Terisa Tamang, Founder, President and Counselor of Dhairya Cancer Foundation, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“‘A mother of a child undergoing cancer treatment once shared during a psychosocial session, ‘I feel scared to laugh.’
Today, through Dhairya Cancer Foundation, I facilitated an art session for children living with cancer and a peer support session for their parents.
The children participated with great enthusiasm, eagerly engaging in creative activities, sharing their ideas, and actively listening throughout the session. Their excitement reminded us of the importance of creating spaces where children can express themselves, experience joy, and simply be children, even during the challenges of treatment.
One thing became very clear: medicine alone does not heal a person.
During the session, one mother shared, ‘I feel scared to laugh. Even when I laugh, I start wondering why I laughed. Sometimes I think about what I need to bring from the next room, but as soon as I get there, I forget what I needed.’
I asked the parents what they usually talk about with one another. Most replied, ‘We talk about the treatment, what the doctor said, and what we need to do next.’
Then I asked another question:
‘Do you really talk about your feelings with each other?’
The room fell silent.
After a few moments, they answered, ‘No.’
Cancer affects more than the body. It affects emotions, relationships, thoughts, hopes, and fears. Yet conversations often revolve around medicines, reports, appointments, and treatment plans, while emotional pain remains unspoken.
We often focus on physical health, but mental health is equally important. Healing is not only about treating the disease; it is also about supporting the person living through it.
Sometimes, the most powerful medicine is being heard, understood, and knowing that you are not alone.”
Other articles featuring Terisa Tamang on OncoDaily.
