Cancer in a Strange Land

As a part of life, people often face new situations that take them out of their comfort zones. A unique experience like traveling to a foreign country can be exciting, but unfamiliar circumstances can also cause significant unease, especially when they are due to health complications. And while a first-time cancer diagnosis may feel like uncharted territory, experiencing cancer treatments in an unfamiliar country can bring on even more challenges. 

Life on Pause is a podcast created by and for young adults living with cancer. In this episode, guest speaker Cecilia Kanga shares her experience receiving treatment for her cancer diagnosis in the United States and how she maintains positivity far away from her home in Zambia. As a traveler with a love of new experiences, Cecilia explains how her mindset and background have affected how she is experiencing her cancer journey in an unfamiliar land.

Introducing Cecilia (0:30)

The podcast begins with host Casey introducing the episode’s special guest speaker, Cecilia Kanga, who shares a bit of information about her background, her love of traveling, and her diagnosis. Cecilia is originally from Zambia, and since receiving her cancer diagnosis last year, she has experienced various challenges with her health and undergoing treatments in a new environment.

The Challenge of Change (3:52)

Battling cancer is already extremely challenging. But for Cecilia, being in a different country and experiencing her treatment in an entirely new environment added a new level of difficulty to her cancer journey. Cecilia describes the challenges of her treatment situation, like communication, and how that transpired with her care professionals.

The Hardest Challenges (5:54)

Cecilia cites that the most difficult part about her cancer journey was accepting her health condition. Being in a foreign land away from her loved ones and lacking control and knowledge about her diagnosis made it hard for her to wrap her mind around it. Her cancer also caused physical setbacks, as she experienced bodily changes and fatigue from chemo. Cecilia explains how she worked through these issues by gaining knowledge and receiving help from her community.

Seeking Treatment in a Faraway Land (11:14)

Cecilia has been receiving treatment for her cancer within the United States which, to her, is a foreign territory. While learning the terms and details behind a cancer diagnosis can feel like learning a new language altogether, Cecilia had to experience life as a patient far from her home. Being an avid traveler, she explains how she received treatment in the U.S. and how her family came together to support her throughout her health battle.

Hope and Motivation Through Cancer (18:39)

Cancer comes with challenges, both physical and mental. For Cecilia, hope and faith helped motivate and inspire her throughout her treatment and health difficulties. She describes how connections with other patients within the cancer community and her religion enabled her to gain perspective and feel supported throughout the physical changes and mental obstacles.

Comfort Foods (23:14)

Medication, treatments, and physical changes can all affect how a cancer patient feels. But seeking out comfort foods and other small pleasures can help patients experience positivity throughout their days in treatment. Cecilia describes the comfort foods she enjoys from home and how she has been adjusting to their absence during her time in America.

Losing Count (26:27)

Going through treatment for cancer can mean spending some time admitted to hospitals and other times doing outpatient treatments. Cecilia tells listeners how her chemotherapy programs and treatment plans change based on how she feels. She explains the difficulties of scheduling and rescheduling appointments and experiencing a constantly changing schedule.

Fear and Hope (27:43)

Health complications like cancer force patients to face the unknown, which can cause significant discomfort and fear. For Cecilia, her fear of death has caused her to consider the dreams she holds for her future and the aspirations that she still wishes to experience. Rather than avoiding the thought of her mortality, Cecilia explains that holding on to hope and faith has enabled her to maintain a semblance of positivity throughout her darkest times.

Finding Meaning in Challenges (31:09)

The podcast concludes with host Shelly asking Cecilia about what advice she would give to another young person experiencing a cancer diagnosis and the fears and uncertainties that come with it. Cecilia explains how taking life one day at a time, accepting their diagnosis, and seeking out a personal meaning toward the challenges they face can help people feel more in control of their health situation.