Cancer Survivor Day: Nadia Jamil shares post-chemo, post-coma note from 2020

Actor shared an old message she wrote for herself during a difficult time

Pakistani actor Nadia Jamil, known for her resilience and candour, once again touched the hearts of many by sharing a poignant throwback note from 2020, penned during a particularly challenging phase of her battle with breast cancer. 

The note, which Jamil recently posted on Instagram, reflects her journey through post-cancer, post-chemo, and post-coma recovery, and serves as a testament to her enduring spirit and remarkable transformation.

In the heartfelt message dated July 10, 2020, Jamil wrote, “Hello! This is my face smiling at you all for your incredible, magical love that I read and beam at every day. Lots has changed but the smile is the same. A little wobbly. But we will get her back.” 

Jamil’s reflections revealed a deep shift in her perspective as she penned, “So much has changed. How I look, feel, my perspective of myself, of those around me, my relationship with solitude and silence.”

In her note, the actor marvelled at the simple joys of life, noting, “A slice of lemon or a peppermint leaf never just looked like the miracle it is, but now, on another level, it tastes unbelievable.” Her words offer a powerful reminder of the beauty in everyday moments, often overlooked in the rush of life. 

She also vividly described the contrasting worlds she perceived from her hospital room at the time. “There are no trees outside. No birds. Just the hustle and bustle of overworked nurses, laughing, talking, getting cross. There is a world outside this room where things are happening. There is a world where children are being exposed to unbearable pain and abuse. A world where there are wars and famines being ignored. There is a world of lush green grass, blue skies and stunning nature being polluted,” she expressed.

The Damsa actor recounted, “I can hear the Nathiagali and Kaghan mountain streams, turn into waterfalls. I can smell horses on the polo grounds. Nargis flowers on Ma’s table fill up the room like strong fragrant summer spirits... Or the Motia… that makes my heart swell with love and awe. I imagine the Bougainville running up the trees of my father's house, where my brother is lolling upstairs and my Aba is daydreaming and smiling, as he lolls downstairs.”

She then reflected on the strength of her mother, who endured immense personal loss and continued to support her with unwavering love and determination. “My beautiful mother who has carried the burden of a hundred oxen, since her son and parents died,” Jamil wrote, highlighting the profound impact of her family’s support on her journey to recovery.

Concluding her note, Jamil acknowledged that in 2020, while she was not yet ready to rejoin the world fully, she was on a path of healing and self-discovery. “Till then, I continue to heal journeying inwards, deep deep into the inner ether. I didn't realise how infinite we are within,” she wrote.

In 2022, Jamil revealed that she had completed the treatment for her illness and thanked everyone for their prayers. "Officially cancer-free," the actor penned in a lengthy Instagram post. "All tests cancer clear. Shukar Alhamdolillah. Thank you all for your love, prayers and support. I have some nerve damage in my feet due to the brutal chemotherapy, but I shall live to dance my way because bhangra is all in the shoulders anyways."

Adding, she said, "I'm eternally grateful to all my friends and family. You know who you are. Some friends in the industry always felt by my side, Sania Saeed, Muniba Mazari, Sultana Siddiqui and Adnan Siddiqui. Thank you!"

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.