Talking about cancer to an audience

I did not know that giving a presentation as a cancer survivor after a gap of almost a year was going to be difficult.

I was recently called by leading insurance company to share my experience as a cancer survivor to a group of successful lady insurance consultants.

At first, I eagerly agreed but when I started amending my power point presentation slides, it reminded me of the days the cancer dominated my life. Yet, I found that I could not remember some of the moments when I was undergoing treatment. During a few days before the presentation I heard a survivor of 20 odd years have a recurrence of breast cancer and she was the epitome of “survivorhood” for all of us. I spoke to her and she sounded cheerful as ever and taking the chemo at a good stride. I also spoke to my fellow survivor and blogger Dalilah who is currently undergoing treatment. I was happy to hear these great ladies being so confident and strong.

And now for myself… sudden compared to 2 years ago I wasn’t really eager to share all of a about cancer. I realized that it is not so easy sometime to share because it takes you back on a painful flashbacks and memory lane, …a road filled with so much pebbles and holes.

I only had a few days left to gear up myself and so I called up another long time survivor who now works for a cancer organization to get inspiration. I asked her how she can deal with patients and giving talks often…does she not get worried and be constantly reminded of cancer. She told me she had not choice but to put aside her fears and move on. She said it is not easy for her either but she some how manages to do so. Well I was glad I spoke to my friend because I now know what I am feeling is normal.

Anyway I did give my presentation in front of many aspiring consultants about 50-60 of them for about 45 minutes on late evening after work.

I suppose I did quite a good job as when I ended I was given a standing ovation and was given a wonderful token of appreciation by the organizers. I wish all these charming and pleasant ladies all the best in their career as consultants.

Well! I suppose in the end of the day, as we inspire people, we too get inspired. I really take my hats of for all those cancer survivors who keep the momentum of talking to people and dealing with cancer relates matters for years.