My Village
When I got diagnosed, one of the things I had to do was inform my company. Honestly, I was scared of how they would react but I knew I had to, especially with treatment coming up and needing time away.
Alhamdulillah, they’ve been nothing but supportive. They allowed me to work from home from the day I was diagnosed until I start treatment, before I go on hospitalisation leave. My team kept telling me not to worry about work, that they’ve got it covered.
And it made me realise, I’m really not alone in this.
My husband, even though I know he’s worried, stays strong for me every day. His boss has been so understanding, giving him time whenever he needs to be with me. My kids are arranging their schedules to send me for treatment. My best friends keep checking in, sending love, and offering to come along.
My mum and siblings buys nutritious food for me. My helper takes such good care of me, preparing meals and will be accompanying me for most of my treatments. Her occasional cries, telling me to be strong and always nagging at me to stop doing any house chores gives me comfort.
It’s not an easy journey, but I feel so blessed. I will be starting my treatment tomorrow and I would be lying if I say I'm not scared. I am, but for them I will keep going.
This is my village. My strength. My people 🤍
When facing a serious health challenge like cancer, the emotional and practical support from one’s network—what I lovingly call my "village"—can make all the difference. From my personal experience, open communication with my employer eased many anxieties. They embraced a flexible approach, allowing me to work from home until treatment began, and then offering hospitalization leave. This kind of understanding workplace support is invaluable and often under-discussed in public conversations about illness. Moreover, having a supportive spouse who remains strong despite his own worries provides a steady pillar that I lean on daily. His employer’s flexibility to accommodate his needs to be by my side was another blessing I deeply appreciate. It’s a reminder of how compassion within professional environments benefits everyone. At home, my children’s efforts to adjust their schedules to accompany me exemplify the small sacrifices family members make that uplift spirits. My friends’ frequent check-ins and offers to attend appointments with me also highlight the importance of having a social circle that acknowledges and shares the emotional load. Nutrition plays a crucial role in strength and healing during cancer treatment. My mum and siblings actively contribute by preparing nourishing meals, ensuring I maintain my health as best as possible. Additionally, my helper’s care—accompanying me to treatment sessions and managing household tasks—relieves physical burdens and provides emotional comfort, even when she expresses her own fears. It’s not just about physical help; the emotional uplift from this village instills hope and courage. Feeling surrounded by love and care can counterbalance the fears and uncertainties of treatment days. I’ve learned that admitting fear while simultaneously choosing to persevere is a powerful act of bravery. For anyone else navigating a similar journey, I encourage you to embrace your support system fully. Don’t hesitate to communicate your needs to your workplace, accept help readily, and share your feelings honestly. Strength truly is found in community—the quiet strength of those who stand with you makes the path less daunting. This collective resilience forms the backbone of what I call my village, where every act of kindness and every moment of understanding becomes a lifeline.