic levels; it has been busy with family, job and study requirements and duties; but it has also been a year where I had to bear on one of the most difficult challenges I’ve ever faced : surviving breast cancer. After my diagnosis was confirmed in April 2019, I immediately decided not to let myself drown in doubts, my faith and trust in God were strong enough to make me feel able to face the illness that I decided to name “Carcy”. I was determined that the nickname “fighter” which many people used to refer to me was not selected at random. My husband, 4 kids, mum, sister, brother, aunts, relatives , colleagues, teachers, classmates and other acquaintances can’t all be mistaken! there must be a reason why they think I am strong and “Carcy” is nothing more than a test I have to sit for and take and pass; it will be both a test and an evidence for my strength; later, it will be a souvenir, an inspiring story that I will be proudly sharing not only with my daughters, sons , family, students … , but with women or rather people from all over the world to motivate anyone who has to face cancer anywhere because life is precious and has to be lived with much hope, optimism and determination to overcome all the hardships that may be encountered during such a difficult journey. The first step I had was surgery. The second was chemotherapy and the third radiotherapy. At present, I have just started hormonal therapy. I will be doing my best to make sure that I wouldn’t meet “Carcy” again; I will take care of my diet, have a regular physical activity and adopt a healthier lifestyle. I am also looking forward to designing and implementing plans to raise awareness about breast cancer issues, create support groups and especially empower girls and women mainly in my country since illiteracy rates are high. I believe knowledge is power. Thanks to ICT facilities, I am certain that networking and connecting with organizations and individuals working on this issue will make it possible for me to give a helping hand and make a change not only on people’s negative perceptions of cancer, but on how patients and their families can understand, deal with treatment protocols in the most effective ways so as to lead a normal life whether during or post recovery.
What has been the biggest source of support through your journey?
I have been blessed because I had different sources of support : family , friends, students , medical staff, but I consider faith in God as the biggest source that has given me power and determination to face the illness.
What are some lessons you have learned throughout your survivor journey?
Your battle with cancer starts in your mind and thoughts; if you don’t beat it there, it will beat you – The struggle against cancer is an opportunity to discover hidden aspects of yourself and of your life; you may realize that you have to reorder priorities , that you are loved more, that there are many things to enjoy
Do you have any advice for a newly diagnosed survivor? What would that advice be and why?
I believe that “For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease.” (Kuran) It’s my conviction that the most beautiful things in life are cherished and valued because the process of attaining them has been tough: success after hard work, relief and joy after giving birth to a baby, freedom after incarceration, and so is recovery after cancer; Instead of thinking that the word cancer may cause you worry and fear think that some people are more frightened because their illnesses haven’t been diagnosed and are still a source of mystery ; Rather than worrying about the tough and long treatments you will have to face, think that you have been lucky that science and medicine have found ways to increase your survival rate; rather than being saddness, sorrow and grief, be positive and believe in your inner strength because in most cases, you will become what you think.
In the space below, feel free to add any additional information like extra stories, lessons to live by, meaningful life quotes, advice or unique factors that contribute to your survivor journey.
A cancer journey may be an opportunity to start a new and a better life at all levels : set new goals, strenghthen your social relationships, improve your lifestyle … I once wrote something in my diary after I had undergone a difficult experience ; During my cancer journey, I re-read it frequently because I felt it was true : ” you don’t have to be a genius to find solutions to all your problems ; sometimes all you have to do is to look at things from a different perspective”; while in your fight, be focussed: it’s your battle, your life , make sure you do your best to win; be yourself: think about your well-being first because the psychological side is extremely important; be generous: take care of yourself and spend good time with your beloved because they worry about you; be strong and patient: you will need much energy and motivation to tolerate treatment protocols and side effects; be optimistic: continue to make plans for your future ; be realistic: admit weakness and accept that failure at some points can be just a step on the road and not an end; be compassionate: share your story , tips, advice … your words as a patient/ survivor might have a bigger impact on other patients than practitioners’.
