Dubai : "I cried the minute I walked in. It was like coming home talking to people who could relate to you," said Shelly Barnes.
The 44-year-old British resident was referring to her first meeting with some 50 breast cancer survivors in Dubai last fortnight.
Diagnosed with breast cancer, Barnes, who lives alone in Dubai, was happy to be part of Breast Friends, a group of similarly affected women who meet at least once a month to help ease their transition from treatment.
250 and counting
"We have on our database around 250 women from the UAE, mainly Dubai," said Jane Northcote, freelance stylist and one of the three coordinators of the group founded by breast surgeon Dr Houriya Kazim.
"It's a shocking number, isn't it?" she said, talking to XPRESS along with other survivors, who, behind the hype of the ongoing campaign against breast cancer, shared the pain of their own combat. "The biggest challenge is to remain positive, as you face the fear that the cancer could recur. But we learn to live with it like heart disease or any other disease," said Nilima Samsi, 55, an Indian who was diagnosed with breast cancer six years ago. Having turned the corner, Samsi said her body did not react badly to chemotherapy.
Others have not been as lucky though. Barnes said she developed severe infection after three of six chemotherapies, noting that she survived three weeks in the ICU.
Priyanka Gupta, 48, a Dubai-based Indian who discovered that she had breast cancer in 2003, said her treatment was very traumatic. "Yoga helped me a lot and I recommend it to every patient," said Gupta, who has been part of Breast Friends since its inception.
Northcote, 48, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2007, said, "When your life changes, you have to catch the bull by the horn and run with it. Only then can you deal with the problem."
She said most people think everything is okay when the treatment is over. However, one had to constantly fight against medicinal side-effects like weight gain, depression and anxiety, she said, noting how patients had to be careful in avoiding travel and crowded places during treatment as they could pick up infection.
"Fear takes a tremendous toll on patients. Every check-up is a celebration, when the results are clear," confirmed Dr Latha Bimal, obstetrician and gynaecologist at the private Unicare clinic.
She said those on chemotherapy had cognitive problems lasting six months to a year.
Hair loss and femininity
Hair loss is also a reality many women grapple with as it affects their image, femininity and sexuality. "Research in Australia has shown that 70 per cent of patients have sexual problems after breast cancer," said Dr Bimal.
"The key is to never give up hope," she said, adding that a 32-year-old patient of hers had conceived and delivered a baby after having survived breast cancer.
Breast Friends is a great source of inspiration as older survivors reassure newer patients. Maya Karmani, 40, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, said every time Breast Friends met, there was a sense of rejuvenation. "We have a lot of fun and look at life ahead," she said.
Similarly, Liz Deuten, 54, who has recovered from breast cancer diagnosed in 2006, said she was heartened by the kindness of family, friends and even strangers. She recalled how her husband's colleagues helped raise Dh258,000 by parachute jumping for the cause of breast cancer.
Pink Walkathon
On November 5, survivors and others alike will cover 3.6km as part of the Safe & Sound Pink Walkathon by BurJuman. The event is aimed at raising awareness and funds for breast cancer. To register, visit information counters at BurJuman or before the walk day. The fee is Dh50 for adults and Dh30 for children between 8-12. Children below eight can participate for free.
