How music helps in cancer journey

Published on: Sunday, November 08, 2020

By: Audrey J Ansibin

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Rica (right) with American singer-songwriter Greyson Chance in 2012.

WHEN life gives you lemons, make lemonades – and listen to music while you’re at it. This is what two cancer survivors can agree on in their journey to healing not just physically, but also emotionally and spiritually.

Our first interviewee is a former Hitz radio announcer, Rica Sham, who opens up to Daily Express about life after seven years of radio gigs, her studies in Australia, followed by the surprise cancer diagnosis in October 2018.

Before the cancer diagnosis of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) Stage 4A, life was a roller coaster for Rica.

At Hitz, she was part of the pioneering team of broadcasting events like first underwater broadcasting in collaboration with the Royal Malaysian Navy and conquering Mt Kinabalu, besides the perks of brushing shoulders with world-class artistes like Greyson Chance, Far East Movement and Yuna.

“I was 27 when I first became a radio announcer in December 2010 and it was amazing,” Rica said.

“I interviewed world-class artistes like Yuna, Far East Movement, hosted Greyson Chance and Pixie Lott’s concerts. The radio journey was more than I could ever ask for!

“It’s priceless and I’m truly thankful for the experience. And yes, my deeper interest in sound and music production is from my passion for music and the radio broadcasting environment.

“So after seven years of radio gigs, I decided to pursue a Diploma in Audio Engineering and Sound Production in JMC Academy Melbourne, Australia by February 2018.”

Rica said music played an important part in her cancer journey and fortunately for her, her husband Leonard Leong, 42, not only shares her passion but sings and plays the guitar as well.

“My husband and I would jam together. He plays the guitar and I sing or I just listen to his singing. It was therapeutic for me.

“I also remember a video clip my sister Christine sent me of her playing the piano and singing ‘Lovely Day’ by Bill Withers. It brought me to tears and there was a gush of hope inside of me.

“I can’t describe it with words but the music lifted my spirit and suddenly I dared to face radiotherapy, endure the burn on my neck caused by radiotherapy, the pain inside my mouth caused by a huge ulcer and more.

“I felt comfort from the physical pain I was enduring that time. As cliché as it sounds, it’s true music heals. That’s why music will always be a part of my life,” she said.

Rica, who is now 36, said as a “Christ believer”, she listens to worship songs and watch sermon videos for encouragement and hope.

“During treatment, I kept social media at a minimum and only watched inspiring or light-hearted content and music. It may or may not work for you, so you’ll have to figure out how to cope with the stress. Otherwise, find ways to stay calm and think positively.

“No negative or depressing thoughts can help you combat the disease or add one inch of goodness into your life. You are what you say and believe you are.

“So say good things and blessings to your body and into your life, believe that you will get better! I have been encouraging several friends in their cancer journey,” Rica said, adding that she can be reached at her Instagram handle @ricasham.

Meanwhile, Clinical Oncologist Dr Flora Chong Li Tze agreed that besides moral support, music is just as important.

“Emotional and moral support is very important for cancer patients especially in the current pandemic.

“Music or any pastime can help cancer patients fill their time and makes them happy,” said Dr Flora, who is also head of the Radiotherapy and Oncology Department at the Sabah Women and Children’s Hospital.

Another cancer survivor, Melissa Angus, 43, said her life growing up was filled with music and it was only natural that music helped her cope in her breast cancer journey.

“I grew up surrounded by family members with strong musical background. I love singing and I play several instruments like the piano, electone and guitar.

“Music plays a big role in helping me cope during difficult times. And one of it was definitely during my breast cancer journey,” Melissa, who was diagnosed with Extensive Ductal Carcinoma-In-Situ (DCIS) intermediate grade with microcalcifications, said.

Having cared for several aunts who were diagnosed too late with the disease, she had been proactive in reminding relatives to do regular check-ups and to be medically insured.

“It opened my eyes on how to make sure that we need to have at least enough funds to cover for our future medical expenses and to get ourselves medically insured.

“I did all these precautionary measures not knowing that I would have to experience having cancer myself. I’m so thankful that my earlier experience had a positive impact as I managed to detect mine at a very early stage.

“When the doctor told me that I needed to undergo a mastectomy, I did not think twice. I was 37 and unmarried when I got diagnosed in 2014,” Melissa said.

“My doctors at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur comprised of a breast surgeon, an oncologist and a plastic surgeon. They were brilliant and gave me mastectomy options that suited me.

“It was awkward at first, and I felt a little insecure,” Melissa related on undergoing the mastectomy surgery, which involves removing all breast tissue from the breast to treat or prevent breast cancer.

She said getting used to having one less breast was thanks to support from her doctors, then soon-to-be husband (now happily married) and strong support from family and friends.

“Not forgetting Makna representatives who visited me at the Pantai Hospital KL. Being a member of Kinabalu Pink Ribbon when I got back to Kota Kinabalu really helped as well,” she said, adding that it took her only a month to readjust to life.

Meanwhile, Rica said as a cancer survivor, she lives life “one day at a time”.

“Of course, it’s not easy. The year 2020 is not exactly the Wawasan 2020 we all envisioned during our school days (laughs).

“In January 2020, I became a copywriter for a digital marketing agency but was let go during the pandemic. Like many Malaysians, I’m unemployed and figuring out my next career move.

“As a cancer survivor, I also deal with after treatment side-effects, constant doctors’ reviews and readjusting to life after cancer. Can things be normal like it was before cancer? Perhaps not, but who says it can’t be better?

“I’m thankful for God’s grace as I have what I need and a supportive husband, family and friends who will keep me grounded and encourage me to face my fears.

“You’re the only one stopping yourself from starting, so if you have a business idea or a job you want to apply, do it. Don’t let one setback keep you from your coming success,” Rica said, expressing gratitude to every single reader, listener, friend and family member, doctors and nurses who took good care of her.

“Thank you for being there for me. I’m glad that even till today I do keep in touch with some of my radio show listeners and they would tell me how I positively influenced their lives when they were younger.

“It gives me great joy that I’m able to encourage people around me. I hope to keep sharing my cancer journey, supporting the youth, music and creative industries in any possible way and telling encouraging stories.

“Currently, I’m practising my content creation, writing, music and video editing skills whenever I can. I had the wonderful opportunity to host the Sabah Unity Movement youth dialogue recently in September.

“I’ve written about my cancer journey on YMI.today and planning on releasing a podcast show before the year ends (fingers crossed). Wish me all the best and follow my progress on social media!”

Her advice to cancer patients and survivors? “Don’t give up, keep going.”

Dr Flora, meanwhile, assured cancer patients that they have a Covid-19 screening system in place for patients receiving treatment as well as for personnel in hospital.

“Some treatment regimes may be modified or adapted to current pandemic situation to reduce risk of infection.

“Patients who have completed treatment and are stable may have consultation through phone or via virtual platform.

“Measures to reduce risk of infection are as advocated by Ministry of Health to avoid 3Cs (crowded space, confined space, close conversation) and practice 3Ws (wash, wear, warn).

“Avoid going out unnecessarily or having visitors, especially if on chemotherapy. Eat balanced diet and keep well hydrated,” Dr Flora said, adding that family members should also follow the above precautions.