The news about my having cancer Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) came as a mental shock when the doctors informed me. It all I had planned, all I was fighting, was ashes. The cancer seemed like a death sentence that was looming over me. Why keep going if this was how it would all end?
I fell into a deep confusion. My life felt empty and useless. This wasn’t just the shock of the disease; it was the reality of living with it. I was taking up to 15 medicines every single day. The side effects were crushing.
I attempted to sleep using powerful sleeping pills so that I could have a few hours of sleep but that also came with its ugly problems. I was always in pain all over. I was taking 4 pills of Imatinib per day and its side effects were terrible, up-set stomach, awful nausea, blurred vision, and some kind of mental pressure that made me unable to think logically. In the initial stages, the pain in my body was 24/7.
It was a nightmare I was experiencing, and I believed, indeed, that my life was at its end.
But had I gone so far, I should have lost the best lessons life can give.
The Body Listens to the Mind
After months of pain and sickness, something shifted. My body slowly began to get used to the medicines and the pain. I started to see better days. When I perceived myself breathing and still alive, I was struck with a fresh idea that, in case my day was really come, things would be worse. I could not have been here so long and not have more to do.
This new attitude turned out to be my greatest medicine.
I also understood that, despite the fact that cancer is awful it makes one think it is nothing more than total rubbish, which a strong will can handle. You have nothing but yourself to live on. I was now ready to live and endure the pain rather than battling it or using pills to suppress it. The very pain started to fade away day after day.
You may believe that you must be born special to deal with this, but I learned a simple truth: that only when you are living and struggling with a chronic illness that you are stronger than you think. We are capable of this, and we will succeed in the struggle of good life.
Building Confidence: You Are Stronger Than Cancer
In the most difficult stages of my CML treatment, I came to know that the real strength is not held by your body it is held in your mind. As long as you are breathing you have something to do. You are not a victim, you are a survivor. This faith will be your best defense against chronic disease.
Here is how I learned to take back control from CML:
1. Face the Pain, Don’t Fear It For months, I was in pain 24/7. I immediately panicked and grabbed more painkillers that were strong. But I had observed that the dread of the pain increased the pain. I stopped being afraid. I began to embrace the sufferings as part of the process. I stared at the agony, accepted it and resumed life. Amusingly, the very pain got less and less every day, it was pain, but I did not take pills any more. You have to learn to quit being afraid of the problem. The only one you need to survive CML is yourself.
2. Adopt a CML-Friendly Lifestyle I was aware that I needed a transformation in my lifestyle. This involved knowing my CML and its constraints. I also learned to cope with my condition by making changes in my everyday regimen. It is not giving up; it is not being stupid. As an illustration, there were episodes when I could not walk long distances and, thus, I structured my day in such a way that I did not think of pain. The first step to living your life to accommodate your new lifestyle is the key to long-term health and success.
3. Choose Positive Thoughts Close relationship exists between your thoughts and your body. When you think in a negative way, your body will do the same. But here, you have a choice. You can choose to be positive. Positive thoughts will result in positive actions, and such change in your mentality and body will assist you in combating the disease. Even your immunity can be boosted by the help of positive thoughts. It is only us who are in charge of our well-being. We have to start today. Also keep in mind that we CML patients are already stronger individuals, just by the virtue of the fact that we are living and surviving with this disease. It is something we can take and it is something we are going to conquer to have a good life.
Focus Forward: Your Purpose is Your Power
When life hands you a massive challenge like CML, it’s easy to stop and feel sorry for yourself. But that is the one thing you cannot afford to do. You must shift your focus from the pain to the purpose. This purpose is the fuel that gets you through the hardest days.
If you are breathing, you have a reason to fight. Do not waste your energy looking back or trying to explain your struggles to everyone. Instead, spend your time on things that build you up:
1. Create Your Own Space. Find inner peace by being comfortable on your own. Lone vibes are the best vibes because they give you the freedom to focus on what matters to you. When you get used to hanging out alone, you are free from the pressure of others. This freedom is worth everything.
2. Guard Your Energy. Be selective about who you share your problems with. The sad truth is, most people do not truly care; they only care about how you affect their life. Save your energy. Speak only when you need to. When you talk less, you earn respect, and people will focus on your strength, not your struggles.
3. Move and Grow. Lying around and doing nothing will make you a burden to yourself. Get up every day, no matter what. As long as you can walk and cope with the problems, try to be consistent. Whether it is reading a book, learning a new skill, or working on your career, keep moving forward. Your consistency is what defines you, not your illness.
Remember, you are stronger than most people because you are surviving this. Do not betray yourself for nothing. Keep your focus sharp, your movements consistent, and your purpose clear. Beating the Odds: My Life With Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Final Thoughts: The Choice You Make
Cancer is terrible, no doubt. It has an impact on all aspects of your life. We have a choice:
- We will be able to spend time lying around, being lazy and to waste our time and life.
- We are able to wake up, work well, and keep our minds occupied, and assist our community.
I am fond of assisting people and apply my knowledge to address their needs. In case you have your free time, you better not waste it. Read a book, learn something or pursue a hobby. Action or inaction renders you the enemy of yourself rather than of cancer. Follow me on LinkedIn for more updates.
My weight was 55 kilograms back in 2021. Today, I am 74 kilograms. I keep myself busy with work. During free time, I play video games and spend time on my own business and I like my free time alone. Life is good now. Alhamdulillah.