In early July 2010, I received news that came as a shock. A small lump in my breast was a bad omen and the beginning of a battle I would wage against the malignant disease of breast cancer (may God protect us and you).
Honestly, I was in shock and everyone around me was in a state of emergency. My family, my husband, my relatives, and my martyred brother, Abdul Rahman, were all with me from the beginning, which eased the burden of the onset of this disease. My father, may God prolong his life, and my mother, may God have mercy on her, played a role in my morale. Everyone around me was surrounded by me, which positively impacted my psychological state and left a deep impression on my heart.
The memory of the teacher, educator, and positive person in her life was one day and one night. She was under the mercy of God and under the effects of this malignant disease. But her faith in God and the support of those around her enabled her to take the necessary steps from the beginning. I underwent the first stage of treatment, which was the vasectomy. That day, I felt that a part of my femininity was gone, and that it was no longer as complete as it had been. It was the most difficult period of treatment, not accepting this bitter reality. My faith in God and my acceptance of His wisdom and power, as well as the support of those around me, had a positive impact on my psyche at the time.
Abu Saleh, I thank God for the blessing of his presence with me. He was a wonderful husband and companion throughout all stages of my illness, supporting me psychologically and morally, and he spared no effort in providing me with all the support he had. Praise be to God for his presence with me.
After the surgery, I underwent chemotherapy and its arduous sessions, but I faced no significant difficulties during this stage. I also do not want to forget the role of the two doctors, Dr. Saeed Al-Shuaib, may God have mercy on him, and Dr. Muhammad Baamer, may God prolong his life and preserve him. They were like a beacon of light for me, and they spared no effort or medical advice. I thank them greatly and appreciate them. The Hadhramout Cancer Foundation played a major role, providing me with free chemotherapy and testing, not to mention the necessary moral and psychological support, especially the support provided by Ms. Suhaala Bahidra. This support was a lifeline as I overcame the stages of chemotherapy and its psychological impact. I am grateful to all of them, each by name and position in this pioneering organization.
Believing in repaying a favor with a favor, after my recovery, I decided to volunteer with the Hadhramout Cancer Foundation’s Sand Association, supporting my sisters psychologically and socially, sustaining this blessed work, and standing by my sisters and colleagues with everything I can offer them.
Cancer has had a positive impact on me!
It has brought me closer to God, encouraged me to pray regularly, and recited my daily prayers. It has strengthened my relationship with my family, all praise being due to God, both before and after. After my recovery, I returned to my work and my normal life, performing my household chores and caring for my husband and son. Volunteering with the organization has also become a major focus of my attention. Finally, there is no despair in life, and with every hardship comes ease. This is my philosophy, which summarizes my life’s journey and my challenging period of illness. However, with faith, patience, and determination, we can overcome any difficulty.
As for my advice to my new patients, it is to be disciplined in continuing treatment and undergoing regular checkups, adhere to a healthy diet, and read the Quran, especially Surat Al-Baqarah. In addition, I encourage immunization, remembrance of God, and constant charity whenever possible.
Dhikra was not just a statistic in the patient’s registry; she became an inspiring success story. Thanks to her strong faith and the support of her family and community, she was able to defeat cancer. This underscores the importance of social support in the healing process.
She has proven that illness does not determine a person’s fate, and that faith in God and the support surrounding her are the most powerful weapons to face any challenge. Today, I am not just a survivor, but an “ambassador of hope.” I call on everyone to unite and stand in solidarity to confront diseases.