It was in June 2009, one of my colleagues accompanied me to a doctor after continuous vomiting. My boss requested that one of my colleagues take me to a hospital for a checkup. The doctor advised an immediate endoscopy and CT scan. A CT Scan was undertaken, where a big lump/mass of cancerous tissue was detected in the lower part of the stomach. This was growing at geometrical proportions every day. The Cancerous tissue had to be removed through surgery, and chemotherapy was administered post-surgery.
Fortunately, an appointment was fixed at Sir Gangaram Hospital, New Delhi, where Prof. (Dr.). Samiran Nundy had agreed to undertake the surgery with his team of dedicated doctors. The surgery took place for eight hours and was successful. Dr. Nundy was sweating profusely after he stepped out of the Control room, but there was a smile on his face! Dr. Nundy is one of the world’s renowned surgeons when it comes to cancer surgery, with a 100% success rate.
Surviving Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL), a form of cancer, has been a profound journey marked by both physical and emotional challenges. Undergoing surgery to remove a tumor from my stomach was an experience I never anticipated, but it was a crucial step in my battle against cancer. The subsequent six months of chemotherapy were particularly grueling, taking a significant toll on my body. I experienced severe hair loss, weight reduction, intermittent vomiting, and an unusual heat radiating from my feet.
My family and close friends supported me a lot during the chemotherapy phase. My spouse, in spite of being a working lady, would search for foodstuffs that would help increase or maintain my haemoglobin levels to complete the 6 cycles of chemotherapy. Mangur fish (Catfish), Green Bananas, and Small fish would be procured from select market locations and brought home.
Our full-time cook would ensure that these are cooked well and served to me. All these helped me to maintain the requisite haemoglobin levels for the Chemotherapy. If the haemoglobin levels are less than a cut-off percentage, then the doctor will not recommend taking up the next chemo cycle. Some of my close friends, batchmates, and partners would visit me and talk for some time.
My elder brother has been a source of strength and stands by me as a pillar during all times, thick and thin. He has supported me during the most testing times, when I was admitted to the hospital and ongoing treatments, supported me both financially and psychologically. For him, I was more like his first child!
As I embarked on my morning walks, a new and unsettling thought emerged: Would my body ever regain its previous strength? While my mind remains agile and active, the disparity between my mental and physical states has become apparent. For instance, I would think, will it be possible for me to catch a running town bus? No chance! My body no longer moves at the pace it once did, struggling to keep up with the speed of my thoughts.
BECOMING A CANCER SURVIVOR
Adjusting to life as a cancer survivor involves coming to terms with this new reality and navigating the uncertainties and challenges it brings. Despite these difficulties, I find solace in engaging in activities that contribute positively to my well-being, like listening to music, reading spiritual literature, articles on issues other than my work, and going out for morning walks. Staying productive helps in maintaining a sense of normalcy and purpose.
My doctor had clearly said that it would be prudent to have small meals every 2 to 3 hours so that the energy levels are maintained. It is like a race against time. Either you perform or perish. The choice is yours.
To manage this transition from cancer, I have immersed myself in various activities that enrich my life. I’ve taken to reading texts I might not have explored otherwise, such as original scriptures and inspirational literature. Listening to narrations of the Bhagavad Gita, Chaitanya Charitramrita, and Srimad Bhagavatam provides spiritual nourishment and perspective. Writing about topics close to my heart, working with organizations, and contributing in meaningful ways have become vital parts of my daily routine. I also focus on household chores, consult on projects, and seek out professional opportunities that align with my capabilities.
Various engagements in the social sector were undertaken, including secondary reviews of literature, studies, action research, evaluations, training and capacity building, documentation, Finding Missions, and media advocacy. These keep me engaged and also help me earn a dignified livelihood, just enough to maintain a normal life without dependence on others. These assignments are also opportunities for learning and growth.
The recent focus has been on writing about social and environmental issues as a blogger and an author. I started writing in 2016, inspired by my schoolmate who is a professor now at a college in Kerala. To date, over 250 articles have been written and published by various national and international magazines and journals about cancer. The intention has been to transfer the knowledge to our next generation and put it in the public domain.
Now I have a kind of daily schedule, getting up early in the morning, finishing up my daily chores, having breakfast, listening to the Srimad Bhagvatam narrations, preparing lunch, writing articles, taking a siesta after lunch, evening tea and reading/ writing, preparing dinne,r and going to bed.
Ultimately, embracing life with its new rhythm involves staying engaged with friends and family, pursuing one’s interests/ hobbies, and remaining open to whatever comes next. It’s about creating a balanced existence that accommodates the changes while continuing to seek personal growth and fulfillment.
Also Read – Cancer – Disease, Symptoms, and many more
