Niati challenges the stereotypes surrounding cancer, acknowledging that neither patients nor society accept it willingly due to its notorious reputation. However, she highlights the invaluable lessons learned by those who triumph over the disease. Despite her own aversion to hospitals, Niati shares that her experience with Hodgkin's Lymphoma taught her significant life lessons while on a hospital bed. She introduces herself as someone who has battled cancer and is now sharing her story.

My life revolves around two metropolitans well-known to every Indian. I was born and brought up in the national capital, New Delhi, and am currently settled in Mumbai. These two cities play a pivotal role in my story ahead. In 2009, I discovered that I had been diagnosed with stage one Hodgkin's Lymphoma. It's never a pleasant experience to receive a cancer diagnosis.

I did not want to undergo chemotherapy because I was afraid it would harm me. The next six months seemed to stretch on forever as I frantically searched for alternative modalities to cure my sickness. I sought help from homeopathy experts, Ayurveda experts, and even Reiki practitioners for energy healing. I also reached out to Men-Tsee-Khang in Dharamshala, hoping they could provide me with solutions. However, everyone suggested that I should undergo chemotherapy. In October, I discovered that I had reached the fourth stage of Hodgkin's Lymphoma. I made up my mind and decided to opt for chemotherapy sessions.

As I had predicted, the first two sessions of chemotherapy were quite painful for me, and I had to bear a lot of pain. In the back of my mind, I still had the thought that I needed to escape treatment. So, I diverted my attention to Google, which has billions of solutions, and I found mine. I discovered a healer in Mumbai. I contacted her and offered to fly her down to Delhi so she could help me, but to my dismay, she did not agree to that. However, she suggested sessions over the phone. After two days of the session, I got a call from my office informing me that I had received a house. My parents said that I should take the keys. I went to Mumbai on a Friday, and when I returned for my medication, I was shocked to find my count at 30 instead of the ideal 5. The doctor said that I did not need any injections, and that was the moment when I realized the power of the mind.

Once I changed my mindset towards cancer, I could feel things changing around me. The arrogant doctor who used to treat me like any other patient got transferred. I was blessed with a sweet and caring doctor who explored alternative options for my problems. Once I accepted that chemotherapy was a part of the healing process, I enjoyed every session. I did not lose much hair and came out of the course weighing three kilograms more. As I mentioned earlier, I felt sick whenever I visited hospitals. The new doctor helped me get rid of that too. She guided me throughout the process, both physically and emotionally. I had made up my mind that the healing process wouldn't be easy, and I had to face it.

A major problem I noticed about our treatment system is the lack of integration of different healing modalities. Allopathic doctors often view homeopathy with skepticism and discourage patients from considering it. The truth is, allopathy doesn't always have solutions to all the side effects of chemotherapy. For instance, I experienced severe constipation, which no laxative could relieve. However, I found relief through a remedy commonly used in Indian households: Gulkand with raw milk. After trying it, my stomach was empty the next day. My experience with cancer has led me to hope that medical facilities will allow for the convergence of different branches of medicine to benefit the patient's healing journey. Navigating through the disease was challenging, but my family provided me with strength. They stood by me through tumultuous times and helped me recover quickly.

But the most significant credit goes to my brain. Once I changed my perspective and mindset, things started to look pretty easy. For those who are fighting the disease, I would suggest not to panic, as cancer is nothing but a stage where your body cells start to multiply irrationally. Do not overthink and concentrate on your recovery. Mental transportation is vital! As the greats have said, "The Brain always wins!"