Support and care

Doris Boo: ‘To create awareness, we sometimes have exhibitions that show ugly pictures of breast cancer in advanced stages, hopefully to scare women into going for mammograms.’

 

BREAST cancer! When a woman has breast cancer, the first question that comes to mind is “Why me?” Shock, fear, helplessness, depression and despair follow.  

Whom should she consult? What should she do and where can she turn to?  

“Many are reluctant to see the doctor and are scared of chemotherapy or radiotherapy. They feel that it is the end of the world and many just want to isolate themselves especially from friends. This is the time when having supportive family and friends is of the utmost importance,” said Doris Boo, a cancer survivor.  

Doris Boo, 53, is president of the Breast Cancer Support Group (BCSG) in Johore Baru. Recently I had the privilege to meet Doris together with two other members, Quek and Angie, at the BCSG centre. 

Doris related her encounter with breast cancer 10 years ago and how she got involved with the support group.  

“It was shock and fear and a whole spectrum of other emotions!” she recalled.  

 

“When I was undergoing treatment, people – from friends to strangers – were kind to me. A friend came every weekend from Malacca, another makes bird’s nest soup especially for me. Members of a support group, one of whom was a survivor of 40 years, visited me after my surgery. That visit gave encouragement not only to me, but also to my mum and sisters who were with me.”  

Touched by people’s kindness and support, Doris helped form the BCSG so that she could help and encourage others in return. 

The BCSGwas formed in 2000 by a group of dedicated ladies with Joyce as president and Doris as secretary. In 2002, Doris became the president. Currently there are 160 members – aged from 30 to 70 – who are breast cancer patients, survivors of breast cancer and their family members and friends who are interested in helping. The committee members are all survivors, some of whom are nurses, teachers and secretaries. 

The support group’s objectives are: to create awareness of breast health, to teach Breast Self-Examination (BSE) and to provide emotional and psychological support to patients, survivors and their families. The members regularly organise talks and exhibitions on topics related to breast cancer. 

Recently a kind soul allowed a double-storey bungalow in Johore Baru to be utilised by the BCSG for two years to run their activities. Doris excitedly showed me around the centre.  

The spacious Activity Room on the ground floor is for meetings, tai chi, talks, line dancing, Mandarin and English lessons and get-togethers. The talks (given by doctors, nurses, psychiatrists or nutritionists) are usually well attended.  

Photos, notices and a cupboard adorned with members’ handicrafts denote the myriad of activities carried out at BCSG. Pointing to the handicrafts on display, Doris revealed, “A new member is given an embroidered bag filled with prosthesis, a tin of Enercal drink and some brochures to give her a measure of comfort.”  

“Line dancing is very popular here,” said Quek as she excitedly demonstrated the latest dance steps. “Join our up-coming annual dinner and dance,” she cajoled. 

“Yes, come to our popiah party tomorrow!” invited Angie, a volunteer nurse. “Here, members bond and have fun with others of similar interests. It is uplifting!” 

I was taken on a tour of three function rooms on the first floor. The Health Room is equipped with a curtained-off bed, an exerciser and a mirror. Quek, a retired nurse in charge of the room, gave a commentary on the facilities.  

“This is where we talk and share problems with new patients privately,” she said, pointing to the bed. “On health-screening days, even non-members can do BSE here.  

“The long mirror is for a patient to look at her profile and to correct her posture. The exerciser, good for prevention of lymphodema, is for post-operative patients to exercise their arms.” 

The Craft Room, with hanging lanterns made of ang pau envelopes and other exhibits, clearly indicate members’ interests in handicrafts ranging from patchwork, beaded shoes and T-shirts, knitting to paper-folding and flower-making. 

“The Music Room, with the karaoke system, is very popular with the Mandarin-speaking members,” informed Doris.  

Over tea, Doris elaborated on the support group. The BCSGgets its funds from donations (like the Yayasan Pembangunan Keluarga) or from self-help programmes and fund-raising projects.  

The group also organises activities like health screening, awareness road shows, joint exhibitions and social functions with support groups or organisations throughout Malaysia and Singapore. 

How often should we do BSE, I enquired? “At least once a month,” opined Doris. “In Malaysia, one in seven gets breast cancer, affecting girls even as young as 18 years. To create awareness, we sometimes have exhibitions that show ugly pictures of breast cancer in advanced stages, hopefully to scare women into going for mammograms.”  

Do husbands have a role to play?  

“Oh, they are very important, as most breast cancer is detected by the husband or the patient,” said Doris, as we burst out laughing. “During a breast-cancer exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, it was the husbands who encouraged their wives to be screened.” 

Doris advises newly-diagnosed patients not to be paralysed by fear and to go for treatment.  

“Be wary of businessmen who take advantage of new vulnerable patients, by selling them all sorts of products. Do not make sudden changes in your diets; just eat in moderation!” 

A retired teacher, Doris is at the centre often.She finds her work rewarding for she gets to meet people from all walks of life.  

“The experiences that the survivors go through make me appreciate what I have. It has been enriching working with people who give without asking. What moves me is a sense of contentment and appreciation that I am still around,” she disclosed. 

The group has adopted a motto: Reaching out. “Our aim is to reach out to new patients, survivors and the public about the importance of being aware of breast cancer and to show that we in BCSG embrace life in hope and joy.  

“We want to let people know that there is a place they can go to, a place to share, to bond, to interact and to make new friends. And there are survivors to tell them not to give up hope.” 

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This article was published in the Star (Malaysian newspaper) on 17th July 2006.