Since I am a very nervous person and I often get anxious, I definitely need to stop reading articles about survival rates, prognosis, etc. Which I can't do. I force myself to read Le Figaro instead of searching the web for bad news about my cancer. You have to practice French :)
Food: during my radiotherapy I can't eat fresh fruits and vegetables and it's really annoying.
4/ hair problem (eg: did you wear a wig, scarves, hats)
I used to wear a wig, now I only wear it for “big outings” like cafes, museums, etc.
Were you concerned about the views of others, were you afraid that their views would change? What did you do to counter it?
It was the last thing on my mind. I have to survive, otherwise I don't care.
What are the “nugget”/footed phrases (that you remember) that someone said to you during K and that you could have avoided?
"You must eat"
"You must learn to forgive/meditate/ask for forgiveness, cancer is a disease of irritated/stressed/selfish people etc..." - cancer doesn't care if we know how to forgive or not, really.
“Your cancer is a sign – God is telling you that you need to change something in your life.” Thanks, I'm an atheist.
How did your loved ones support you?
My parents died of cancer (quite different) 10 and 5 years ago. So my family is my husband's family. My mother-in-law left her job to be with my children during my sessions over the summer. She helped me a lot with cleaning, meals etc. My father-in-law was my therapist, my sister-in-law played with the children. The parents welcomed us into their country house near Moscow, since we were on a mission abroad when this damn cancer happened to me and our apartment was rented at the time, we couldn't interrupt the lease.
And what advice could you give to loved ones who accompany a K fighter?
Courage, patience. Almost any cancer can be controlled even if it is incurable.
Do you find out about K on the internet?
Yes.
If so, does it make you feel good?
Yes and no, I mostly read the clinical trials, I found a lot of useful stuff, but I know the sad truth about my survival rate (it's really suicidal - the probability is 95% of dying within three years next).
If so, what would be the useful (internet) links that helped you during K?
This blog!
A Russian blog for k-fighters, we share tips on how to counter the effects of chemo, psychological support, etc.
What has the K changed in your life...?
(for example: your vision of the world, your priorities, your essentials, refocusing those around you, in your work, your philosophy..?)
The K almost killed my sexuality and motherhood. I couldn't breastfeed my daughter, it was hard to accept my body after the operation.
But everything heals, the soul too :)
Free field ;)
tell us what you want (which might not be in my questions):
Thank you for this opportunity to express yourself, to talk about this obstacle course :)
And forgive my French - it's been 8 years since I practiced this wonderful language!
Charlotte: thank you Irina, you are a great example for all of us! Warrior!! Never Give Up! ;) <3
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Thank you Irina for this beautiful testimony, your words full of strength and resilience, you are amazing!
If like Irina you want to tell your story and share your tips, go here , send me your questionnaire and 1 photo of yourself so that I can draw you ;) to: interview@mister-k-fighting-kit.com
Please note that I do not retouch any Interview, they are completely free, it is your freedom, your story, I just add my personal touch with the illustration, they are delivered as they were sent to me ;)
Lots of beautiful positive thoughts to everyone!!
@ very quickly
Charlotte