What it looks like when cancer gets the chance to spread

September 23 — When contemplating the concept of parallel universes, one wonders if there once existed a "different version" of myself who did not endure the year. Now, Musliha, a woman previously featured in my columns, was informed that the public healthcare system could not offer further assistance. She has young children and a husband who has made efforts with limited means.

This should not be anyone's story. If you could contribute financially to her sustenance, she can be supported via this link. In alternate realities, did the other Ernas stand up for others? Eradicating cancer is beyond my capabilities (it is not a singular disease, but rather a multitude of ailments, which AI enthusiasts fail to comprehend, along with how to be compassionate humans).

Perhaps I cannot rescue individuals like Musliha, but perhaps reading this will inspire you to seek medical attention for yourself or a loved one. Perhaps you will cease attributing your aches, persistent fatigue, and subdued mood to the mundane aspects of existence. With cancer, it is a race and once it gains an advantage, the task of identifying, vanquishing, and bidding it farewell becomes an increasingly intricate endeavor.

There are afflictions just as dire, perhaps even more so than cancer, so one should not live their life centered around avoiding it. Being a cancer patient has taught me to relinquish weighty expectations and the need to impress anyone. Why invest an hour or more in fretting over events that have not transpired or outcomes unfavorable to me?

Life is fleeting, often accompanied by discomfort, and it is, ultimately, still a blessing. This is why I believe you should prioritize your own well-being and refrain from my advice against consuming doughnuts. Speaking of doughnuts, I am quite exasperated by the lengthy lines at I'm Donut? and would prefer a satisfying burger over wasting two to three hours of my life for the confectionery treats.

However, I would not refuse a box if offered; I merely do not wish to inconvenience my joints and legs by lining up at 8:30 am, as some individuals do. Life is too precious to chase doughnuts, my dear. I have heard that IKN is now overwhelmed and individuals are inundating public hospitals out of desperation. The solution is not the sale of insurance policies.

It is about placing emphasis on health in every facet of our daily routines at a policy level. Our children are stunted. Our incomes are depressed. We cannot manage budgets or "change our lifestyles" ourselves out of systemic policy shortcomings. Thus, instead of ridiculing the overweight Malaysian seen passing by or feeling proud for not being the one queuing for a sweet beverage or dessert, remember this — cancer does not discriminate based on how virtuously one lives.

What matters is that we do not possess sufficient healthcare professionals or hospitals, and existing insurance standards imply that many policies exclude those who would most benefit from it. Morality or judgment does not aid; it merely hardens the heart in a world where it requires softness. Despite this world appearing grim now, with soaring inflation, people seeking guidance from Magic 8 Balls to respond to their emails, and billionaires indulging in wealth, it is more crucial than ever to preserve our minds and souls.

Hold onto those aspects that no one can seize from you, that core of humanity. And if necessary, indulge in a doughnut (that you do not have to queue for two hours for). This is the personal perspective of the columnist.