Our Journey Through Cancer and Beyond
Cancer awareness talk
Ladies Tea & Chat 13/11/24
Led by Firzana Ahmed and Safeena Khan
Firzana’s Journey
Firzana, a police officer, was living her regular life until she decided to perform a routine self-check in the shower, discovering a small lump. Panicked, she immediately sought medical advice. Following a series of tests, including a biopsy and mammogram, her consultant informed her of a stage 3 breast cancer diagnosis.
Her initial fears revolved around her family and children, but her medical team reassured her with a treatment plan. Surgery came first, requiring two operations to fully remove the tumour. This was followed by six chemotherapy sessions and 20 rounds of radiotherapy. Firzana described chemotherapy as physically and emotionally draining but recognized it as essential to her fight against cancer.
Breaking the news to her children was especially challenging, explaining that "mummy would get sick before getting better" and preparing them for visible changes like hair loss. Despite their struggles, the experience strengthened her family bonds.
Firzana emphasized the critical role of early detection, urging others to perform regular self-checks, especially one week after their period. She shared how her faith, community support, and the NHS's compassionate care helped her navigate the journey.
Her message was clear: "Cancer is a lottery nobody wants to win, but early detection can make all the difference." Firzana is committed to raising awareness and encouraging conversations about cancer, especially in her community.
Safeena’s Journey
Safeena's cancer journey began during the COVID-19 lockdown. She initially noticed a lump in her throat but dismissed it as insignificant despite experiencing occasional food getting stuck and mild indigestion. After three endoscopies and multiple rounds of antibiotics, her symptoms persisted.
It wasn’t until she spotted an unusual contour on her neck while brushing her teeth that she decided to take it seriously. Following her GP’s urgent referral, a hospital scan confirmed a stage 3 throat tumour. Having cared for her parents during their battles with cancer, Safeena had an inkling of what lay ahead but still felt unprepared.
The lockdown exacerbated the challenges, isolating her from loved ones and delaying surgery. She was forced to confront her fears alone, unable to have her husband or family by her side during crucial appointments. Her diagnosis forced her to reevaluate priorities, including pausing plans to open a flower shop she had poured her heart into.
The path to recovery was tumultuous: delays in surgery, losing her voice post-operation, and a recurrence of cancer. Her faith, which wavered initially, deepened through these trials. A transformative experience during Umrah—a pilgrimage her husband insisted on—helped her regain strength and acceptance.
Despite the repeated setbacks and another surgery, Safeena’s resolve only grew stronger. Her journey reshaped her perspective on life, detaching her from material things and focusing on faith, family, and resilience. By 2023, she fulfilled her dream of opening her shop, a testament to her determination.
Shared Lessons from Firzana and Safeena
Both women emphasized the importance of:
- Early detection: Regular self-checks and paying attention to subtle symptoms can save lives.
- Faith and community: Their spiritual beliefs and the support of loved ones carried them through dark times.
- Talking about cancer: Breaking the silence around cancer, especially in close-knit communities, can encourage early action and provide support for those affected.
Their journeys inspire hope and a call to action, prioritize health, lean on your community, and approach life with gratitude and resilience.
The attendees of the talk thought it was inspirational and captivating.
