Since childhood, I had this perception that cancer is incurable. I cannot forget the sufferings of my close friend who succumbed to this dreaded disease. Being health conscious, I and my husband consumed healthy food, did yoga and went for walks despite our busy schedules. It came as a shock when I was diagnosed with Neuroendocrine cancer, stage IV, at the age of 58 without any history of genetics or an indiscipline lifestyle.
I felt very sad and depressed. There was no answer to why me. It happened during covid-19 lockdown period when hospitals were hesitant to treat patients other than Covid infected. I felt very sad and depressed. There was no answer to why me. It happened during covid-19 lockdown period when hospitals were hesitant to treat patients other than Covid infected. I was in constant severe pain and emotional stress. My husband’s moral support and counselling helped me to accept that this is one more phase in my life to deal with.
On a positive note, I had faith in my doctor’s treatment. One of my friends, who is a doctor and a cancer survivor became my mentor sharing her experiences. My husband, son, daughter-in-law and her family were my pillars of support. After four PRRT quarterly radiation cycles, my doctor reviewed my case and mentioned that there is a significant improvement. I am still under observation, but my overall quality of life improved. Never, ever give up ‘Hope’ became my mantra.
My domestic help’s chat would connect me to the everyday happenings around me. I was lucky to have a good support system of family, friends and neighbours in my hour of need. One of my close friends helped me edit all my poems and get them published as a poetry book, “My Joy, My Anguish” during this period. Engaging myself with gardening, writing, interacting with kids, taking small walks, and talking to close friends made me feel confident and accept my condition as the new normal!
My message to cancer patients is not to panic, to choose the right hospital and to have trust in the doctors’ treatment. Also strictly follow the do’s and don’ts as advised by the doctors. With the advancements in cancer treatment, there is every reason to be optimistic.
Shared By : Radhika Chandika
