WORLD CANCER DAY 2020 with Sabeena Ahmed

New

Apr 6, 2020

Story

Sabeena Ahmed And The Lilft

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Joined Jun 14, 2016

WORLD CANCER DAY 2020

Hello, Assalaam Alaikum, peace and blessings,

My name is Sabeena and this is my message for World Cancer Day 2020!

My beautiful mother Mrs Meshar Mumtaz Bano was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer March 2012, she was 59 years old.

Mum courageously received 4 years of chemotherapy and radiotherapy before she returned to her maker April 18th 2016, she was 62 years old.

May Allah azza wa ajal (God) bless all mothers with Paradise

(Jannat-ul-Ferdose), Aameen.

My siblings and I miss her terribly.

LOSS, GRIEF AND BEREAVEMENT

It will be 4 years this April since I last saw my beloved mother.

Its been a roller-coaster of emotions as I cope with my loss, grief and bereavement.

I still remember hours after Mum took her last breaths how distraught, numb and lost I was.

I always want to remember Mum for the strong independent happy, healthy woman she was with a beautiful smile.

GRIEF, BEREAVEMENT AND HEALING

My grief journey has been difficult and challenging.

This is a wonderful poster and resource titled

'BEREAVEMENT - How People Can Help' has been designed by the Care For The Family Organisation.

HEALING

If I had to describe my healing journey using the poster above I would describe it as 5 steps back, 2 steps forward, lonely and overwhelming.

Since Mum's passing I have continued with my fair trade campaigning and work.

Mum was a fairtrade advocate and supported fairtrade producers.

Recording videos like this is also part of my healing process.

I also purchased books about healing.

Due to the lack of support my siblings and I received after my mother passed I completed an online course ''Talking About Cancer'' with Cancer Research UK.

I have attached a link below for those interested.

https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/talking-about-cancer

HEREDITARY BREAST CANCER, GENETIC TESTING

AND COUNSELLING

During early January 2017 I found a lump in my left breast and immediately made an appointment to see my breast consultant. Luckily, my lump was a cyst and it was removed successfully.

Due to a history of breast and ovarian cancer in my family my consultant advised that I take the BRAC1 and BRAC2 genetic testing.

My results were normal and I do not carry the BRAC 1/2 genes. I am very relieved.

Self examination is the key to early detection of cancer and survival.

Women who have a history of cancer in the family should attend their annual mammogram and pap test.

As I mentioned earlier self-examination is the key to successful treatment and survival.

Below is a poster designed by the World Health Organisation about recognising the symptoms of Breast Cancer.

CANCER AND THE ASIAN COMMUNITY

I am hoping that by recording this video I can reach out to other ladies in similar situations and Pakistani/Asian carers who would like a listening ear and some moral support.

It is my aim that the Pakistani and Asian community talk openly about cancer and support those instead of giving them a death sentence.

Cancer is a taboo subject and it's so important to dispel the myths surrounding it.

Due to the lack of support my siblings and I received after my mother passed I completed an online course ''Talking About Cancer'' with Cancer Research UK.

I have attached a link below for those interested.

https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/talking-about-cancer

SUPPORT WORLD CANCER DAY 2020

This World Cancer Day support a cancer research organisation by volunteering your time and raising awareness about cancer.

Love and best wishes to all cancer patients past and present, their families and carers.

I wish you a speedy recovery and a happy healthy life. Love and prayers for those who have lost a loved one!

Sabeena