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With cancer gone, I’m now ready for babies - Bidanya Barassa

 

Bidanya Barassa, a cancer survivor and former model

Photo:Courtesy

Bidanya Barassa became M-Net’s second Face of Africa in 1999. But her career on the catwalk almost ended when she was diagnosed with colon cancer. She’s now the brand ambassador for Nairobi Hospice and CEO of Top Image Africa. She spoke to SILAS NYANCHWANI

How did you react when you were diagnosed with cancer?

I was in shock. I moved into the “what next mode?” I didn’t have time to discuss or wait. I just wanted the cancer out of my body. I dug through the Internet and saw scary articles. I knew immediately that the next cause of action was surgery, but I first needed to know what stage my cancer was. It was stage two colon cancer.

Besides death, what did you fear most?

Chemotherapy. Movies, books and the Internet detailed the horror of chemotherapy and that was my major fear, especially the side-effects, such as losing weight, being sickly and weak and of course, your hair falling out. I thank God that none of this happened to me, except for the three days in bed after my chemo-cocktail every three weeks.

Did you question God?

Surprisingly, I didn’t. But I did ask, “Why me?” Life is never a straight line. We have all dealt with certain cards in life and cancer was my major curve ball, which I had to deal with. I was positive and optimistic and had God as my anchor. I knew the cancer was temporary.

I would tell my story and create awareness on cancer. My work on earth was not done yet. God just needed to shake me up a little and direct me on the right path to fulfill my purpose and destiny.

Did the chemotherapy affect your plans of settling down and having children?

Not at all. Settling down and having children is on the cards and will happen soon - all in God’s time.

 How has the recovery journey been like?

I finished my chemo in October 2010. I have been cancer free for more than four years and I will stay this way until I’m 80 plus! Cancer actually changed my life for the better. I had to take stock of my life and take care of myself better. I had to also change my diet.

 I no longer take red meat and I have reduced my sugar intake. I used to workout but stopped due to demanding work schedules. But I am back and I now workout more frequently.  I am a Cross Fit junkie and a juicing addict. I’m living a happy, healthy, stress-free life. My health is a priority and I always make time to do what my body needs in order to perform at optimum levels.

 

Being a survivor, what do you think is the biggest challenge facing cancer victims?

 Lack of proper diagnosis and medical care. Chemotherapy is very expensive and most people cannot afford treatment. Cancer detection tests are also very expensive and due to this, most patients visit the hospital when the cancer is at an advanced stage. If detected early, cancer is curable.

What do you think should be done to fight cancer?

It starts with you leading a healthy lifestyle (check my website www.bidanyabarassa.com), going for annual medical check-ups, and not self-medicating when you have recurring pain and discomfort. The government should offer more free testing facilities and reduce the cost of chemotherapy.

We also need more oncologists in Kenya. Unfortunately, most people go to India for treatment. I opted to have mine in Kenya because I decided from the beginning that cancer would not disarrange my life. I had to fight with home ground advantage, with my family, friends, and work colleagues close by.

What is the most important take-home lesson from your cancer experience?

Colon cancer is curable if detected early. Poor diet that is low in fibre and water is one of the leading causes of colon cancer. Red meat, especially nyama choma, is highly carcinogenic and must be consumed in moderation.

Bacon and sausages and other highly processed foods are also terrible and sodas are the worst. Sugar shuts down your immunity for more than four hours, so you can imagine what a bottle of soda does to your body. Cancer cannot thrive in an oxygenated body, so working out is great for your colon.

Cancer feeds on sugar, so one must eliminate or reduce sugar in their diet. Cancer is an immunity disease, so you must equip your body with the right tools to kill any cells gone rogue. Our body has the ability to kill cancer cells if we feed it with the right stuff.

What’s your advice to cancer survivors?

I call them cancer victors. You are not surviving. You are thriving and we must fight and drive cancer awareness in Kenya.  We as soldiers must educate people and create awareness because doctors won’t do it. It starts with you and me. Keep the faith and remember you are healed by His stripes. I am healed by His (Jesus’) stripes.

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