Q. Is your illness completely gone? How far are you
back to your normal life?
A. My disease, multiple myeloma, is in remission. We don't
take the attitude that it is ever gone completely, but we monitor
regularly and now I'm leading a particularly healthy life...that's
why research is so important in the field of multiple myeloma
- the next drug could be the one that saves my life.
Someone told me, 'healing begins when you realise there's no
cure'. I am not back to a normal life, but an extraordinary
life because of the insights I've gotten and the changes I've
made to my lifestyle. In a word: simplified.
Q. The tenor of regular life beckons you, Lisa. Have
you fully surrendered to it?
A. I am engaging with the world, but with a different quality
now. I do my best not to get stressed or over-extend myself,
as was my habit before. I don't think there's such a thing as
'regular life' - there's just life with many different shades.
So I'm doing a variety of things, but on my own terms. And I'm
trying to invest in the things that I enjoy. I'm also still
recovering from the stem cell transplant, so I have to take
it slow at times.
Q. One reads that you are going through severe post-illness
trauma. How are you coping?
A. I'm coping as anyone does. I have good days and bad. Also
what I'm going through is not unusual - so many people go through
similar experiences post-cancer. I don't want to sensationalise
any of it but perhaps just to share and raise awareness...I'm
learning a lot and mostly about how to practise compassion with
myself.
Q. Have you gradually gotten back into the full swing
of your career?
A. I don't believe in a swinging career. I believe in living
my life to the fullest and career is just one small aspect.
I think I sacrificed a lot of my life for my career to date
and it's time to balance this out now. Cancer is a huge wake-up
call.
Having said that, I'm exploring new creative opportunities.
The point is to chase joy. I've also had some unexpected honours
recently. I was invited to MC (Master of Ceremonies) a luncheon
for the Queen in Toronto and I was also seated at the head table.
It was a great experience.
I'd also like to raise a lot more awareness for cancer, multiple
myeloma and stem cell technology. That will be an integral part
of my career. As well as writing a book.
Q. Your "Cooking With Stella" would be releasing
soon. How do you look back on the experience?
A. "Cooking with Stella" was memorable and enjoyable
as it gave me the opportunity to work with Dilip Mehta. I loved
shooting in Delhi.
Q. Have you signed any more films?
A. I haven't yet signed another film. I'm in no hurry. I don't
want to spread myself too thin as I'm getting offers to appear
as a speaker across North America and I use this as platform
from which to raise awareness for multiple myeloma.