Humaira Malik

humaira malikI was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in September 2003. It was in January2003 that I first felt a lump in my left breast; however I went into acomplete denial of its presence since it never occurred to me that thelump could be connected to cancer. Cancer to me was something that could happen to someone out there but not me. I was too young to haveit. For 8 months I ignored and refused to get it diagnosed or removed.In September 2003, I finally underwent a surgery to remove the lump.

The biopsy report was nothing but shocking! It contained everything Ihad not foreseen or had physically and emotionally prepared myself for.I remember reading the report thrice searching for the word ‘benign’but it wasn’t there! I survived cancer but the shock of reading thereport is still printed in my mind.

That was the turning moment for me as I got hold of my nerves and prepared myself for the ordeal that awaited me in the coming months in the form of my rigorous treatment. I don’t rate myself as a strong person; however my illness has strengthened my faith in Allah and given me a deeper understanding about life, people and relationships in general.

I underwent rigorous treatment of 8 months starting from chemotherapy to a long and tedious series of focused radiations at the Shaukat Khanum hospital. The experience was strenuous.  It was not easy exposing myself to male doctors, losing my hair, being unable to swallow food and to try to survive on a bowl of porridge for 3 months as my mouth swelled up because of ulcers. I continued to lead a social life, making an effort to be among people, holding my esteem and not be pulled down by their continuous remarks of commiseration. What helped me survive was my determination to come out of this situation and not rate myself as someone betrayed by circumstances. I nagged my doctor at Shaukat Khanum hospital with questions before each chemo session so that I could be aware of what was coming my way. I decided not to leave my job, as during my chemotherapy and radiation my work gave me the emotional and mental stability required to deal with the treatment and with the social and cultural pressure of being a cancer patient. Most importantly, I have survived due to the support, patience and understanding provided to me by my family, my friends, my colleagues as well as due to the care and sensitivity shown to me at Shaukat Khanum hospital by the doctors and the nursing staff.

The medication went on for 5 years. I go to SKMT hospital regularly for my follow ups and look forward to opportunities where I might help other patients like myself realize that being diagnosed with cancer is not the end of life for them. Through consistent effort and determination, Allah’s blessings, timely and accurate treatment, support and sensitivity from the people around, one can continue to enjoy life like I am doing.

Humaira

Online Donation Box

Donate any amount of your choice or be an official online fundraiser of Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre by following these simple guide lines: Step-1: Sign up http://bit.ly/2kJuvwn Step-2: Create your fundraising page Step-3: Donate and pass it on to your friends If we all do a little, we can do a […]


more details »

Donate Now

Many young innocent lives are being saved at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre. Last year, your Zakat made it possible to treat almost 75% of our patients for free. This year we need 8.5 billion rupees to help those who cannot afford to pay for their own treatment. While the revenue from […]


more details »

SKMT Denies Misuse of Funds

Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC) was established in 1994 with the mission to provide state-of-the-art and comprehensive cancer treatment services for all patients, irrespective of their ability to pay. Through the generous support of the Pakistani nation, within Pakistan and overseas, we have consistently provided world class cancer treatment completely free […]


more details »

WEBINAR: Scanalyse Your Bones DXA Scan in Bone Health Assessment

Scientific Programme | Register and Feedback | Join Live Event via Zoom | AACME Transcripts | How to Claim CME Credits?


more details »

Notices & Tenders

  Lapsed Notices & Tenders: Properties for Sale: Bids are invited for the sale of following properties owned by Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust Tender For The Customs Clearing Agent Invitation for Engineering Consultancy Services for Planning/designing & Construction Supervision of Sewage Treatment Plant 40,000 GPD Capacity (Extendable to 80,000 GPD in Future), at Shaukat Khanum […]


more details »


© All Rights Reserved by MIS Department at SKMCH & RC
Translate »