Dr Lahiru Russell
My story
I was a busy working mother of three little children and lived, I thought, a healthy life. I had studied health sciences and worked in clinical trials for over a decade. I thought I understood health. A cancer diagnosis in November 2010 challenged everything I knew about health and completely changed the way I live my life.
I received the best medical care that I could have hope for, but once my treatment was completed, that was it – see you in 3 months for a check-up, and then in 6 months, and then once a year! There was no conversation about how to improve my lifestyle for optimal health, no time to ask questions, and often these questions were not directly relevant to the cancer, so my specialists couldn’t advise and did not refer me to anyone either. I did not qualify for a psychologist, but I didn’t need one. All I wanted was to speak with someone who could help me make sense of what had happened to me and help me find my way forward. It was the emotional toll, worries, and loss of self-confidence that hit me the hardest over the following years. Watching my husband and parents hurt and worried about me only intensified my own emotional and mental suffering. I felt lost and confused.
It was my mindfulness and meditation practice that kept me saine and grounded. Having meditated for over 20 years, I naturally found comfort in that practice, and very slowly, over a few years, I found my way forward with a newfound purpose and a deep sense of gratitude for this second chance in life and the realisation that whatever the situation I am in, I chose how to show up. From that perspective everything I wanted to achieve felt possible.
I became inspired to share this perspective with others affected by cancer and other chronic conditions. In 2018 I was awarded a PhD in Psycho-Oncology, a field that looks at the mental health needs of people affected by cancer. In my research, I developed a mindfulness program to help people cope with their cancer diagnosis. I also became a meditation instructor and started running meditation sessions.
Through my research in cancer survivorship, I realised how much of my personal experience with cancer is shared by so many around the world. I could relate to the support people needed when affected by cancer or other chronic health conditions. I know that our medical system cannot provide the help most people need to live well beyond their treatment.
This is the reason I decided to become a health and wellness coach for people living with chronic health conditions including cancer. I believe that everyone has the capacity to live a fulfilling life. The question is how. My role as a coach is to help them through this discovery. Once people find what they truly deeply want, they unlock their own power to create change toward a healthier and meaningful life.
I would be honoured to support you on your path to better health.