Aishath Fizleen, Maldives

Cancer turned my world upside down...
Cancer for me is not a six-letter word but a lifetime of pain and trauma. Watching my mother go through the suffering of cancer was very painful. I am grateful to Allah SWT for the opportunity to care for my beloved mother. After 8 years, I lost my mother to cancer. My world turned upside down without her. I started a family life, resigned from work, and devoted my life to my family. To my shock, I found a mass on my right breast. After many check-ups and tests, I was diagnosed with cancer. Not knowing what was happening till the diagnosis was painful and traumatic. I went abroad for further check-ups and treatment. Surgery and treatment turned out to be a nightmare due to the many complications. Cancer took a negative toll on my personal life. I have cancer but cancer is not in control of me. I realised how loved and blessed I am with the support from my mother's family. Allah SWT blessed me with a beautiful, kind friend who held my hand whenever needed. Losing her to cancer still gives me so much grief. My son is the source of my strength and joy. Although cancer has turned my life upside down, I have found new friends at the Cancer Support Group [CSG]. I keep seeing many positive reasons to go forward and support others in this painfully beautiful journey and life.
- Aishath Fizleen