Surviving breast cancer is a victory but the journey does not always end when the treatment does. While early detection and a general awareness about the disease are important, it is equally important to understand the challenges that come after. 
As local campaigns to express solidarity with breast cancer patients and survivors continue, an event bringing alive the journey of Bahraini mother-of-two Manal Al Sarraf was recently staged at Bahrain Financial Harbour. 
The ticketed fundraiser, organised by Servcorp, featured a talk by Manal as well as a raffle draw and quiz. A total of BD600 was raised, organisers revealed, which will be donated to Bahrain Cancer Society. 
During the programme, Manal highlighted the challenges she faced over her five-year journey with the illness. A routine check-up led to her diagnosis. The path ahead was far from easy but she noted how her family came together to support her. Whether it was her sister driving her to chemotherapy appointments or her nephew dropping her son to school on days that she could not drive. 
“Life had to continue,” said the brave spirit, “but support and love from family and friends is very important.”
Even as she nears the end of her treatment, Manal noted how breast cancer affects so many different aspects of life. “After treatment, you don’t go back to your ‘old self’ and I think that’s one of the biggest misconceptions,” she told GulfWeekly. 
“You have to give yourself grace and embrace the change and accept it. Being active is important. I was still running during my chemo days,” she recounted, adding that nutrition and sleep are essential. 
Indian expatriate Anu Jose, who has been in remission for 19 years, concurred. 
“I had a close-knit group of people who used to give me positivity. Also, watching my children helped me push myself everyday – we have to live for them,” she remarked, adding that faith in God helped her immensely.
Talking about lifestyle changes, she noted that she had to be more careful immediately after the surgery.
“You are not supposed to sleep on that side or you might get a swelling. Regular exercise stretches and hand raises help.”
Al Hilal Hospital Riffa general surgeon Dr Nusrat Jabeen advised proper rest especially for patients who develop lymphedema or swelling due to excess lymph fluid building up in the breast tissue, typically as a side effect of breast cancer treatments like surgery and radiation therapy.
“In case of extensive surgery, 80 per cent patients develop lymphedema. In severe cases, we advise physiotherapy, which can help reduce the swelling and put the patient at ease. Additionally, we advise against over exercising the arm or taking any injection on that side. 
“They cannot use that arm for daily chores the way they used to before the surgery so, they must hire help at home as needed. Forcefully using the arm may lead to other complications,” she warned. 
The medical expert recommended proper nutrition and mild exercise to ensure a healthy lifestyle. 
In addition to physical health, breast cancer can also majorly impact mental wellbeing long after the treatment is over. Dr Nusrat revealed that depression among breast cancer survivors is common.  
“Especially in the Gulf, we have women coming to us seeking medication for depression. A common complaint is they do not feel attractive for their spouse,” she said, advising patients to consider prosthesis, implants or reconstructive surgery.  
Keeping the mind engaged with positive experiences and social connections helps, highlighted the specialist. 
Bahraini entrepreneur and dentist Dr Zahra Majeed chose to dive into upskilling to keep her spirits up. 
“I decided to turn my experience into a positive one and signed up for a course,” added the survivor, who has been into remission since August last year. 
“I am still navigating some emotional aspects. However, I keep myself engaged and active,” she added.