Facing the Diagnosis
Like many cancer survivors, Sabrina’s mental health journey began with a haunting, unanswerable question:
“Why me?”
In November 2021, Sabrina Loi, 29 years old and newly married, was diagnosed with stage 4A uterine cancer. Life, as she knew it, changed overnight. The diagnosis was a crushing blow, especially as she and her husband were just starting to think about building a family.
“When I received the news, I was shocked for sure,” Sabrina recalls. “I didn’t cry initially when she broke the news. I was just, okay, so now what? Right, so what should I be doing?”
The shock quickly turned into a whirlwind of questions. “The first thing that came into my mind was actually… I can’t bear kids. That’s in a nutshell,” Sabrina says, the reality of her condition hitting hard.
The Emotional Rollercoaster of a Cancer Survivor
For Sabrina, the initial shock of her diagnosis was only the beginning. The emotional toll grew heavier as she confronted the reality of aggressive treatment.
“I did ask why me. I did feel the disappointment, the helplessness, the sadness,” she recalls, reflecting on the overwhelming feelings that followed.
Within days of her diagnosis, Sabrina underwent two major surgeries, followed by months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. “It felt like the luxury of time wasn’t with me,” she explains, as the need for quick action left little room to process her emotions.
Beyond the physical strain, the journey was emotionally exhausting. As she faced mounting medical bills and the gruelling side effects of treatment, Sabrina found herself questioning how she could cope with it all.
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Support Through Counselling and the Search for Strength
During the most difficult moments of her cancer journey, Sabrina turned to counselling services provided by 365 Cancer Prevention Society. Here, she found a crucial outlet for her emotions.
“The counselling services really helped me to be more open about my feelings,” Sabrina shares. “Sometimes I couldn’t talk to my family about certain things, as I felt they were already going through a lot just taking care of me.”
Sarah, a counsellor from 365CPS, explains the importance of emotional support for cancer patients. “Counselling plays an important role in the journey of a cancer fighter by providing emotional support at every stage of the cancer journey, from diagnosis through treatment and beyond,” she says.
“The goal is to walk alongside them, ensuring they feel supported and understood throughout this challenging journey.”
For Sabrina, the counselling sessions became a key part of her emotional recovery. “It’s a black hole when you start asking, ‘Why me?’” Sabrina reflects. “But having someone to guide me through those emotions was essential. I knew I needed to be mentally strong.”
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Rebuilding Life After Treatment
After months of surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, Sabrina’s cancer journey took a new turn as she completed her treatments. While the treatments had ended, the emotional and mental challenges remained.
“I was trying to regain a sense of purpose after being out of the world for almost nine months,” Sabrina shares, reflecting on her return to daily life.
Sabrina’s experience highlights a common struggle for cancer survivors: adjusting to life after treatment while dealing with the fear of recurrence. Counsellors like Sarah have seen this many times. “Completion of treatment can bring relief, but it also comes with uncertainty about the future,” Sarah explains. “Patients might feel hopeful yet anxious about potential recurrence and adjusting to life after treatment.”
Supporting a Cancer Survivor
Sarah, who works closely with cancer survivors, shares that family and friends often want to help but may struggle to know the best way to provide support. “Listening with empathy and understanding is paramount,” she says.
“Often, survivors just need to be heard and validated rather than receiving immediate advice.”
She suggests three key ways to offer support:
- Offer your presence: Sometimes, simply being there is the most helpful thing. Phrases like “I’m here for you” or “How are you feeling today?” show care without pressuring them for solutions.
- Avoid assumptions: Reassuring statements like “Everything will be fine” or “I know exactly how you feel” can be unhelpful. Every person’s experience is unique, and it’s important not to minimise their pain by comparing it to others.
- Provide practical help: Offering specific help, such as driving them to appointments or assisting with daily tasks, can ease some burdens they may be facing.
Moving Forward with Hope
As Sabrina nears the end of her third year post-treatment, she reflects on the shifts in her mindset. While her body has recovered from the physical effects of cancer, the emotional and mental scars take longer to heal.
“I used to be very career-minded,” Sabrina says. “But after the diagnosis, I had a mind shift. Now, I focus on being good to myself and appreciating the people who were with me through it all.”
For many cancer survivors, reaching remission can be bittersweet. Although they have beaten the disease, the fear of recurrence lingers, and life may feel different. “Five years is the high-risk period,” Sabrina shares, noting the importance of regular follow-ups. “After that, I hope to move on fully, but the fear will always be there.”
This is where ongoing mental health support plays a crucial role. Sarah emphasises, “Cancer patients may experience a range of emotions that fluctuates during the journey,” highlighting the importance of addressing those feelings.
For survivors like Sabrina, having a support system—whether through counselling, family, or friends—helps navigate the ongoing uncertainties and emotional challenges.
To both cancer survivors and their families, 365 Cancer Prevention Society offers vital resources for caregivers, providing support and guidance throughout the recovery journey.
This story was made possible by 365 Cancer Prevention Society
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