SRK’s Pardes co-star Mahima Chaudhry came clean about her being diagnosed with breast cancer. She had not talked about it until ace actor Anupam Kher got in touch with her regarding a role in one of his upcoming movies. It was then that she got candid regarding her struggles with her current health condition. Fortunately, she got diagnosed with the condition during its early stage and, hence, it is treatable. At present, she is undergoing chemotherapy.
Mahima shared a video on her Instagram in which she opened her heart about her breast cancer journey so far. She spoke about how her condition got diagnosed. She had no symptoms and had gone for her annual health check-up. It was then that she was advised to undergo certain medical tests, which had a different story to narrate. She can also be heard talking about how she used to wear a wig after losing all her hair and getting inspiration from a little boy.
Despite her breast cancer being diagnosed early on and it being treatable, the doctor’s recommendation for chemotherapy brought her to tears. As do all others who have been diagnosed with cancer somewhere in their body. The side-effects of such a disease is not just restricted to physical challenges. It is as much of a mental trauma as it is a physical upheaval, if not more. The physical pain subsides with treatment, but the mental battle continues even after that. For some, they cope up emotionally on their own, while for others, it stays long after the treatment is over. Each one is different and, therefore, requires their own time to overcome the condition completely, in all aspects of it.
Read: 10 Breast Cancer Myths Busted By An Oncologist
5 Tips To Cope Up With Cancer
1. Don’t Isolate Yourself
The trauma may be too much to bear. It may make you withdraw into your shell. But don’t allow yourself to do that. This is the time when you need your loved ones the most. Don’t wait for people who value you to reach out to you. Instead, you make the first effort to get in touch with them and, if they really value you, they will definitely reciprocate. Against all odds. And make it their priority to stay connected. While self-healing is a thing, special times need special attention from your loved ones.
2. Seek Out Help
Reach out to other cancer patients because they are on the same boat as yours and are likely to relate to your physical, mental and emotional pangs. Join social groups or talk to a therapist…
There is no shame in seeking help. Your loved ones may not be available to you always or may not be able to be physically present with you all the time. They may be professionally employed, have a child or another family member to look after, or have other responsibilities as well. Besides, they might not be in the same city as yours. Reach out to other cancer patients because they are on the same boat as yours and are likely to relate to your physical, mental and emotional pangs. Join social groups or talk to a therapist – people whom you can communicate with at any time of the day or night. Keep a helpline number handy for times when you may feel especially vulnerable.
Read: Breast Cancer Symptoms That Aren’t Lumps, According To An Oncologist
3. Mentally Prepare Yourself For Physical Changes
Prepare yourself mentally to embrace physical changes like hair fall, which may occur as a result of the symptoms of cancer, or as a side-effect or after-effect of its treatment. Preparing yourself mentally is one thing and the changes actually happening is quite another, we understand. But being prepared will make the journey a wee bit easier for you. Decide whether you would like to go for a wig, if hair fall happens, or you would like to flaunt your bald head like a fashionista. The choice is all yours to make. Last but not the least, don’t be harsh on yourself for the way you look. You will remain just as beautiful as you were always.
4. Steer Clear Of Negativity
There are chances that people, random people, would snigger or stare at you for the way you look.
There are chances that people, random people, would snigger or stare at you for the way you look. The bald head, the thinning eyebrows, the weight you put on recently, etc. Arey, uski baal dekho…pura jhad gaya hai! Arey, uski eyebrows kahan gaya? Easier said than done, but give a deaf ear to all these baseless stigmas. Even fake sympathy from relatives is not what you need at the moment. That accounts for nothing short of negativity. And you’re not worth it. Surround yourself with people who exude positivity, people who really care, people whom you connect with. And you will see that positivity rubbing on to you the moment you talk to them. So choose your company well.
5. Live Healthy & Normal
Wake up when you generally wake up, have your hot cuppa and get on with life as usual.
Try leading a normal life, the lead that you usually lead. Wake up when you generally wake up, have your hot cuppa and get on with life as usual. Again, easier said than done, but no harm in trying, right? Take care of your daily diet. Eat healthy and nutritious meals at regular intervals. Your body needs it now more than ever. Also, work on your fitness. You may feel like a sloth bear but ask your doctor how you can keep fit and work around the options accordingly.
The above are just a few tips to get started with the healing process. So #BeALittleMore strong than what you already are and you will do just fine.
Open up like never before and participate in conversations about beauty, entrepreneurship, mental health, menstrual & sexual health, and more. Desi women, join our community NOW!
