by Manjit Handa
Name: Sara Cotton
Age: 34
Diagnosed with: Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Nodular Sclerosis on April 14, 2003
Education: BA with English and Political Science
Work Experience: Worked with CH TV and CBC as a producer
Family background: Grew up in Toronto with a sister, Mum and Dad, got
married to a wonderful husband Craig Downie and moved to Hamilton, a place she finds “affordable” and “not a bad place to live”.
On first Diagnosis: Was shocked
First Symptoms: Had cough. Her breathing was getting tough. It was also the time of SARS. Either it was that or it might be an attack of asthma because it ran in the family, her father had it.
Doctor’s response: First went to a walk-in-clinic because the family doctor was in Toronto where she lived all her life.
. . .and would never get wrapped in work so much as to ignoring health because “50,000 dollars is not worth your life”.
The doctor Mr. Martinez was really supportive who started with first asking if she had a good support system and told him that in best case scenario it was pneumonia and in the worst it would have to be seen. Only she had to get an X-Ray at that time. When she saw the X-Ray she knew there was “something seriously wrong”. She was told that it might be “cancer”. She had gone to see the doctor with her husband but they were not allowing him in because of the SARS breakout. So finally she herself had to disclose it to him. But to others, the “real” people, she could not tell herself. That was her husband’s job.
What after the initial shock? She knew she had to “fix it”. Now started the whole process of scans, biopsy and chemotherapy.
Support from family and friends: Immense. They all stood by her like a rock. Remembers one of her mum’s friends (a doctor) from Toronto who explained to her in a matter of fact way: “Our body is like a bunch of streets. There are stop signs and there are some terrorists. . .” And sure this was a big one! It has been eight months of radiation but she has done well during the treatments because she thinks she has taken support of alternative measures like acupuncture and Chinese naturopathy.
Her introduction to Alternative Medicine: By her sister who believes in all things “organic” and the “holistic” approach to life. Thus she has used the regular system of medicine in conjunction with the alternative that has worked out well long time.
Financing the treatment: When she was diagnosed, it was only three months
she had worked for CBC. So her family helped with fundraisers by selling Teddy Bears (see the picture, click to enlarge). Later even her Insurance Company decided to cover her costs.
Downside of the treatment: Although some doctors encourage her to have a child, she does not want to risk having one. Feels depressed about it, especially her husband who feels that “all walls are shut”. She might change her mind later but at the moment she feels too tired for that responsibility. Also at workplace where she ought to be back now, she is not allowed to take a part time job “with all the benefits”. Full-time she cannot shoulder which is physically exhausting. Feels the “control” she had, of her life has been taken away.
Strongly feels, that working in the nights is not a good idea which could have possibly triggered the disease.
Catching up on all the pending things: A close friend Martin, only 31and a proficient bagpipe player died recently that changed her outlook on life. The Tsunami tragedy and now Pope’s passing away has enhanced her grief. With a close understanding of “how precious life is”, she has made up her mind to do things she has been wanting to do all along, like going to New Foundland, Vietnam and New York City.
Her preoccupation now: Gardening, Music, spending quality time with friends, inspired by Art and colors, walking down the street enjoying new things and not just being “sociable” but “participating” in relationships.
Major drive: Quest for happiness not only for herself but also for others around her. Believes health and happiness is dependant on each other. She went to an Anglican School but does not go to Church for prayers. On the contrary she feels more guided “from within”.
Her Message to the Readers: “Don’t be miserable ever and keep the curiosity going, to give it a try so that you enjoy small things like seeing flowers in bloom your dog and so on…”
How would she relive her life given a chance? Cash upon all the opportunities that she stupidly did not, as a kid, like pottery, sculpting and tile making and would never get wrapped in work so much as to ignoring health because “50,000 dollars is not worth your life”.
Well said Sara. Kudos to the valor with which you have fought the mean Mutineer! Keep up the good work. Never let it return.
