This is my message for World Cancer Day in memory of my beloved mother Mrs Meshar Mumtaz Bano, cancer patients past and present and ladies who have a history of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.
After a very brave four year struggle with metastatic breast cancer my beloved mother Mrs Meshar Mumtaz Bano returned to her maker April 2016.
World Cancer Day 2017 Video in English
Video to be uploaded soon
MESHAR MUMTAZ BANO
My beloved mother was a ‘courageous woman, she was my first school of thought, love, compassion and my paradise.’
Mrs Meshar Mumtaz Bank and Sabeena Ahmed celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight
Dubai, UAE, 2015
My mother was an extraordinarily humble, kind and charismatic lady.
She could strike up a conversation with anyone. An empathetic listener, amazing chef and gardener, she possessed a sharp wit and humour that would instantly lift your spirits.
Yes! She had a beautiful smile. Never once did she complain about her cancer and all those horrible treatments.
She was so calm and graceful even during the most difficult times.
I was very blessed to be with during her final hours along with my brother and sister.
Photo tba
It is with great sadness to inform readers that my three beautiful aunts (my mother's sisters) have also passed from breast and ovarian cancer.
My mothers sisters (my khalas) who also passed from ovarian and breast cancer
Mrs Kausar Dishad Bano,
Mrs Mushtar Aftab (not featured in this photograph) and
Mrs Ronack Afroze, Pakistan.
A fourth aunt is currently receiving chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, Karachi, Pakistan.
My family are praying she gets well soon and I hope those reading will wish her well in her recovery.
Hereditary Breast Cancer, Genetic Testing and Counselling
During early January 2017 I found a lump in my left breast and immediately made an appointment to see my breast consultant. Luckily, my lump was a cyst and it was removed successfully.
Due to a history of breast and ovarian cancer in my family my consultant advised that I take the BRAC1 and BRAC2 genetic testing.
My results were normal and I do not carry the BRAC 1/2 genes. I am very relieved.
Self examination is the key to early detection of cancer and survival.
I would like to reiterate that all women who have a history of cancer in the family should attend their annual mammogram and pap test.
I am hoping that by recording this video I can reach out to other ladies in similar situations and Pakistani/Asian carers who would like a listening ear and some moral support.
It is my aim that the Pakistani and Asian community talk openly about cancer and support those instead of giving them a death sentence. Cancer is a taboo subject and it's so important to dispel the myths surrounding it.
Due to the lack of support after my mother passed I completed an online course ''Talking About Cancer'' with Cancer Research UK.
I have attached a link below for those interested.
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/talking-about-cancer
I have attached a link about my humble support for breast cancer research over the years and how victims of human trafficking in Nepal are producing beautiful fairtrade breast cancer products.
https://www.thelittlefairtradeshop.com/blogs/news/fairtrade-and-breast-cancer-awareness-dubai-and-manchester
Claire from the Pink Caravan UAE and Sabeena Ahmed celebrate Cancer Awareness Month, Dubai, UAE
I would like to reassure those reading that the body goes through many hormonal changes and not every lump is cancerous.
If you notice any abnormalities in your body please make an appointment to see your General Practitioner.
If you are uncomfortable about attending your doctors appointment, mammogram or pap test alone ask a family member or friend to go along with you.
However hard it may see at the time, talk to someone about how you are feeling. Worrying never achieves anything and knowing that you've opened a conversation about your health is a step closer to making you better and healthier.
Before you attend your appointment make a list of all your symptoms and talk openly with your doctor about your worries and concerns.
Please support a cancer research organisation this World Cancer Day and a visit a cancer patient. Your support or visit my make a world of difference to their recovery.
Peace and Blessings to all cancer patients, their carers, families and friends.
I wish you all a speedy recovery and a happy, healthy and beautiful future.
Thank you for reading and watching. Sabeena X
#WORLDCANCERDAY #WECANICAN #ACTOFUNITY #NOTBEYONDUS #TIMETOTALK
Further Reading and Links
This World Cancer Day support a cancer research organisation or visit a cancer patient.
This month my right shoulder is still very painful and I have struggled to record this vlog and type this blog.
This month I supported fairtrade fortnight 2024 and celebrated Fairtrade's 30th Anniversary.
Here is my Easy Fairtrade Cocoa and Fairtrade Bananas Recipe which I baked for Fairtrade Fortnight 2024.
I have tried my best to translate this recipe in Urdu.
یہ ہے میری ایزی فیئرٹریڈ کوکو اور فیئر ٹریڈ کیلے کی ترکیب جسے میں نے فیئر ٹریڈ فورٹ نائٹ 2024 کے لیے پکایا تھا۔
میں نے اس ترکیب کا اردو میں ترجمہ کرنے کی پوری کوشش کی ہے۔
This month I supported fairtrade fortnight 2024 and celebrated Fairtrade's 30th Anniversary.
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I'm Sabeena Ahmed owner and creator of The Little Fair Trade Shop. I've been an individual associate member of the World Fair Trade Organization since 2011 and together with my artisans I bring you a bespoke collection of ethically sourced fashion & gifts.
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