YOU ARE NOT ALONE
THE IMPORTANCE OF NOT ISOLATING YOURSELF DURING AN ILLNESS:
One of the many reasons I decided to share my encounter with breast cancer so openly, is the lack of willingness within communities of colour to discuss health, or at times even seek medical advice when there is something wrong.
There seems to be this pervasive fear and stigma associated with cancer within the African community. Cancer fatalism, misperceptions of the nature of cancer and its treatment, competing priorities and a crisis orientation towards medical care seems to play a major role.
Some would endure months of pain while playing it hush-hush and often by the time they seek a practitioner, a large number of our people have progressed past the treating stage of their illness.
My aim is first to encourage the informing of one’s nearest and dearest, which should hopefully lead to encouragement to see a doctor and start investigating what the problem may be.
There is a huge difference between noticing something is not quite right with your health, going to see a doctor AND praying on it, and noticing something is wrong and ONLY praying.
With every diagnosis, there is always someone that has already gone through the process before you. So enquire and find out if there is a self-help group that offers help and support for people in similar situations.
It’s also highly important to not just know your diagnosis but to understand it. Really research what it is and the different stages of treatment that can or will be offered to you. I read up on everything I could on DCIS, took home all of the reading material I could lay my hands on at the hospital, then went online for further information. During my different treatments and operations, knowledge for me wasn’t just power, it was vital.
I was treated at Guy’s Hospital in the UK and there were so many self-help groups offered to me and all I had to do was choose. All these support groups offer free emotional, physical and practical support and advice to anyone affected by cancer.
The consultants that meet, treat and offer you advice in these charities are all professionals in their fields who volunteer their services to these valuable charities.
Some of My Options:
Cancer Research, MacMillan Cancer Support.
Cherry Lodge Cancer Care:
I attended some group counselling sessions and had foot and massage therapy.
The Breast Cancer Haven, Fulham:
Specifically structured for women affected by cancer. I had counselling, nutrition consultation, attended specialised yoga classes and feet acupuncture sessions.
THE IMPORTANCE OF CHOOSING THE RIGHT SUPPORT GROUP:
Choosing the right people to support you can be your lifeline during an illness or when undergoing different treatments like I was.
I strongly suggest having more than one person so that they don’t become overwhelmed. They may need some time out for themselves every now and then to recuperate and re-energise, which will enable them to help you better.
These chosen few will either help your recovery or hinder it, so choose very carefully. I believe every one of us has good people around us and all we need to do is open up and let them in by voicing out what we are going through.
I also know we have people in our lives that are willing to take a morning or an afternoon off work to attend a hospital appointment or just hold your hands and tell you it will all be alright – or just watch a movie with plenty of laughs.
While your treatment journey progresses, accepting and understanding the enormity of the entire dilemma will take some time, so take one day at a time and just breathe – trying not to stress or worry. Deal with any problems and complications as they arise.