At 15, Elfifia was diagnosed with cancer. Here, she shares what the experience was like and how life has been since. When Life Took an Unexpected Turn At 15, most girls would be thinking about school, making memories with friends and wondering what the future holds after graduation. But my life took a different turn. […]
At 15, Elfifia was diagnosed with cancer. Here, she shares what the experience was like and how life has been since.
At 15, most girls would be thinking about school, making memories with friends and wondering what the future holds after graduation. But my life took a different turn. Instead of thinking about what came next, I found myself facing something I never expected: cancer.
Hi, my name is Nur Elfifia, and I come from Sebauh. My cancer journey began in September last year, when I was diagnosed with T-Lymphoblastic Lymphoma at just 15 years old. From that moment, my life changed completely.
I first knew something wasn’t right when I started experiencing shortness of breath and getting tired easily. Even the simple daily activities I used to enjoy slowly became exhausting. I also developed a persistent cough and noticed a lump on my neck.
My mum noticed these changes too and brought me to a nearby clinic. At first, I was prescribed cough medicine as my symptoms did not seem too serious. However, as time went by, the lump became increasingly painful, especially when touched, and my condition continued to worsen.
I knew something was wrong, but I was afraid of going to the hospital. My mum, however, was determined to get me the help I needed. Seeing my condition deteriorate must have been heartbreaking for her, but she insisted that we seek further medical attention.
Looking back, I am grateful she trusted her instincts.
I was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for close monitoring, where the medical team carried out several examinations and tests. My family and I were left waiting anxiously, unsure of what was happening or what the results would reveal.
Eventually, arrangements were made for me to fly to Kuching for further treatment. Our flight tickets were sponsored by a doctor from Bintulu Hospital, something we remain very grateful for.
When we arrived at Sarawak General Hospital, we received the news that no family ever wants to hear.
Cancer. T-Lymphoblastic Lymphoma.
I did not know how to react. Everything happened so quickly, and although I struggled to process the diagnosis, I could see how deeply it affected my mum.
Soon after, chemotherapy became part of my weekly routine. I also underwent a biopsy and bone marrow examinations. There were many unfamiliar things to face, but thankfully, we did not have to figure everything out on our own. We were grateful to have SCCS supporting us throughout this difficult period.
My mum and I stayed at SCCS Halfway Home throughout my treatment in Kuching. Having a place to stay and support with our daily needs made things a little easier for my mum, especially while we were far away from home.
If you ask me about the most difficult part of my journey, I would say it was losing my appetite. The treatment made it so difficult for me to eat, and I could no longer enjoy the food I once loved.
But through everything, my family never stopped being there for me. Even when they could not always be physically by my side, their encouragement and support kept me going. Knowing that I had people who believed in me gave me the strength to keep moving forward.
Beyond my family, SCCS also became an important part of our journey. Their support made a real difference, especially through the accommodation and assistance with our daily needs during treatment. Without SCCS, we would not have known where to turn for help.
I also found comfort in the friendships I built with other childhood cancer patients in the ward. We understood one another in ways that others might not. Going through similar experiences allowed us to relate to each other, share encouragement and find strength together, even on difficult days.
Today, there are little things that I appreciate more than ever. When my appetite finally returned, I was so happy to enjoy my favourite food again: Sarawak Laksa! It is my favourite thing in the whole world, especially when served with crispy fried chicken skin. Although I still have to follow certain dietary restrictions, I look forward to enjoying it whenever I can.
During my free time, I also love going for walks and exploring the village with my cousins. These simple moments may seem ordinary, but they mean so much more to me now. I have learnt not to take them for granted.
I am happy to share that I am in remission and have completed my active treatment in May this year! I am now attending follow-up appointments at Bintulu Hospital for my intrathecal therapy, and I have returned to school, where I get to see my friends again.
Being back in school and slowly returning to my everyday routine feels wonderful. There is still a journey ahead, but I am grateful for how far I have come.
To all the other children and teenagers going through cancer treatment, my message is simple: Keep your spirits strong. I know it is not easy, and there will be days when things feel difficult. But don’t give up. Keep going, one day at a time. Someday, you will look back and realise just how far you have come.
You are stronger than you think, and you are never alone.
