My struggle with Cancer
Till 2014 had devoted my time and attention wholeheartedly towards teaching. Being Examination incharge and HOD social Science I initiated innumerable innovations in teaching learning process. Change over to computerised system. Mock parliament, Mock UN, heritage walks etc.
Too much dedication to school when side by side with home management.
1914 I felt as a free bird to live in my own terms.Retirement brought much needed peace and joy. I had totally neglected my personal care till then. I began to plan for pursuing my hobbies.
Morning walk, enjoying morning tea in the balcony with lovely view.
There were hard times too in family
Specially my daughter, though very successful her professional life and as supporting joint family of in laws, suffered physical health problems and mental stress.
But then came in 2015 Aashvik who brought long awaited joy in our lives.
We thoroughly enjoyed the role of grandparents while she devoted her time in her professional career.
All were busy now looking after our hyper active bundle of joy.
1916 saw sudden and unexpected transformation in my life as well all my family members.
Everything is different since then
Thank God it all happened after retirement
October 2016, suddenly one day I noticed that whenever I went to fill water from RO I would rush to wash room. Then colour of urine began to change and I noticed, blood in my urine. Tests revealed urine infection Ecoli .Antibiotics helped to deal with infection.
But other symptoms persisted and so further went for further tests and ultrasound,
Result- diagnosed stones in bladder.
urologist suggested cystoscopy
On the operation table I overheard doctor exclaiming and remarking 'Achha Aisa bhi kabhi hota hai'!
He explained later that large tumour instead of stones had been detected and had been removed removed.
Biopsy report revealed malignant carcinoma.
Further investigations through PET Scan diagnosed cysts in abdomen lymph nodes, illiac left lumbar and a little cyst in left lung too.In short stage 4 cancer.
My son who is replica of my attitude towards life said 'Mummy, thank God apka Dil air dimaag bilkul perfect hai'
Dr.Geeta at Max Noida who referred to Oncology team Max Patparganj.
January 2017 began With FNAC and diagnosis of high grade malignant carcinoma termed as stage 4 cancer.
Then began my quiet Google search too which revealed about 5 years survival rate in top 15 percent patients.
That did not deter me from my positive attitude or my normal life activity.
The only apprehension in my mind was chemotherapy which was the only alternative.
Meeting with Dr. Meenu Walia and further chemo cycles in Info daycare started my new phase of treatment and gradual disappearance of the fear from chemotherapy.
It was comfortable and whole team daycare staff was friendly. Atmosphere was pleasing and comfortable.
At home I began thorough and comparative search of negative effects of chemo, alternative home remedies,diet, supplements etc
On line purchases of nuts,seeds , berries, coconut water, sanitizers etc. Cancer began to change my lifestyle for better. Better diet habits, elimination of sugar , healthy food habits.
Faith in God strengthened.
Since 2016 I had to undergo CT scans around 6 times , fnac, Four times TURBT after necessary tests followed by chemo cycles,and so many CBCs,KFTs,LFTs,
All this involved uber rides,OPDs, TPA formalties, and dependance on medicines for maintaining required CBC levels, blood(rare blood group ab negative) and platelets transfusion .But all this was endured by us in good spirits
I became strong enough to for chemo all alone , complete formalities and return by midday.
Thorough googling for alternative diet change in food habits, maid for long hours, almost restricting my cooking ,baking experiments or physical activities around the house. Few tuitions dragged on till 2017 but then decided to discontinue.
Aashvik has been my lifeline, caring for me, playing and laughing with me and made life enjoyable inspite of difficult times.
Family stood by me like a pillar providing all possible support. My husband, my son, my daughter and son in law, sister and brother.
They too seemed to have emerged stronger psychologically facing challenged , balancing job and hospital rounds.
My sister and brothers gave support and their Good wishes kept me going.
One positive impact of the chemo sessions was my inclination towards writing down my thoughts during sleepless nights.
Poetry became my passion.
Interest in solving crosswords and sudoku revived. Lifestyle changed for better.God has been kind enough for keeping me strong and dealing with problems positively.
Books authored by my schoolmate helped in reviving old memories. Knitting
All these months,I surfed Facebook and came in close touch with my schoolmates and University friends from Shimla and arranged get togethers. in NCR.
Unexpected meeting with old friends has worked wonders। Life has rejuvenated with revival of age-old memories.
March 2020 on one hand changed the whole world with Covid 19 as if God needed to quarentine the earth and rectify the behaviour of human beings who had started taking everything for guaranteed.
On the other had the PET Scan revealed the healing of basic trouble area in my body but spread of my disease in adjoining ares.
Chemo was delayed due to covid but then there were signs of growth and pain.
Thus again my struggle has begun. I am not a kind of person to get defeated easily.
The newly founded Shimla Group on Facebook had multiplied the joys in life.
But life is actually tough for me now. I have AB negative blood group a rare one. So I hope some miracles to happen and help me in reviving my health completely.
For I have miles to go before I sleep.
