National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) Pink Unity president, Lena Abdullah (centre), presents free ‘Bubur Lambuk’ prepared by cancer survivors to Hospital Kuala Lumpur’s paediatric oncologist, Dr Ida Shahnaz (second, left) to be distributed to patients and staff of Paediatric Department, on Tuesday for ‘buka puasa’. — Bernama photo
KUALA LUMPUR: Staying happy has helped people with cancer to survive the ordeal, according to two cancer survivors.
One of them, Rashidah Akbar Khan, 51, who was diagnosed with stage-four ovarian cancer a year ago, has made it a point to live happily and spend time with family as her survival goal.
“You have cancer. These are words no one wants to hear. People will surely feel very down and try to keep away from the crowd because they think cancer is the end of their world,” she told Bernama.
Rashidah was approached as she distributed free Ramadhan ‘bubur lambuk’ (rice porridge) provided by the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) to the needy here on Tuesday.
She said she believed that cancer patients who stayed optimistic appeared to have a better chance of surviving the disease or at least making better use of their remaining time.
Rashidah has been through several treatments, including a surgery to remove her ovaries, and underwent chemotherapy four times to reduce the risk of a recurrence.
Although she felt sick and uncomfortable during the chemotherapy, she never gave up.
“As a volunteer counsellor for NCSM, I feel very energetic and happy because I can help people who are like me to get out of their negativity.
“Cancer survivors and those close to them know what it is like to live with cancer. Getting involved in cancer-related activities is like a two-way street — when you help others, you also help yourself,” she said.
For breast cancer survivor Tengku Salmah Tengku Firdaus Kasim, 55, cancer has taught her to better appreciate her life.
“Three years ago, after I was diagnosed with breast cancer and went through chemotheraphy, I felt very upset and avoided meeting people. But ever since I joined NCSM as a volunteer, I learnt to appreciate my life more,” she said.
“With the positive thinking and the support of the organisation, my life is getting better and happier.
“To be honest, I am still worried about my health but I feel happier after joining NCSM and knowing that there are survivors working to contribute to society.
“Now, even as I go through my treatment and take medicines, I can stay active to help people and contribute to society,” she said. — Bernama