Mental health and cancer
Ngozi Onwuchekwa is a recent survivor of a rare and deadly disease, Rhabdomyosarcoma, and who, within the year of remission, won the Mrs Exceptional Lady Universe crown at the 2023 Mrs Universe pageant in Miami. The triumph has spurred Ngozi to use her new found self confidence and extremely challenging experiences to help other and today I am honoured that she is talking to YOMU about mental health and cancer. She shares her story to help others and I hope you or someone you know and love will be inspired and comforted by her strong, raw words. Thank you, Ngozi and we can’t wait to see what’s next for you.
The moment I heard the words "You have cancer," my heart sank, and the entire world spiralled. It felt like everything I knew was crumbling around me. It was the summer of 2020, and I was diagnosed with the rare and deadly 'Rhabdomyosarcoma,' a cancer that attacks your bones, muscles, and soft tissues. The discovery was a sucker punch to the gut, and I was convinced that my life was over before it had truly begun.
Throughout my treatment journey, which spanned over 15 months, I underwent extensive chemotherapy, life-altering surgeries, and unbearable side effects. Coping with the physical pain and discomfort was daunting, but what was becoming increasingly evident was the toll it was taking on my psychological well-being. From mood swings, depression, and stress to intense loneliness, even when surrounded by love and care, I experienced them all.
As someone who has always been strong-willed and independent, I tried to handle the distress and PTSD caused by cancer on my own. I would give myself pep talks to try to overcome the emotional rollercoaster, and to some extent, they worked. However, the impact of cancer on my thoughts, feelings, and actions was often too strong to ignore, and I would find myself derailing again. My hospital room felt like a prison; the walls kept closing in, I envied healthy people, and even the innocuous sight and smell of hospital food would trigger nausea and despair.
These were dark and lonely times; I couldn't understand why my mind was taking such a battering. Sadly, mental health is often overlooked in cancer care because the primary objective is usually focused on eliminating cancer cells and reducing tumours.
Fair enough.
Therefore, if you're experiencing mental health issues during this time, it's essential to speak up and seek help. Initially, I tried dealing with my struggles on my own, but I soon realised that I couldn't just wish them away, self-treat, or ignore them. I needed professional help. It took me some time to realise that taking care of this aspect was critical to the success of my cancer treatment.
After confiding in my general practitioner and sharing my feelings, I received some helpful advice. My GP suggested that engaging in physical activity, maintaining a healthy diet, and communicating with others could improve my mental health issues. I found that exercising, even if it meant just going for short walks around my hospital room, helped me manage the intensity of my emotions. Eating a nutritious and balanced diet, even when I didn't feel like it, helped me maintain my energy levels and made it easier to deal with feelings of depression or anxiety. Talking to trusted friends, family members, or cancer support groups was also incredibly helpful, as it relieved tension and made me feel better.
Cancer has brought a significant change in my life, but it has also taught me the significance of maintaining my mental well-being and seeking help when necessary. If you or anyone you know is going through a similar situation, please know that you are not alone.
Don't hesitate to reach out for help. Remember that taking care of your mental health is equally important as taking care of your physical health.
As a Sarcoma cancer survivor, Ngozi is supporting Sarcoma UK, a national charity that funds vital research, offers support for anyone affected by Sarcoma cancer and campaigns for better treatments. Ngozi wants to help researchers find answers, keep Sarcoma UK’s Support Line open, and raise awareness to improve treatment and standards of care.
