Beyond the emotional impact of director Alexia Papazarou’s harrowing account of her eight-year battle with cancer, we must address the practical issues she raised. These challenges aren’t unique to her but face everyone confronting cancer (and other serious illnesses). Any of us could find ourselves in her position.
Those who have undergone chemotherapy describe an overwhelming sense of weakness and fatigue. Alexia Papazarou didn’t just undergo chemotherapy, but also radiotherapy, surgeries, and other treatments for three different types of cancer over eight years. Meanwhile, she had to work to earn an income and raise her child. “My body was screaming for rest, but I pretended not to hear it. I have to survive. I need to put my daughter through university. To live like a normal person. I don’t want to beg for charity. I don’t want to be a burden on my family and friends. I want to continue living with dignity. The treatments continue, and I keep working in theatre. With a body that’s worn out, exhausted…”
When people without stable employment rights find themselves in such circumstances, they’re forced to become superheroes to tackle not just the illness but also financial and other hardships. “I never liked talking about money,” Alexia explained. “Even now, I feel uncomfortable mentioning it. But this is a truth that doesn’t just affect me. It affects every patient. This truth needs to be told so those making decisions about us can hear it.”
Another practical difficulty she mentioned is the constant back-and-forth to the oncology centre, hospital, or other medical facilities – journeys that can sometimes be daily. “After the brain cancer, doctors told me I couldn’t drive. For three years now, I’ve been travelling between the Oncology Centre and work. How many times can I ask my family to take me back and forth? There’s no money for taxis.” PASYKAF and the Cancer Association offer some transport assistance between cities. However, this doesn’t cover all needs. What is the state doing about this?
Perhaps the most serious situation is that not everyone has someone to care for them. “‘Fatigue poses risks, Alexia. It’s dangerous to live alone. What if you fall in the bathroom? If you feel unwell in the middle of the night, what will you do? You need to bring a carer to the house,’ they tell me. But with what money?”
What is the state doing?