Over the past month, my family has abandoned me, sort of! For a long time, I was so completely taken care of. I was asked constantly, through the day, how I was feeling, whether I was in pain. At that time, I was a bit flustered by the over-attention, and wished it would stop. I was used to being very independent, and doing my own thing. Then, as my cancer progressed, I needed to be cared for.  There were days when I could barely get out of bed. Days when the simplest chore of getting up the stairs, or getting a glass of water took a heroic effort. I learnt to ask for help and was gracious when it was offered. After a while I started to enjoy being cared for and looked after. Sad to say, I loved being the centre of my family’s love and attention.
And then it stopped! As I started to get stronger and started work, my family started treating me like they did pre-cancer – – normally! They assumed that I would do my share of the household responsibilities and take over everything I managed to do in the past. It’s taken me two weeks to rise to that challenge. Two weeks of doubting myself. Two weeks of testing my boundaries. Two weeks to prove to myself that I am ready to resume normal life. With God’s grace, my energy is back almost at full force. Perhaps it’s because my stem cell transplant was more than five months ago and my body is starting to recover. Whatever the reason, I’ll take it!
With no imminent cure for Multiple Myeloma, I know that the cancer can show up and visit at any time — in a few months, a few years or more.  I can’t worry about that. So I focus on appreciating every day that I feel so good, so healthy. I hope I have many, many more days like this.
I had not realized how my family had put their lives on hold for me. I am starting to see how they are now making plans for their own future, knowing that I’m as okay as can be expected. The best comment I heard last week was when my son said, “Mommy, your cancer is so rear-view!”
Every once in a while, I have to stop my family when I need a little bit of help. Mostly, it is a hand – literally – to help me stand after I’ve been sitting. When I think of how far I’ve come in a year, I just want to shout and dance and love and celebrate and live.  I am so happy to be alive!
21 responses to ““Your Cancer is so Rear-View!””
So rear-view – I love it ! Now it’s all gears forward!
SUCH SUCH GOOD NEWS ….. wonderful!!! Like you said, enjoy every moment, lots of love always
Thanks for celebrating with me! I cannot help but enjoy every moment!!!
Munira, this is so great! I am so happy for you!!!!!!!
Hi Elizabeth! How are you doing? How was the move? I think of you often and I so appreciate hearing from you!
Happy to see you happy and to read your blog and learn too to appreciate life. Baraka tele!
Habari, habari Lucy! Where have you been? Lots of Baraka to you as well!
Mukhiyani Maa don’t worry they are making you strong. Just keep smiling! I love You so much! !!
Hi Salima! Yes, they are making me stronger. It’s all good. I am so grateful to know you!
And we are all so much richer and luckier that you are alive too! So happy for you Munira!
Hi Faiza! Thank you for being so generous with your comments. I love you too!
This is a remarkable journey , one that was treacherous but that you have overcome with such grace , beauty and dignity. Wishing you rainbows and smiles!!
I love the wishes of rainbows and smiles. Thank you! Some days I actually forget how treacherous the journey was; I guess it’s the gift of time…..
Munira, I’m so thrilled to see that you’ve returned to work, and enjoying your renewed good health! I have been watching weekly for more blogs for you, so I’m really happy to read all this good news! I can’t wait to get together with you again for lunch or dinner some time soon to find out how things are going! Love, Patti.
Dearest Patti! Yes, lets get together soon! I’m in the hospital for a few hours on Thursday, Aug 22. Any chance we can get together? I miss you lots!
What a lovely picture. I recognize Naaz, who was my classmate and of course your mom. May Mowla always be with you.
Thanks! Those pictures are from our trip to Mexica last week. Such wonderful memories! Really appreciate your taking the time to write.
Hi Munira,
If you are the same Munira who attended the Shabaan Robert school in Dar, warm greetings and wishes for a speedy recovery from an old friend, I only just came across your blog and your incredibly brave story, stay positive and focus on all the good stuff around you, and most of all, carpe diem!
Best,
Sunil
Sunil Gopalan Chairman & Publisher GFM Limited http://www.globalfundmedia.com St Helier Jersey, Channel Islands.
Sent from my iPad
Hi Sunil – – Alas, I am not the same Munira. Nice to be connected with you anyway! I love the concept of carpe diem and squeezing every moment out of life….
Wonderful! It’s so good to hear you are feeling more yourself again and looking forward. Good luck with your recovery. ~Catherine
Hi Catherine – – Thanks for your good wishes. I am feeling so blessed!