Sazelli Rocks the Positive
by Sarah Yates (Sazelli)
I have been finding it really hard to write an article about cancer. I was thinking how everyone's experience of cancer is different. Some people have a rough time through cancer while others cruise through their treatment with the odd rough day here and there.
Most people think cancer is the end, ensuring that you will lie down and die. While most people survive cancer, in some cases, like mine,positively is key to survival of the possible death call.
One thing I noticed while I was in hospital was that people don't like talking about death. But there is that constant silent questions-will I die?
For me, it was very possible, I would have had weeks to live, if I hadn't been treated when I did. I know this is the case for many people. Despite this, I did not focus on the fear and I never became negative about living.
For those who don't have that the luxury of a chance of survival, I think the best thing family members can do for them is to be positive around them, The goal is acceptance, which can enable the patients to make the most of the time they have, possibly visit places they have wanted to see, do things they want to do if they are able.
I don't think cancer is an accident waiting round the corner. It a predator, an invader from another planet wanting to take over your body. I think that cancer is not a test to see if you can change the way you are and be a better person, but I think a cancer diagnosis can allows you prioritize and slow down.
I was so sad that I got cancer and couldn't understand why. I think everyone who gets cancer thinks this. We are all here in the same boat.
Cancer may spoil some things in life. My friend Ellen was 20 when I met her. She was training to become a professional ballerina. She was a beautiful dancer. Sadly, a tumour formed in her hip and she could not dance any longer.
She had danced all her life. Despite this, she still had such strong interest and ambition for life. She decided to follow her passion for art. She was still making art while undergoing treatment over 2 years, and sadly she passed away when her cancer spread.
But this kind of action, this living despite the threat of death is what is truly inspiring to me. I think everyone has got it in them. Though it might take monumental effort of practice it, I think its worth it.
Cancer is so stressful for families, but from what I have seen, the person who actually has the cancer seems often to deal with it better thank those close to them. A sense of humor really helped me in dealing with my family.
People might insist that you not take things so lightly. If you are a friend or relative, know that it is more helpful to the cancer patient to have a positive outlook and be cheerful rather than be sad, gloomy and nervous around the patient. Don't provoke fear or sadness even if you feel you are pretending.
We know how worried you are, but a lot of time its is so annoying when our closest family members are inconsolable.
My family's difficult time whilst I was in hospital, produced stress and arguments whilst I was in treatment. Some families cant help it. I do know how terrified my mother must have been, but the only thing that kept me sane was my attitude that she had nothing to worry about. I kept saying "I'm not going to die."
Making friends with other cancer patients was healing,
Seeing how others were dealing with things, showed me that I was not alone. This was good as many other patients were dealing with family members who brought their negativity and stress into our treatment.
What I have found is that sharing my experience makes a difference. Even with strangers, putting it out there often helps someone else, and in turn helps me
What worked for me, tips I like to share are:
1. get plenty of rest
2. drink up to 3 litres a day, to help get rid of chemo
3. keep your mouth clean so you have a better chance of being able to eat the delicious foods you love
4. take each day as it comes
5. spend your time doing things you enjoy and try new things-especially making things
6. keep a diary
Remember that being alive in the hospital is an achievement in itself. What you do with your time in treatment is up to you. I encourage you to stay positive.
Sazelli continues to share her cancer experience through street art and in galleries in London. You can check out her stuff at:
F a u n a G r a p h i c
Graphic Design, Murals
Illustration, Photography
http://faunagraphic.com
Most people think cancer is the end, ensuring that you will lie down and die. While most people survive cancer, in some cases, like mine,positively is key to survival of the possible death call.
One thing I noticed while I was in hospital was that people don't like talking about death. But there is that constant silent questions-will I die?
For me, it was very possible, I would have had weeks to live, if I hadn't been treated when I did. I know this is the case for many people. Despite this, I did not focus on the fear and I never became negative about living.
For those who don't have that the luxury of a chance of survival, I think the best thing family members can do for them is to be positive around them, The goal is acceptance, which can enable the patients to make the most of the time they have, possibly visit places they have wanted to see, do things they want to do if they are able.
I don't think cancer is an accident waiting round the corner. It a predator, an invader from another planet wanting to take over your body. I think that cancer is not a test to see if you can change the way you are and be a better person, but I think a cancer diagnosis can allows you prioritize and slow down.
I was so sad that I got cancer and couldn't understand why. I think everyone who gets cancer thinks this. We are all here in the same boat.
Cancer may spoil some things in life. My friend Ellen was 20 when I met her. She was training to become a professional ballerina. She was a beautiful dancer. Sadly, a tumour formed in her hip and she could not dance any longer.
She had danced all her life. Despite this, she still had such strong interest and ambition for life. She decided to follow her passion for art. She was still making art while undergoing treatment over 2 years, and sadly she passed away when her cancer spread.
But this kind of action, this living despite the threat of death is what is truly inspiring to me. I think everyone has got it in them. Though it might take monumental effort of practice it, I think its worth it.
Cancer is so stressful for families, but from what I have seen, the person who actually has the cancer seems often to deal with it better thank those close to them. A sense of humor really helped me in dealing with my family.
People might insist that you not take things so lightly. If you are a friend or relative, know that it is more helpful to the cancer patient to have a positive outlook and be cheerful rather than be sad, gloomy and nervous around the patient. Don't provoke fear or sadness even if you feel you are pretending.
We know how worried you are, but a lot of time its is so annoying when our closest family members are inconsolable.
My family's difficult time whilst I was in hospital, produced stress and arguments whilst I was in treatment. Some families cant help it. I do know how terrified my mother must have been, but the only thing that kept me sane was my attitude that she had nothing to worry about. I kept saying "I'm not going to die."
Making friends with other cancer patients was healing,
Seeing how others were dealing with things, showed me that I was not alone. This was good as many other patients were dealing with family members who brought their negativity and stress into our treatment.
What I have found is that sharing my experience makes a difference. Even with strangers, putting it out there often helps someone else, and in turn helps me
What worked for me, tips I like to share are:
1. get plenty of rest
2. drink up to 3 litres a day, to help get rid of chemo
3. keep your mouth clean so you have a better chance of being able to eat the delicious foods you love
4. take each day as it comes
5. spend your time doing things you enjoy and try new things-especially making things
6. keep a diary
Remember that being alive in the hospital is an achievement in itself. What you do with your time in treatment is up to you. I encourage you to stay positive.
Sazelli continues to share her cancer experience through street art and in galleries in London. You can check out her stuff at:
F a u n a G r a p h i c
Graphic Design, Murals
Illustration, Photography
http://faunagraphic.com
