I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017. I have been in this journey for 4 years on medication. Beside medication, I realized that treatment alone is not enough and I was made aware of a support group other survivors at Martha Cancer Survivors Support Centre. The group became a firm through which our many concerns have been addressed. Personally I had a lot of questions regarding diet, drug side effects, exercise, family planning, causes of cancer( predisposing factors) and prevention.
Through the support group, we have a dedicated doctor, she even invites other specialists such as nutritionist, physiotherapist, psychologist among others. A lot of encouragement by sharing various experiences among the group members.
I am so encouraged since I am not alone and I have learnt that am not alone. This gives me a lot of hope as we also share spiritual messages. With subsequent sessions am sure am yet to learn more. Thanks a lot to our doctor and the entire group.
The breast school sessions at Martha cancer Survivors Support Centre are very informative and educative. The training is enabling us to understand what cancer is all about . Various types of cancers, why it comes about, what the risks are and types of treatment. We also learn on what we ought to do in order to support ourselves and each other e.g by living positively, observing nutrition, exercise, drinking a lot of clean water, sunshine, temperance, air, rest and Trust in God( NEWSTART) We also encouraged to teach other people and members of our families what we have been taught. In other words, we be ambassadors of hope. The training will help many of us who were not valuing the support group sessions to be more involved.
My name is Juju and I was 40 years when I was diagnosed of breast cancer 3-years ago. As a hotelier I was not exposed to health education in my work place and my general knowledge on cancer was low. I relied on social media and radio for health tips and sometimes consult google.
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After treatment we face a lot of challenges. “mtu asikufe moyo kwa sababu ya ugonjwa, watu wakikudharau, jipende” ( English translation: Don’t lose hope because of being ill, when people despise you, love yourself.) People may think you will not survive this but God is with you. People close to you will leave you because you need help in terms of nutrition, finances. Family members and friends may desert you as you have stretched their resources during treatment, but encourage yourself and always love yourself. Others will perceive you as disabled but encourage yourself to do your normal chores by taking care of yourself. I try to take care of myself by doing my laundry, cleaning my house because I feel as normal as everyone else.
The Support group has helped me because I know I am not alone in this journey. There are those going through similar experiences and we encouraged each other. I now feel strong, I eat well so that I can take care of my children
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