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There’s no question that being told you have cancer is one of the most devastating things that can happen to you. And it’s becoming an increasingly common affliction,

with more people being diagnosed with it in recent years. But cancer is no longer necessarily a death sentence. With earlier detection, and more treatment options

available, survival rates have also gone up.That’s why we’ve put together this booklet – to help you live your best life while battling cancer. We got the experts to tell you how you can still have a social life (it could help you more than you realise), what to eat to feel good, and – if you’re

young and living with cancer – the issues you need to think about and take care of.We also spoke to two inspiring women – one of whom was just 28 when she was

diagnosed with breast cancer – who fought back and made sure the disease didn’t get them down. And for those supporting loved ones with cancer, we asked patients

and survivors to share what they really need to hear.We hope this booklet goes some way in helping you through a difficult time.

Living with the Big C is published by SPH Magazines Pte Ltd.All rights reserved 2017. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by

any means without the written permission of the publisher.

Presenter

Coming Out with CancerHow to mentally prep for

the moment you tell someone: “ I have cancer.”

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7Courage Under FireTwo inspiring women share how they didn’t let cancer

get them down.

Eat Right, Feel GoodThe side effects of cancer

treatment can kill your appetite. Here’s how you can still eat well.

1010 Things You

Can Say to Someone with Cancer

Patients and survivors tell you what they really want to hear.

16Staying Connected

Having a social life can be a big help when you have cancer. Here’s

how to make it happen.

A Balancing Act What your boss needs to know when you have to juggle work

and treatment.

Contents

Young and Living with the Big C

What you need to take care of if it happens to you.

Editorial tEamExecutive Editor Penelope Chan Features & Lifestyle Editor Kimberly Spykerman

Writers Clara How, Hoe I Yune, Davelle Lee, Sasha Gonzales Sub-editor Adele OngContributing Designer & Illustrator Leyna Poh

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What you choose to share and with whom isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. If you feel comfortable with a person and there is a degree of mutual trust, you’re likely to speak more freely and share more details about what you’re going through.

Whether you choose to share the news of your illness with only family members, or include friends and colleagues, that decision is entirely yours. Your health is extremely

personal, and you’re under no obligation to talk about it with anyone.

But inevitably, word might get out, and that could mean questions from concerned relatives or friends about why they weren’t told. Don’t feel guilty or obliged to explain who you’ve decided to share the news with, says Dominica. “It’s a personal decision that should be treated with respect.”

C o m i n g O u t w i t h

C a n c e rIt’s never easy to tell your

loved ones that you’re sick. Dominica Chua, counsellor at Parkway Cancer Centre, tells you how to mentally

prep for the moment you tell someone: “I have cancer”.

B y C L A R A H O W

B r e a k i n g t h e n e W s

How close am I to the person and how much do I need to tell them? #1

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Everyone reacts to news of their diagnosis differently. Some may

choose to let it sink in before disclosing it to anyone else,

whereas others choose to call a loved one immediately. There’s no right answer. Only you will know when you’re ready. It’s not easy, but gathering your thoughts and

emotions first will help – you won’t be able to control how the other person reacts once you tell them. And it helps if you’re already in

control of the situation.

#3

Not everyone handles bad news well (especially if it is sudden) – some might crumble, or worse,

make insensitive comments. If you suspect the person’s

response is going to distress you, prepare yourself for it.

Play out different scenarios and rehearse the conversation in

your mind before you break the news, says Dominica.

But you might just want to tell someone who is calmer and more rational first. Once they know, have them sit with you

for additional support when you come out about the cancer to someone else who might have a stronger emotional reaction.

What’s the best way to break it to them?

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How much information can that

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this is especially important with young children, where the approach is understandably more delicate. “Breaking the news to children may require more than just talk – you can explore methods such as storytelling, or show-and-tell,” advises Dominica. But while delivering the news might be difficult, it may be a chance to put a positive spin on the situation, as “this could be an opportunity to educate children about empathy and compassion”.

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E a t i n g W E l l

E a t R i g h t ,F e e l G o o d

Your immune system can take a hit when you undergochemotherapy and radiotherapy. And eating can be tough

with side effects like mouth ulcers, appetite loss and nausea. Gerard Wong, senior dietitian at Parkway Cancer Centre,

tells you how you can still eat well. B y D a v e l l e l e e

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Have small, frequent mealsIf your appetite is poor, getting in three full meals can be tough. So go for many meals throughout the day, all in smaller portions. If you find it tough to chew and swallow, try minced food or stews – which often go down easier. You can also snack between meals – go for higher-calorie options like Milo made with milk or fortified milk alternatives.

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You should snack – but do it rightPrunes, sultanas, figs and dates are a tasty treat, and give you a much-needed energy boost without adding a lot of bulk to your meals. Grab some fresh kiwi fruit, blueberries and strawberries too – they’re high in vitamin C and natural antioxidants that fight the cell-damaging free radicals in your body. They’re also full of fibre and help improve digestion.

Avoid salty foodsSalt in general, and salt-preserved foods such as salted fish, cured meat and salted vegetables are a big no. research has shown that a diet containing too much salt can damage the stomach lining, which might increase the risk of developing gastric cancer.

Variety is key Eat lots of fruits and vegetables – they boast a range of vitamins, minerals and fibre which are vital to your body’s daily functions.

Eat good proteinProtein is needed for muscle repair. Get enough wholesome, good-quality protein – like fish, chicken and lean meat. Red meat, too, is a great source of protein and iron, as long as you eat no more than 500g a week. More than that, and your cancer risk increases. also, skip high-sodium, processed options like chicken nuggets, fish cakes and luncheon meat. They can contain nitrates and nitrites, which are linked with cancer.

Cancer takes a lot out of you, so looking good can help you feel better. For example, don’t

skip your regular skincare routine – it’ll make your skin look healthier, says Pamela Hoeden,

who runs beauty support programme Look Good Feel Better – a collaborative effort

between Parkway Cancer Centre and the Singapore Cancer

Society – that helps patients pick up techniques to look their best,

even when treatment gets them down.

From the outside in

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Use healthy oilsYour body needs fats to transport fat-soluble vitamins. Plus, fats are high in calories, so if you don’t have a good appetite, it’s great to add some healthy sources of it, such as avocado, nuts and seeds, to your diet. Go for unsaturated cooking oils like olive oil, sunflower oil and rice bran oil. They’re better for you.

Don’t leave out the carbsThere’s the myth that “sugar feeds cancer”. The truth is, you still need starchy foods to give you daily energy, so don’t avoid all carbohydrates. Cut down on sugary drinks, but make sure you have balanced meals that include staples like rice and pasta.

Find your outletEven as you watch what you eat, it’s equally important to keep an eye on your emotional health and find ways to feel good. Dr Tan Wu Meng, a medical oncologist at Parkway Cancer Centre, says that activities which promote this can help you cope better with the stress of cancer treatment, as well as your rehabilitation.

One option is the Adjusting To Changes programme run by CanHOPE, a non-profit cancer counselling and support service provided by Parkway Cancer Centre. It helps patients understand and cope with the physical and psycho-emotional changes of cancer treatment. CanHOPE also organises support groups for patients who have similar interests and experiences to connect with one another.

But for individuals with

specific needs, counselling might be a more suitable option, says Dominica Chua, counsellor at Parkway Cancer Centre. The counsellor journeys with patients and their loved ones through the process of treatment, tough decisions or the prospect of palliative care. And if you just can’t find the words, art therapy is a good outlet. Paula Rusly, senior counsellor at Parkway Cancer Centre, says it provides a safe space for both patients and caregivers to cope with grief, fear, anxiety and depression. Plus, it has the added benefit of helping cancer patients regain motor dexterity, especially those whose strength has been depleted by treatment. CanHOPE also offers yoga and line dancing for those who want more pep as a pick-me-up.

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Cancer is a devastating diagnosis, but with love, support and

patience from loved ones, as well as self-care, cancer sufferers can

still lead fulfilling and happy lives. Breast cancer survivors Branda Lai and Lui Yen Yuin are living proof.

B y S a S h a G o n z a l e S

C o u r a g e U n d e r F i r e

L i v i n g w i t h c a n c e r

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“Three years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer – I was 28 years old. This surprised even my doctor, because the risks of getting breast cancer at that age were low.

At first, I refused to accept what was happening to me. I blamed myself for not taking better care – I thought I hadn’t eaten right, exercised, or got enough rest, so now I had to pay for it. I was also afraid of what lay ahead for me.

The treatment was an ordeal, to say the least. I underwent four cycles of chemotherapy, 33 sessions of radiation therapy, and had a lumpectomy with the removal of 10 sentinel lymph nodes. I’m still on Tamoxifen – a drug that reduces the recurrence of breast cancer – and will be for the next five years. The most painful and difficult treatment was, of course, the

“I focused on the blessings in my life” chemotherapy. Body aches,

nausea, fatigue, hair loss, and weight gain – all these were par for the course. The drastic change in my appearance was hard to deal with, but I convinced myself that the chemotherapy was worth it, because it would shrink the tumour, and I wouldn’t have to undergo a mastectomy.

Unconditional loveHaving the support of my family and my boyfriend (who is now my husband) kept me emotionally strong. Even though I was constantly angry and irritated, and took my frustrations out on my boyfriend, he didn’t leave my side, and even proposed while I was undergoing treatment. Just knowing he wasn’t going anywhere made me want to keep pushing through those feelings of helplessness and defeat. And I had tremendous support from my parents, who came back to Singapore (they live in Hong Kong) to be with me and help take care of me.

Support also came in the form

of other breast cancer survivors. I joined the Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF), which gave me a chance to do some physical activity – like zumba, yoga, pilates and dragon boating. That really helped me get back on my feet. When I’m with them, I don’t have to explain my situation or how I’m feeling – they just get it.

Cancer gave me back my healthCancer forced me to assess my life, and motivated me to get my health back. I changed my diet to include more organic fruit and veggies, began exercising more, and got enough sleep. I also vowed to be less stressed.

Although I’m in remission now, I’m still dealing with the aftermath. There’s always the chance it will come back. I have to live with that.

But life after cancer is a daily reminder to live each day to the full, and to not take anything for granted. It also reminds me that I can stay positive and strong no matter what crosses my path.”

Branda Lai, 31, LegaL recruitment consuLtant

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My family rallied around me too. My mum was working, but still prepared wholesome meals for me every day. My sister got me to move into her home so she could care for me, while my brother cared for my kids so I could focus on getting better. My husband, too, kept telling me how beautiful and desirable I was, because he knew that losing my breast had affected my self-esteem.

Speaking to other cancer survivors gave me hope and encouraged me to stay positive. Through them, I learnt how to live my life after my diagnosis.

You gotta have faithWhat especially helped with my emotional healing was my faith. I was buoyed by the knowledge that my church friends were praying for me. On many occasions while I was undergoing chemotherapy, I found that listening to sermons or praying would give me a sense of comfort.

I also made it a point to focus on living well rather than dwell on the ‘mistakes’ I had made before my diagnosis. That really helped the healing process. Life is unpredictable, so it’s important to just roll with whatever happens and learn from your experiences – even the negative ones. I feel so much stronger now, like I can take on anything, and my future looks bright.”

“I kept the faith and relied on support from loved ones”

Lui Yen Yuin, 45,

propertY agent

“I was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2013, at the age of 41. My thoughts turned to my husband, three young sons and other family members. Who would take care of them if I wasn’t around? I didn’t want them to see me suffer, or have to imagine a world without me.

My doctor immediately scheduled surgery to remove the lump in my left breast. But in the end, I had to have a mastectomy, followed by reconstructive surgery. My husband, who was working overseas at the time, returned to Singapore to help me through this difficult time. After the operation, I still had to endure four rounds of chemotherapy. By December 2013, I was done with my treatment, and am now on a five-year course of oral chemotherapy.

A strong support networkThe months that followed my surgery were the worst. Chemotherapy took a lot out of me. I was in pain, and felt weak and nauseous all the time. I was also depressed and irritable.

What got me through this difficult period was my network of friends. As busy as they were, they accompanied me to my medical appointments. I really hated going for check-ups, so having them around really helped. They would also take me out for coffee, a meal, or just for a walk. Their support made an emotionally stressful period more bearable.

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T h i n g s Y o u C a n S a y t o S o m e o n e W h o H a s C a n c e r

It can be tough to find the right words when a loved one or friend has the dreaded disease. Patients and survivors

tell you what they really need to hear. B y D A V E L L E L E E

“Husbands, family members and friends

– basically anyone who’s taking care of the cancer patient – should get involved in cancer

support groups. It helps for everyone to come

together and share their experiences, so you

understand the patient’s struggle better. It also

makes it easier for patients to open up to you.”

I’ll make you laugh.“When my hair started

falling out because of the chemotherapy, I decided to shave my head. My sister-

in-law took leave from work and offered to accompany

me to get it done. Afterwards, she came with me to try on wigs, and the whole time, I was howling with laughter. I am really glad that she was there

with me because she made the whole experience so much less devastating.”

It is what it is.“I have cancer – it’s a

fact. I’d like for people to talk about it as such, without all the doom

and gloom associated with it. You don’t have to say things like, ‘I feel so

guilty complaining about my minor problems next to yours’ or try to tiptoe

around my feelings. Cancer isn’t a ‘problem’,

it’s an illness. Treat me the same as you would if I had

the flu.”

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I’ll go with you.

Esther Huang de Silva, 731 2 3Anne Ang, 45

Lara Zalena Kamal, 26

W e n e e d t o t a l k

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You are brave.“Be encouraging, even if you don’t completely understand what the

patient is facing. I like it when people tell me I’m brave, and congratulate

me on how far I’ve come – especially when I’m going through my treatment, because it’s a hard fight. I want to be reminded that I am

strong enough to do it.”

“Children who have cancer may be too

young to understand what’s happening to their bodies, and they can get upset because they don’t get to do what other kids

do, like going outside to play. So always put a positive spin on things.

When my son had a central venous catheter inserted into his chest

to deliver chemotherapy drugs into his body, I

told him how special he was because no one else

around him had it.”

I won’t take your anger to heart.

“Be patient and empathetic. Cancer treatment can affect

a person’s mood, and exhaust them physically and emotionally. If you

find that your friend snaps at you or isn’t as friendly and warm as she usually

is, please don’t take it personally.”

I’ll treat you the same.

“Yes, cancer can ravage the body and leave us

weakened and depressed. But we’re still fundamentally the same people. Treat us as you would have before

we got sick – especially with kindness and humour.”

I won’t pretend to understand.

“Patients don’t always expect you to be able to understand what they are going through.

Just tell them that you are there for them if they need you.”

I’ll take care of the small stuff.“Don’t ask me to make

decisions about what I’d like to eat. While I was undergoing treatment,

I’d usually be too tired to think about those things.

My mother came over and prepared all my meals

for me. It was a big relief because she knew exactly

what I like to eat, and what I could and

couldn’t eat.”

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You are special.

Celine Ho, 38

Izaskun Yecora

Pagazaurtundua, 28

Cheah Yin Mee, 63

Tricia Pang, 42

Jenny Khoo, 55

I’ll listen more and talk less.

“Don’t tell me what I should or shouldn’t do. I’ve heard it all before – supplements,

traditional Chinese medicine and even fruit diets that

supposedly fight cancer – you’re just reminding me

of the cancer. I need moral support, not medical advice.

A listening ear can be a greater comfort.”

10 Eileen Tan, 49

Chue Mei Chew, 62

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y o u n g a g e

It can be devastating to get cancer at a younger age, but life doesn’t have to come to a standstill. HOE I YUNE finds

out what you need to take care of if it happens to you.

Y o u n g a n d L i v i n g w i t h

t h e B i g C

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Preserve your fertilityCancer affects your fertility in two ways. Chemotherapy to treat the disease can affect the ovaries, killing the follicles that produce eggs, or even speeding up menopause, says Dr Khoo Kei Siong, Parkway Cancer Centre’s deputy medical director and senior consultant of oncology. “Cancer can also affect your fertility if you have an ovarian germ cell tumour, and treatment requires you to remove an ovary, which will halve your chances [of conceiving].”

So if you’re planning on having children, you could freeze a piece of your ovarian tissue, to be transplanted back after you complete your treatment. Or if you have four to eight weeks before the start of treatment, you could freeze your eggs, says Dr Khoo. If you’re married, you could even get the eggs fertilised, so that the embryo can be implanted in your womb when you’re ready. So far, this method is known to work best.

However, freezing your eggs is not recommended if you have a hormone-sensitive cancer – as 50 to 60 per cent of breast cancers are. That’s because stimulating the ovaries in order to collect more eggs could potentially trigger the cancer to grow faster.

The cheaper and quicker alternative is to go on medication to put your ovaries into hibernation. “It converts the person from a premenopausal to postmenopausal state,” explains Dr Khoo. Because chemotherapy mainly affects actively dividing cells, your ovaries are less likely to feel the impact of its devastating effects.

#1

#2Talk to your partner about your fearsIf you have breast cancer and need a mastectomy, don’t simply assume your partner won’t find you attractive anymore. Share your concerns honestly and openly with him, says Dr Khoo.

“Young women with breast cancer might go for breast-conserving surgery where possible, but some tumours are too large, or other characteristics make them unsuitable for it,” says Dr Khoo. The change in appearance could affect a patient’s self-esteem. Whether to go through a reconstruction is also a difficult and painful decision. So open communication with your partner is a must.

If you’re pregnant and have cancer

This is one of the toughest decisions to make: choosing between mother and child.

Dr Khoo says: “As a rule, if it’s early on in the pregnancy, we’d encourage termination because the treatment is a long process, and

you may run out of treatment options [if you decide to continue with the pregnancy].”

By that, he means that many treatment options like radiation, hormonal therapy and

chemotherapy are unsuitable because they would adversely affect the unborn child.

However, if a cancer is diagnosed late in a pregnancy, doctors will attempt to deliver the baby as close to the due date as possible, so that the mother can focus on her treatment.

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Be upfront with your bossCancer treatment invariably means you’re going to need time off work. And chances are, you’re worried about whether that’s going to compromise your career progression. The hard truth is, some employers might be sympathetic, but others might not be.

Don’t add to your stress. If you have to continue working during treatment, what you can do, says Dr Khoo, is to explore options with your doctor – for example, scheduling treatments on Friday afternoons so that there’s less disruption. Speak to your supervisor or human resource department about having a flexible work arrangement, or taking time off to get treated.

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#4Reduce your risk of the cancer coming backEven if you’ve been given the all-clear, regular follow-ups with your doctor are crucial. But beyond that, make sure you get regular exercise – at least three times a week, half an hour each time. How hard should you work out? Go for the intensity of a brisk walk, says Dr Khoo. All that reduces the risk of a recurrence of breast cancer, which is the most common cancer among Singapore women.

Cancers common in those below 40

Sarcoma Can be divided into bone sarcoma and soft tissue sarcoma. The former can be found in hard bone or soft bone, while the latter arises in the soft tissue of muscles, fats, blood vessels, nerves and fibrous tissues. Common signs include bone pain or a lump or mass on the trunk, leg or arm. The lump may or may not be painful. Other symptoms depend on the site of the sarcoma for example, bleeding from the vagina because of a uterus sarcoma.

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nodes, and may compromise your body’s ability to fight infection. Symptoms range from painless swollen lymph nodes in your neck, to itchiness in the armpits or groin, as well as persistent fatigue.

Melanoma Also known as skin cancer, the physical signs can sometimes be mistaken for a mole. The difference? Bleeding and ulceration. Look out if the spots are non-symmetrical, have different colours, or are evolving in size or shape.

Ovarian germ cell tumour This usually affects only one ovary, thereby halving your chances of reproduction. See your doctor if you notice swelling of the abdomen without weight gain, bloating, or pain.

Breast cancer Tends to occur in older women. But if you carry the gene for hereditary breast or ovarian cancer, it sharply increases your chances of getting it earlier. Look out for a breast lump that might or might not be painful, nipple discharge, and your nipple suddenly turning inwards.

Thyroid cancer Begins as a growth on the thyroid gland. Women are two to three times more likely than men to develop thyroid cancer. Red flags include getting a lump or swelling around your neck area, as well as swallowing or breathing difficulties.

Hodgkin’s lymphoma This cancer arises from the lymphatic cells in the lymph

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“After being diagnosed with Stage 4 nose cancer in 2016, I was afraid and mostly still in denial even as I started my first few weeks of treatment. It took weeks before I told a few friends, and even then I couldn’t bring myself to verbally say ‘I have cancer’. Since I’ve always found it easier to express myself in

writing, I decided to tell them via text message. I also told them what I needed, and how I intended to beat cancer.

Chemotherapy left me nauseous, weak and lethargic. My low immunity made work a no-go, and I used an N95 mask in public places like malls and cafes, and on public transport. Lara Zalena Kamal

S t a y i n g c o n n e c t e dYou’re tired and in pain, but having a social life can be a bigger help than you realise when you’re battling cancer, as 26-year-old

survivor Lara Zalena Kamal found out. B y H O E I y U N E

B e I N g S o C I A l

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social media caN be your supportJaime had a patient who documented her cancer journey on Facebook. “She received many encouraging posts from strangers, and even connected with other patients to share experiences and encourage each other,” says Jaime. Just be ready for different responses.

Cancer can feel like a lonely journey, but isolating yourself isn’t always helpful. Parkway Cancer Centre (PCC) counsellor Jaime Yeo and medical oncologist

Dr Tan Wu Meng share their insights on how you can stay connected, even while undergoing treatment:

At the same time, radiotherapy restricted my diet and ruined my hearing – which left me feeling both self-conscious and socially awkward. I didn’t have the energy for social graces. It’s one of the reasons why I limited the number of people who knew about my condition – I knew I wasn’t much fun to be around.

I would still try to make plans to keep my mind off what I was going through, but I made sure to leave disclaimers – I prepared my friends for the possibility that I might not show up. If I did, there was a chance I’d throw up all over the place, or have hunger or nausea-induced mood swings. Thankfully, they were understanding, and didn’t mind. I also did not want to talk about my cancer during those meet-ups.

I have to admit it was hard to deal with well-meaning friends who asked for updates on how I was doing – especially when it was such an anxious time for me. I didn’t want them to feel helpless, since they couldn’t do anything to make things better.

Group chats and social media like Facebook helped me take my mind off things. This was the most important part for me, because it made me feel like I was still part of a normal life, and not just a sick, cancer-stricken patient.

When my cancer finally went into remission, I announced it on Facebook. It felt good to be able to share that positivity with everyone else in my life.”

Staying in the loop

maiNtaiN a seNse of Normalcy“Studies have shown that staying connected with others boosts your mental well-being, which in turn affects your physical well-being,” says Jaime. Beyond that, keeping links with your friends is important in helping you adjust back to life after treatment.

#1 #2

#4

#3

it’s okay to share, but be selective“Share feelings and thoughts, but also know where to draw boundaries,” cautions Jaime. Being selective about what you share, and whom you share it with, will ensure you’re not overwhelmed by others’ responses or by the obligation to respond to them.

make New frieNdsYour friends might sympathise, but unless they’ve been treated for cancer, it’s hard for them to understand what you’re going through. Make some new friends. According to Dr Tan, meeting people who are going through treatment, or have beaten cancer, can give you encouragement and hope as you fight your own battle. Support groups aside, PCC’s non-profit group CanHOPE organises line dancing and zumba, which are great ways to meet and socialise with others who share a similar experience.

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How do you balance your work and health needs when you have cancer? The first step to making it work: evaluate your

needs and be honest about them. B y C L A R A H O W

Breaking the news to your boss and talking about the changes that need to take place to accommodate your illness is inevitable. It’s useful to have your HR personnel in on the discussion, so they can offer advice on company policies, says Paul Heng, founder and managing director of Next Career Consulting Group, Asia.

“Be completely honest,” he says. “Share with them the implications of your treatment, whether you feel like you can function normally, and your

expected absences from the workplace.” You still want your boss to feel that you can be trusted even as you’re working out these special arrangements.

As honest as the conversation needs to be, Dominica Chua, counsellor at Parkway Cancer Centre, emphasises that you still need to be professional, given that it’s a corporate environment. Talking about cancer can be an emotional affair, but stick to the facts, and don’t break down in front of your boss.

Have a heart to heart with your boss

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Given that we spend so much time at work, a good support system at the office is crucial. If you feel your employers aren’t understanding enough when it comes to what you’re going through, you’ll need to take the lead.

“Many times, bosses and companies, including HR personnel, are not experienced enough in managing such circumstances,” explains Paul. “Come up with a suggested plan on how to manage the impact of these new changes. When employers see a doable plan in front of them, it serves as a good reference point to begin a conversation, and a win-win situation for both parties is more achievable.”

Help your supervisors to help you

Dealing with cancer treatment can be overwhelming, and the thought of going to work

might seem both daunting and inconceivable. However, if you’re responding well to treatment,

and your doctor has declared you fit enough to go to the office, work could become a source of focus

and strength. Dominica points out that the routine of keeping to a work schedule helps a patient stay physically active and mentally engaged. “Rather than being cooped up at home, patients have the benefit of social engagement from friends and colleagues,”

she points out. That daily encouragement, as well as a sense of motivation when it comes to work, could help

patients keep up their fighting spirit.

To work or not to work

What projects are you handling, and how capable are you of completing them? The likely scenario is that you’ll need to redistribute your workload, so the more realistic you are, the better it will be for you and your colleagues. To make sure everyone’s on the same page, have this discussion with your entire team, says Paul.

External clients should also be informed. No need for personal details, but they should be told how their business will be impacted, and what alternative plans are in place. Assure them that they will suffer minimal disruption should you require time off work.

Talk to your team (and clients)

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Prioritise, refocus and get centred

What you need to ask your HR repWhat am I entItled to?Every company has different policies concerning medical

benefits for employees. While company insurance does

cover certain medical bills and hospitalisation fees, it’s

likely that this will not extend to major illnesses. That said,

there’s no harm in asking your HR manager what their stance

is, given your circumstances. Some organisations might make exceptions, or come up with a

solution that benefits both parties.

hoW much sIck leave can I get?

It’s highly likely that you’re going to need more than the regular number of sick days every employee gets. “The

duration of your leave should be negotiated,” says Paul.

“Two main issues are typically considered – practical needs and

on compassionate grounds.” Again, be frank. Inform HR

of what your needs are, so they have an understanding of the big picture, and if it’s within

their means, to accommodate where they can.

Achieving work-life balance is difficult for anyone, but it’s especially important if you’re suffering from cancer. Don’t compromise on your health or let work matters have a negative impact on your treatment process.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed at work, it’s important to compartmentalise so that the issues feel more manageable. List your priorities and keep the discussion open with your boss on how you can still contribute effectively.

Then there’s the guilt to deal with, especially if your colleagues help by shouldering a bigger workload, or if projects previously under your supervision are taken away. “It’s easy for you to be judgmental and hard on yourself,” says Dominica. “But remember the importance of self-care and being kind to yourself.”

If what you’re facing at work gets too draining, see a counsellor. Sometimes, an objective perspective and a listening ear can help more than you realise.

But remember the importance of self-care and being kind to

yourself.

20

At Parkway Cancer Centre, patients and their loved ones are at the heart of all that we do. Our holistic approach to cancer management is reflected in the multitude of services we offer to make patient care our topmost priority. Every day, our medical doctors, nurses, counsellors, dietitians and other paramedical professionals work as one to make every patient’s journey to health and well-being as smooth and comfortable as we can. No matter what it takes, our multidisciplinary team is always with them—joined by hope, to multiply hope.

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