Cancer Patients Need Support, Not Money: Survivor to Public
Breast cancer survivor, Fairul Nisha says cancer patients need support more than money.
Ms Nisha is a breast cancer survivor of about 17 years now.
She is currently the head of school at the Sunshine Special School in Lautoka.
Speaking during the Pinktober celebrations at the Funky Fish and Chips eatery in Saweni, Lautoka, she said the only important area she always intended to highlight was the support needed for breast cancer patients.
Her story
Ms Nisha has been living with one breast since 2004.
“I didn’t feel any kind of pain. It is just that I noticed a lump in my left breast, I cried, and then I shared the news with my cousin who advised me to visit a doctor,” she said.
“Most of the time when we hear cancer, the next word related to it is death so I knew I was going to die with this sickness, but I also had the hope that my God was great and I took the immediate step to go to the hospital.
“The doctors did a biopsy test and I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was then advised to have my whole breast removed, it shocked me,” Ms Nisha shared.
She said the journey for her was painful. She had to be home for close to three months.
“Words of encouragement are needed, not money, but the emotional support for cancer patients,” she added.
Ms Nisha is also encouraging other survivors to share their story so it can stir up the motivation for other women to visit a doctor if they experience similar signs.
She is grateful for the support from her families, friends and the Fiji Cancer Society.
Western Cancer Support Group chairperson, Balavu Tora is encouraging all women to visit their nearest doctor especially now during the month of Pinktober.
Funky Fish and Chips owner, Sheik Nazif said he was privileged to host his first Pinktober celebrations prior to opening last month.