Egyptians affected by cancer find support, good-natured rivalry
A nonprofit association in Egypt, CanSurvive, helps cancer patients and survivors cope with the physical and psychological challenges of living with the disease.
Surveying her kitchen like a queen who has just regained her kingdom after a fierce struggle, Samiha Samir is enjoying the spoils of battle — in this case, by sampling a variety of foods.
She remembers the tough times when she lost her taste for food after she was diagnosed with stomach cancer. For six months, she could not eat anything, taking in only fluids.
Yet she refused to listen to talk about her being sick, as she considers herself a fighter, rigorously facing her illness with a smile. And once in a while, cancer is merciful and lets her enjoy some happy moments. During those times, her doctor allows her to eat whatever she likes.
Samir talked about the day when she finally was able to return to her favorite hobby: cooking.
