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For many, virtual meetings have become part of new-normal routines. But for breast cancer warriors, online hubs and groups are a lifeline - a place where they find solace and hope.
Loneliness and lack of human contact add to the burden borne by cancer warriors. And no one else could understand this better than those who have been through the same ordeal. So, when the Covid-19 situation got tough, they knew they had to reach out and offer help, albeit virtually.
Paula Nasrallah, a Lebanese-American resident, is one of the active volunteers in the Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP) group. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 and has been in remission ever since.
"Before, I truly enjoyed meeting with patients physically and guiding them through this tough journey. Now, with Covid-19, meeting those in treatment is out of the question," she said.
Paula said a lot of 'coping seminars' have now gone online. "Recently, we had a FoCP seminar where a life coach spoke to patients and their families about inner strength and mindfulness and how to deal with this financially.
"Women need a lot of mental support during such a time in their lives. I know exactly how that feels.to lose their hair, their confidence. With events like the Pink Caravan and other programmes offered by FoCP, women received a lot of support."
Zoom sessions are key, she added, and so are chats, texts or even voice messages.
'WhatsApp is a huge help'
Jennifer Diaz, a telecommunications professional who was diagnosed with stage three triple-positive breast cancer in September 2017, said being stuck at home was similar to her battle against cancer.
"I was diagnosed when my son Luca was only six months old. After completing a bilateral mastectomy, eight rounds of chemotherapy, and several rounds of radiotherapy, I had to go through hormonal suppressive treatment. Fortunately, a lot of my major treatment ended just months before the stay-home protocols."
Jennifer said being part of online groups, especially those on WhatsApp, helped her feel a lot more comfortable.
"There is no reason for women to feel isolated or alone. We've found enormous support online. You can keep asking each other silly questions, doubts about the disease on Messenger and WhatsApp.
"For example, the Pink Ribbon group is very active online. I am also part of the groups Pink Ladies and Breast Friends, who have also been active virtually," she added.
Another survivor, Yara Ahmad, a Syrian national and an FoCP volunteer, said: "Fortunately, I finished everything last February. The treatment itself is very difficult. I cannot imagine what women went through amid the lockdown. But I can say that we are all here for ladies who are suffering at the moment. You are not alone."
Sharing a cancer story is not easy: Doctor
Stories of surviving cancer have been a source of hope for many. But an expert has said that sharing one's journey in fighting the big C is not that easy. In fact, it can take years before one feels comfortable enough to talk about it.
Dr Rita Daaboul, consultant general surgeon at Medcare Women and Children Hospital, told Khaleej Times: "It does take about two years for women to be able to share their breast cancer journeys after they have had some time to get past the raw emotions that they experienced during their months of treatment.
"It takes time before they finally experience the fact that there is a life after a breast cancer diagnosis."
One would need one to two years of clear post-treatment check=ups before they get to that stage, Dr Daaboul said. Only they are ready will they be "comfortable with calling themselves a breast cancer survivor".
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com
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