'I would not have made it without my family's support'

Abu Dhabi: "I thought I was going to die, because cancer meant death to me," said Shareefa, an Emirati breast cancer survivor.

"Now I know that, God willing, if you are strong enough and have the support of your loved ones, nothing can fail you," Shareefa told Gulf News in an exclusive interview yesterday.

Shareefa's battle against the deadly disease gained global spotlight after US First Lady Laura Bush singled out her for praise during her visit to Abu Dhabi on Monday. Bush described Shareefa's story an inspiration to all women.

Malaysian-born Shareefa, 47 was happily married with six children - four daughters and two sons.

Disbelief

Shareefa's happy world crumbled on the new year's eve of 2003 when she first noticed a lump on one of her breasts. The doctor who checked her referred to Shaikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC). A biopsy was done.

Her husband then received a call from the hospital asking him to accompany her to the hospital the next day.

At this point, Shareefa had no apprehensions, but her husband was worried.

"When the doctor told me about the disease ... I cried aloud and told him that he was wrong. I insisted that he test me again," she said.

She was told that she needed an urgent surgery. Her family had no history of breast cancer.

"Again, I was sceptical. I said I wanted to consult my daughters. My husband interfered and he said 'I'm your husband and I want you to get this surgery done'. My husband has been the most supportive person for me," she said unable to hold back her tears.

Within four days, the surgery was done and for the next two weeks she underwent treatment. "I was then visited by Oncologist Dr Tariq. He consoled me and reassured me that I would get the best care."

Shareefa said her most difficult situation was that after the second chemotherapy she woke up to find her hair gone.

"There were just a few strands left here and there. Then my husband and my sons shaved their heads in solidarity, though I told them not to." She had to take six cycles of chemotherapy over six months.

"I lost everything during the chemo ... I could take no water, no food. I lost 14kgs ... I missed my family and ended up in bed vomiting all the time, she said.

"I realised that they won't leave me alone during my struggle and that they would stand by me. They did ... I would ask my husband after the chemo if he still loved me and he used to reply that you are the mother of my children and no matter what I would be beside you."

This reassurance, love and support of her family, helped Shareefa emerge a winner in her struggle against breast cancer.

Today she is one of the most active members of the Breast Cancer support group run by SKMC.

"I feel good now but when I think of the journey of suffering I feel like crying. But I'm a much stronger woman today".

Pink Majlis to discuss breast cancer issues

The Pink Majlis is a programme organised by the breast cancer support group, at the Shaikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) in Abu Dhabi to mark breast cancer awareness month. The majlis acts as a place for women to discuss issues related to breast cancer.

Dr Trish Snozyk, Family Physician at the SKMC who is also the facilitator of the Breast Cancer support group says, "she is one of the most enthusiastic advocates of breast cancer awareness. Patients speak to each other and to survivors which helps them to demystify the disease and help them cope with the stress."