Helping others deal with cancer

The five most common cancers among males

are asopharynx (picture), colorectal, lung, lymphoma and prostate. Since the diagnosis, Aimi has to juggle time between work, family and treatments. So I try to adjust my time accordingly and make the best of the situation.

As for treatments, she’s lucky that the timings are flexible and the hospital is near her office so she usually schedules her treatments during lunch break.

Aimi has spent about RM300,000 so far. Her cancer-related expenses amount to almost RM8,000 monthly and mainly goes towards supplements and specially prepared organic meals.

She also spends about RM2,000 a year on post-mastectomy bras.

“I still have car and housing loans to pay off on top of my medical expenses. To top up my income, I used to work as a part-time personal shopper. Now I work part-time as a talent for commercials,” she says.

Aimi says her last treatment was not effective and her cancer has progressed Battling cancer as a young adult is a journey full of emotional and physical struggles. THE Cancer Information Service of the National Cancer Society Malaysia is a national and multilingual free helpline that provides information about cancer to patients, their family and friends as well as the public and healthcare professionals.

Call 1-800-08-1000 or write to help@cancer.org.my to stage 4. She is scheduled for another round of treatments soon.

“I’m prepared for anything at this stage. What matters most is my happiness,” says Aimi, who is active in advocating breast cancer awareness.

“I want to continue with my treatments and help other cancer patients get through their ordeal by sharing my experience. Most importantly, I just want to be happy with my husband and three boys and make every moment count,” she adds.