To begin… Happy Cancer Survivors Day to all brave Big-C survivors and those battling it now!!!!! This post is for you or for anyone out there who has a friend/relative going through it for better understanding.
A little picture of unconditional love for all you cancer survivors and those battling it now!!!
One of the main reasons I am writing it is because as a young cancer survivor, there is so much that has changed in my life since going through it in my 20’s.. I can only imagine those who had it as kids or during their teenage years.
It’s difficult to put yourself in a cancer survivors shoes but let me tell you a little experience I had recently… I went for an audition recently, and the person auditioning me asked me this really insensitive question..
“Your cancer, it’s only a small thing right since you look fine?”
I was shocked for a few seconds but after taking a huge breath, I replied… No cancer is a small thing which is true…..
How has my life changed and how to overcome it?
1. There’s always the FEAR
I would say this is the main thing many cancer survivors face. It gets harder when you are have a whole life in front of you, the fear that the cancer will come back, to have a relapse. It doesn’t get easier when medical journals and many doctors tell you that to be in complete remission, there’s a 5 year mark you need to look out for. Hence, the regular check-ups and for colorectal cancer patients, check-ups are pretty tedious with colonoscopy and for some other types of cancer too…..
BUT you know what?!?! The only way to counter the fear is to NOT think about it. I know it’s difficult especially when you have scars like me after surgery OR for those who have been through chemotherapy, loss of hair at first but you will come to realize that living a normal life again can be done as long as you don’t dwell on the past.
Like me, I am back to hosting events even when it’s not under the shade like for The High Heel Dash and many more others… I am happy especially when I am hosting for a good cause or for brands I am passionate about!
Picture in my Alexander McQueen dress(I just had to say that because it’s my first and probably last because it’s too expensive!), with my bestie after hosting the preview of LongChamp’s F/W 2015 collection
At first, it is a conscious effort to not worry when you fall ill OR even think about it, but you will come to realize that slowly you will truly stop thinking about it
2. Your body has changed
Yup, my body has to re-adjust with a shortened colon and rectum. Like I said in my previous post HERE on IBD, I do have side effects and it was difficult to adjust at first. However, I have a new normal which is is different from “normal” people my age and I am FINE with it. As long as you don’t fight it, it gets easier and you MUST accept that new level of normal.
Taiwan night market
Heck, I even travel now with caution of course making sure I don’t go to places that don’t have clean toilets.
3. Lower immune system
This is especially true right after surgery, during your recovery and for those who are going through chemotherapy. Your immune system is much lower than other people, and for me, my surgeon just told me, I have to DE-STRESS immediately(like last week this was told to me) because my immune system is so low and the effects is seen on my body.. Can you believe I grew an ulcer on my throat?!? Like wth????? I guess there’s a first for everything..
And I get tired more easily too…. which I saw when I did the below:
Was in Singapore to speak and flew back on a Saturday night.. had one day rest
Taiwan airport
Then flew to Taiwan on Monday morning
Came back on Friday night, hosted The High Heel Dash on Saturday and the IBD event on Sunday. The following week was pretty tiring too….
I would have to say I know many people my age can handle it but my body basically broke down and I could see and FEEL the effects on my body.
So, don’t be a superhero ok? You have just been through a life threatening disease and for those who push cancer survivors too hard, please understand, they may be the same age as you but their bodies have changed somehow, and they have changed mentally and emotionally as well.
These are the 3 main physical things for me and it possibly could be for many cancer survivor out there. Regardless of what stage of cancer a person had, it’s a feat to already overcome it and still stay happy.
There are many who face a relapse when they think it will come back and the body will react to the mind as you are telling your body to get cancer back no?
As a cancer survivor, please remember this… DON’T live life fearing… it’s time to live life to the fullest because you have a whole life now ahead of you… enjoy every moment of it because you have overcome a huge hurdle in your life!
You can be careful of course. Like for me, I ate even healthier than before, meditate even more, and can now stress that wellness is more than just physical, it comprises spirituality, how you think and emotional components.
Me being kiasu even went for a full DNA profiling at The Laureate to see what is good and not good for me in terms of supplements, exercise, and work which I will share with you…
I will be talking at the Global Wellness Day on Friday at 11.30am(June 12th) at The Mines Wellness Hotel, so do come if you can make it:)
Yours truly,
Mei Sze
