Welcome to MAKNA {A Meaning to Life}

SURVIVING CANCER - Madam Kamalaveni

MY HELP, MEANS THE WORLD TO THEM

Being diagnosed with cancer is often the traumatising moment in one’s life. Some take it as a death sentence, especially when the doctor spells out the duration left. But life does not end if you are convinced that with hope, support, love from your loved ones and especially trust in God, life can still go on.

In 1999 when I was first diagnosed with cancer it came as a shock, but I was not surprised because both my parents died of cancer. But I became depressed when the doctor told me I only had three years to live, at the most.

At this stage I remembered my beloved father who passed away when I was only 11 years old, followed by my mother 17 years later when I was 28 years old. I felt sad and lonely losing two very special people in my live then, but “life must go on” I told myself. But, with the inspiration and positive encouragement from my young and schooling children, my life does not feel short-lived. I have five beautiful children, four girls and one boy, who simply mean the world to me. For their sake I have to be strong.

Choong Paik Yock Rectum Cancer, Kuala Perlis

I remember the day clearly. It was 5th February 1999 and I was admitted to Klang Hospital for high fever, where my temperature did not subside after one and a half months. My spleen was swollen and I felt as if there was a tumour in my belly. The doctor did some tests including a blood test. I was confirmed to have Chronic Myleod Leukaemia (CML), a form of blood cancer. Not knowing what to do, I surrended myself in the good hands of the doctors. I was then admitted at Hospital Klang for two weeks before they transferred me to Hospital Kuala Lumpur.

Days became weeks, weeks became months and months totaled years, I was weak during this time, my body could not fight against it. I rest my prayer in His hands, He took me through this journey. I was on Hydroxyurea drug, it is a member of a general group of chemotherapy drugs called antimetabolites. It helps to prevent the growth of cancer cells.

Kamalaveni at exhibition event

In 2006, a doctor suggested that I participate in a new cancer drug experiment. It was a clinical trial, the drug is 2nd Generation of Glivec called Nilotinib also known as Tasigna. As Hydroxurea did not have desired effect on me, I was prescribed with the 1st Generation of Glivec. This drug was also ineffective to combat the cancer in me, hence I accepted Tasigna (nilotinib). The doctor spelled out the terms and conditions I had to follow while undergoing the treatment, before I was allowed to sign a contract of agreement for Tasigna (nilotinib).

Tasigna is specifically indicated for the treatment of chronic phase and accelerated phase Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in adult patients resistant or intolerant to prior therapy that included imatinib. It stated that the treatment would be for a minimum period of two years and I would have to endure the temporary side effects. During the treatment I developed rashes on my arms and neck. I was given “piriton” to overcome the allergy and advised to drink a lot of water to avoid ulcers. I also experienced nausea, vomiting, headache, fatigue, constipation and diarrhea under this treatment. I was also told to avoid raw and half-cooked meals. The treatment ended successfully in September 2008. Doctors were amazed with the results, I ended my treatment smoothly.

Today, 10 years has passed, I am glad to be still alive and in good health. I have my regular follow-ups at the Ampang Hospital. I was on oral treatment throughout, I never went for chemotherapy or radiotherapy like most do. I have my blood checks during my regular follow-ups, to determine my heath status. Faith has keep me going, each day is a blessings.

Kamalaveni sharing moment

My advice to all is not to neglect your health. If you feel something abnormal, like a prolonged high fever, go for an immediate check-up. Early detection saves lives. But most of all, family support is very crucial and essential especially for those who are diagnosed with cancer or any other chronic diseases. What was more tragic was, unfortunately my husband left me when I was first diagnosed with the disease. But, I still feel I am very fortunate to have the loving care and love of my 5 children and 9 grandchildren. They are the beacon of my life, I am happy and grateful for all I have with me.

MAKNA has assisted me during my difficult times when I needed to pay for my treatment. Battling cancer was not easy. I was emotionally and physically drained, but I was determined to move on, and I registered as a volunteer with MAKNA to help others manage the “rollercoaster” in facing cancer. Today I am proud of myself because the little things I have shared with cancer patients and their families has meant the world to them. As a result I have lead a happier and healthier life with God’s blessings.

Kamalaveni with children

Kamalaveni

Md Nor Shafiq NPC4, Kuala Perlis.jpg

By Norliyana A. Bakar, MAKNA Volunteer Survivor
Quarter 1, 2009