– She has cancer with metastases. I am infinitely fond of her and wish to be there for her as best as I can, says Bergstø to NRK.
The leader of the SV party has initially applied for a two-week leave of absence from the Storting, until the Christmas holiday. But that may be extended, she admits.
– All of us who have experience with cancer, either ourselves or in the family, know that it is indeed quite a heavy and unpredictable situation to be in.
substitute representative Haitham El-Noush will take her place on the akershus bench,while SV deputy leader Marian Hussein will take over party leadership tasks that Bergstø cannot fulfill.
– She will do it excellently, says Bergstø.
SV deputy leader Marian Hussein will take over some of Bergstø’s tasks in the near future.
Photo: Bård Nafstad / NRK
Bad experiences
Manny Norwegian families have painful experiences with cancer.
But for Kirsti Bergstø (43),the disease has hit hard before. When she was 15, her father died of cancer.
– I held his hand when he died. And what was nice in all the pain was that we got to talk together in a way that one might not or else do, says Bergstø.
The SV leader will be at home in Nesseby with her mother during Christmas.
– When one becomes ill, some can become bitter and withdrawn. my father became very open. And it was good to be able to talk about the situation we were in, the time to come. And also about many things that one didn’t know later on would be missed in a conversation, says Bergstø.
The SV leader says her mother receives good help from the hospital in Kirkenes and from her brother, who lives in Nesseby.
Experiences from her father’s death influenced her decision to enter politics.
– At that time, the local nursing home was threatened with closure. fighting for it was notable for both my father and my family. And even though he lost the battle against cancer, we won the fight for the nursing home, says bergstø.
was diagnosed with cancer herself
15 years after her father’s death, Kirsti Bergstø herself was diagnosed with cervical cancer. At the age of 30.
– Yes,but it is a nice story because I became healthy. I had surgery, and I haven’t had a recurrence since. And it also shows how far we have come with cancer treatment in our country, says Bergstø.
– I was among the first to receive exactly that type of fertility-preserving surgery.Which made it possible to later carry a child, and I was so blessed to experience that, she continues.
– One is to relate to the fact that the worst and the best in life rarely can be fully planned. And the other is that when a situation is serious, regarding the health of someone you love, you never know what tomorrow will bring. So the only thing you can do is choose. Now I choose to leave my work in the Storting and in the party,to put it on hold and be present where it is most important leading up to Christmas,she says.
SPECULATIONS: Kirsti Bergstø meets NRK to avoid speculation about her upcoming absence from the Storting.
aiming to avoid speculation
Bergstø says there are several reasons why she chooses to be open about why she will be absent from the Storting during the intense period leading up to Christmas, where many issues are being processed.
– When I leave my work here, it is indeed as there are good reasons for it. I do not want there to be speculation around other things, says the SV leader.
– I have not had good working conditions,and therefore I have asked to switch committees and step out of the group leadership,Kaski stated.
– The party is teamwork. So it is my responsibility as party leader to ensure that everyone experiences good working conditions.
Published
07.12.2024, at 19.43
What are some effective ways for caregivers to manage stress while supporting a family member with cancer?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Cancer Care Expert
Editor: Welcome, everyone, to this exclusive interview with Dr. Anna Sørensen, a leading expert in oncology and supportive care. Today, we are discussing a sensitive topic that has made headlines recently – the health condition of SV party leader, Karin Bergstø, who is currently facing cancer with metastases. Dr. Sørensen, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Sørensen: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss such an importent subject.
Editor: Karin bergstø expressed her deep affection for a loved one battling cancer and emphasized the unpredictability of the disease. Can you explain what makes cancer such a challenging illness for both patients and their families?
Dr. Sørensen: Certainly. Cancer is often described as unpredictable because it can behave very differently from one person to another. Each case is unique in terms of how the cancer develops and how it responds to treatment. This unpredictability can lead to emotional turmoil, not just for the patient but for their loved ones as well. Families often find themselves in situations where they must grapple with tough decisions and the feeling of helplessness, which can be incredibly heavy.
Editor: Bergstø has applied for a two-week leave of absence, indicating that this may be extended. From your experience, how critically important is it for caregivers to take time off during such trying times?
Dr.Sørensen: Its vital. Caring for someone with cancer can be all-consuming, and caregivers often find themselves emotionally and physically drained. Taking time off allows them to process their feelings, recharge, and ensure they’re in a good space to provide the support their loved ones need. It also serves as a reminder that self-care is not a luxury – it’s a necessity.
Editor: Bergstø mentioned substitute representatives and leadership transitions within her party during her absence. How can political leaders balance personal crises with their professional responsibilities?
Dr. Sørensen: This is a delicate balance. Public figures are often under immense pressure to maintain their roles and responsibilities. However, it’s crucial for leaders to recognize that personal health and family matters should take precedence. They can establish a support system,as we see in Bergstø’s case,where trusted colleagues step in to cover essential duties. This not only ensures continuity but also demonstrates a culture of support within the organization.
Editor: You mentioned the emotional toll cancer can take. What resources or support systems would you recommend for caregivers like Bergstø, who are navigating this challenging journey?
Dr.Sørensen: caregivers should consider seeking respite care services, which provide temporary relief to family members who are looking after patients. Additionally, support groups can be invaluable, allowing them to share their experiences and feelings with others who understand. Professional counseling can also help them process their emotions. Ultimately, it’s about creating a network of support that encourages open dialog and healing.
Editor: what message do you think resonates most during such difficult times, considering karin Bergstø’s statements on her experience with cancer?
Dr. Sørensen: I believe the core message is one of compassion and presence.It highlights the importance of being there for each other during tough times, whether through emotional support or simply by showing love and understanding. Cancer is a deeply personal journey, and every act of kindness and support can make a significant difference for both patients and their families.
Editor: thank you, Dr. Sørensen, for your insights and for shedding light on such a complex and emotional issue. Best wishes to Karin Bergstø and her loved ones as they navigate this challenging time.
Dr. Sørensen: Thank you for bringing attention to this vital topic. It’s crucial we continue the conversation about cancer, its impact, and the importance of support systems.
