Daily Times

Putli Ghar, a 1997 telefilm, featured a pretty and elegant lady named Nadia Jamil. Admirable shining eyes, beautiful locks and a smile full of life–Nadia Jamil performed with a maturity and won the hearts of many.

It’s not difficult to imagine the immense amount of positivity flowing in a person if you feel connected to her positive aura on the other side of the screen.

I always knew her as a very versatile and spontaneous actor. Her expressive eyes and captivating smile always inspired me. But it was only a few years back that I found out about her social activism. She has been actively involved in child protection activities. Her stage performances and plays like Damsa are a part of her untiring efforts towards child protection and child rights campaigns. Not many people know that Jamil has two biological and two foster sons. Her heart is teeming with maternal love. Her recent social media posts reflect the immense love she shares for all of her kids.

Today, I want to pay my homage to the cancer survivor and cancer warrior. These days, she is receiving treatment for her cancer. And she is fighting like a real-life superhero. She is talking to her fans and friends while experiencing pain, relief, support, challenges, re-discovering self and need for self-care. Her optimism and courage are inspiring countless people across the globe.

Emotional stability and psychological wellbeing require the same amount of attention

According to NIH, National Institute of Cancer, a diagnosis of cancer provokes many emotional responses. It’s not just the physical challenges that the cancer patient has to face. Emotional stability and psychological wellbeing require the same amount of attention. Jamil translated this state of mind in the following words, “A few weeks after my diagnosis, somewhere during the liver scan, the panic set in. All the panic I had ever collected in my body from the age of four to that day, rose, to a crescendo.”

“I did manage to make it above water. Now as I slowly rise, very slowly, from those ashes, and I learn to use my observing eye, I learn to hear the voices that try to bring me down again, even unintentionally. I gain the courage to distant myself from them.”

American Cancer Society suggests that psychological support from family and friends can be vital in keeping a positive mindset while going through cancer treatment. Contacting cancer survivors, having a strong urge to protect the family and taking guidance from religion can also help cope with stress arousing out of cancer diagnosis.

Cancer Council, Victoria, shared a toolbox of effective strategies to cope with the emotional challenges associated with cancer. According to this toolbox, learning more about your diagnosis and treatment options can help in reducing feelings of insecurity. Keeping yourself hydrated and taking healthy diet helps in conserving energy and staying strong. Staying near to nature, walking and meditation can be effective in releasing negative emotions and staying positive. Feeling stressed and anxious in such a situation is natural. Try to vent your heartfelt feelings and concerns to a friend or family member, it can help. Spare some time every day to engage in your loved activities like listening to music, gardening, talking to a friend.

Draw on your faith for support. Pray to Allah Almighty. As Ashfaq Ahmad used to say, “When your bundles of worries and challenges outgrow your strength. Just bow in front of your Creator. Place your bundles of tensions in front of Him. And accept your fragility. Allah Almighty will sort the problems for you. Just be sure that He is always there for you.”

Jamil has very elegantly accepted the scars of war against cancer as medals awarded for her courage and bravery. She shared very inspiring thoughts on her Facebook page and I quoted, “After I washed my face tonight, I realised it was looking even more bare and exposed. Then I realised, lashes and eyebrows have also been falling. So much more than hair is shedding. Nails are falling off. Old me is going through a thorough metamorphosis.”

“Cancer has given me the opportunity to befriend me. And I’m meeting at the best time ever. Low on energy, mellow, a little sadder than before but so much more patient and insightful. I like this me. I respect her. I’ve always come through for others and am enjoying coming through for me. For the first time ever.”

Jamil is not only fighting her war against cancer. She is helping many cancer warriors by giving them a positive, optimistic and thoughtful perspective on cancer.

“The last two days in the hospital have been interesting. I have felt a little impatient and lonely. I tell myself that it is these two feelings I have not felt till now and should stop avoid feeling. My objective eye looks kindly at me and tells me it is ok, it natural and normal.”

Stay strong and keep inspiring, Jamil.

Cancer survivor, Jamil, will help many more survive the darkest of the days of the cancer fight.

The writer is Director (Programs & Projects) at Rising Sun Education & Welfare Society