BAHRAINI Samah Husain has defied the odds by overcoming stage three breast cancer – all while living with the daily challenges of sickle cell anaemia.
The 42-year-old is now advocating for support groups for spouses who stand by their partners during the ordeal, highlighting the emotional challenges they face.
Ms Husain was diagnosed in October 2020 – she noticed a lump that changed in colour and size a couple of months after her marriage, prompting a biopsy that confirmed the terrifying diagnosis.
“I was one of those people who never thought I could get cancer, especially since I have sickle cell anaemia. I never imagined I could have both,” the A’ali-based architect told the GDN.
She consulted doctors in and outside Bahrain before choosing to receive treatment in Singapore, where medics presented a personalised plan using ‘targeted therapy’ – a treatment that attacks cancer cells while sparing healthy ones – as she also suffered from SCA.
Sickle cell anaemia, an inherited blood disorder, causes red blood cells to become rigid and sticky. These sickle-shaped cells can block blood flow in small vessels, leading to chronic pain and organ damage. Because sickle cells die after 10 to 20 days – compared to 120 days for normal cells – cancer treatment can place more stress on the body.
“Treatment plans vary for each individual and I felt aggressive chemotherapy could do more harm than good to my already fragile body,” she said, explaining the reason for choosing the targeted therapy.
In January 2021, after a video consultation, she began treatment in Singapore. She stayed in rented accommodation with her husband Mohamed Modara and visited the hospital, until she was declared cancer-free in 2022.
Ms Husain became emotional when speaking about her husband’s unwavering support throughout her arduous battle, saying their love and bond grew stronger than ever through the ordeal.
“It wasn’t just me who went through this – it was him too,” she said.
“There were times I would throw up all over the place as the chemo made me terribly ill. I would tell him to leave, to save himself from the pain, but he refused. He stayed with me through every single moment, no matter how hard it got.”
Sharing how the experience changed them both, she said: “We truly grew together in ways I never imagined. I wish there was more support for spouses who go through this with their partners because it is not easy for them either.
“Support groups are available for people going through similar battles like mine, but unfortunately, there weren’t any for spouses. I know a support group would have greatly benefited my husband.”
Reflecting on life after treatment, she said the experience completely changed her perspective on what truly matters.
“I realised I had my priorities wrong,” she admitted. “I feel incredibly blessed to have been given a second chance to fix some of them.”
She also shared that she no longer lives or works the way she once did, believing that the stress of her career played a role in her illness.
“I used to feel like I had to prove myself – that I had to take on every client and every project. I don’t feel that pressure anymore. I know my worth, and I value my peace more than everything else.”
Ms Husain added that she has also learned to slow down and enjoy life’s little pleasures.
“I was so strict with myself, but now I happily enjoy a slice of cake, take time to garden and just appreciate the small, simple things,” she said.
A few months after her diagnosis, she made the difficult decision to close her business – but not before ensuring that all of her employees found new jobs. Now, she works as a freelancer, taking on two projects a year.
“That is more than enough for me,” she said.
Sickle Cell Disease currently affects around 8,500 people in Bahrain.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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