What I learnt from Cancer Patients in Remission!

As you may (or may not) be aware I work in the Pharma industry, specifically in clinical research.

 

I had hoped to become a Physician but I didn’t quite make the grades. Anyhow, I strongly believe my steps were ordered into this field, as I still get to make a difference in the lives of many patients – something I’m very passionate about.

 

Some months ago, we had some patients share their experience of coping with the diagnosis of cancer… the journey from discovery of signs and symptoms to diagnosis, from starting treatment (gruesome in some cases) to going into remission.

 

Listening to their stories, I couldn’t help drawing parallels between their journey and that of dealing with grief:

 

1. The initial shock, the feeling of numbness and accepting (or denying) what is really happening.
2. The love, support and care you get in those early stages and how you are then left to just deal with your loss – the emotional roller-coaster.
3. Finally accepting your ‘lot‘ in life and trying to come to terms with this. We all cope differently, some wanting to just carry on with life like nothing had changed, almost kind of living in denial and others joining patient support groups so they can share their experience with others.

 

2 major things struck a chord with me as they shared their experiences;

1. They were all so passionate about wanting to help others who are on a similar path. They are keen to make life easier in their own way for the next cancer patient. The truth is no one can relate more to your experience than someone who has walked in the same or similar shoes.
2. A number of them had this experience of ‘crash and burn’.  They had not fully come to terms with what had happened, and were more or less on auto-pilot until they eventually crashed when all the support around suddenly stopped or diminished.

 

You may wonder why I’m sharing this with you!

 

Well, my parents did not die of cancer, however I am convinced more than ever the impact we can have on others by sharing our stories of hope and resilience.

 

I am convinced that we need to support those grieving in our communities not just in the immediate weeks or months after their loss but for as long as they require support.

 

And that is why I have set-up Letters of Hope, not only to encourage those who are grieving, but to help those in their circles support them better.

 

If you need help/guidance as a bereaved person or as a caring individual wanting to support your loved ones – please send an email to hello@lettersofhope.org.uk

 

If you’d like to share your own Story of Hope, then I’d love to hear from you too, please send an email to hello@lettersofhope.org.uk and you’ll get a response within 48hrs.

 

#BeEncouraged,

Ope