Coping with Cancer: 5 survivors show the way

Bengaluru: Probably one of the most traumatizing moments in one's life, apart from failure and rejection, may be when the doctor diagnoses that you have cancer. Offering a helping hand to such patients, who are shocked after their visit at the oncologist, is the city-based organisation called Pink Hope Patient Support Group, an initiative by HCG Foundation. The journey began in May 2009, when five women got together to help those diagnosed with breast cancer, overcome their fear about the disease.

A forum for cancer survivors, which helps cancer patients and caregivers overcome their fears and cope with the difficulties in treatment, has helped many such patients battling cancer.

These five women were from diverse backgrounds, but had one thing in common - they were all breast cancer survivors. They had this burning desire to help breast cancer patients get through the emotional and physical trauma caused after the diagnosis of the disease and its treatment, by sharing their experiences. The number of patients joining their group is on the rise.

“More than shock, stress and anxiety, it is important to make them aware that there are other people who have gone through the same journey,” said Ruchi Dilbagi (41), a cancer survivor, who is also a single mother, and an active member of the Pink Hope Group. Ruchi said the biggest reason why the patients join their group is a sense of belonging.

“Group members feel they are not alone. The support group operates like a family where members feel supported, cared for and accepted. It helps reducing the feeling of isolation through shared feelings and experiences, and they feel connected with other members. These connections help them cope better with their treatments,” she explained.

She attends the meeting twice a week and helps patients cope with their treatment. “Apart from the patient diagnosed with cancer, the family members sometimes find it difficult to cope and understand the experiences of people who have cancer, or they may just dismiss their feelings. However, when you have been through the same grind it becomes a lot more easier as the support group have already experienced and understood their pain and anxiety,” she said.

Recollecting her own journey she added, “I was shocked. More than feeling sad, I was thinking about my future as I had just shifted to the city and taken up a job. There was so much going through my mind.”

Pink Hope Group helps cancer patients feel protected and safe to express their feelings. Outside the group the patients may try to hide their feelings or emotions, which would later make them depressed. Apart from reaching out to cancer patients, the Pink Hope Group also conducts discussions, awareness camps and fund raising events.