How did it all begin?

It all started in March 2018 when my mother started feeling symptoms like indigestion, fever, and loss of appetite. We decided to see a local doctor. He told us it was a normal stomach infection and prescribed medicine for that. But the same symptoms recurred again. So, we decided to go to an ayurvedic doctor. He told us these were symptoms of aging and there is nothing to worry about. Things started to improve. But again, after two weeks, the symptoms were back. We again visited a doctor. He prescribed my mother a few tests. Test results were normal. We thought of going for Ultrasound. To our surprise, the results revealed a cyst and fluid in between the lungs and chest cavity. He immediately suggested seeing the gynecologist. We went to Chandigarh along with a few more tests he suggested and CA-125.

On 2^nd June the doctor informed us that we need to conduct a Biopsy to have a clear picture. It was then I came back home as previously my father was taking care of my mother.

Series of tests were going on. And on 4^th of June finally, the biopsy was undertaken and the results were disclosed on the 10^th of June. On seeing the report the doctor said that the results were inconclusive and  my mother needs to go for a few more tests and chemotherapy. After hearing this my mother broke. My mother again went for a biopsy and the results revealed cancer.

Therapy.

The therapy began with three chemotherapy treatments. Things were good after the first chemotherapy. Certainly, after the second chemotherapy, we had to cut her hair. After the third chemotherapy cycle, I was in a dilemma whether to go for surgery or not. I scheduled my appointment with Rajiv Gandhi hospital and they said I can go for surgery but the doctor in charge who was doing chemo told me that they cannot give permission for surgery until and unless the tumor size decreases. So, we decided to go for the fourth chemotherapy session. I decided that the surgery will be performed by Rajiv Gandhi hospital on the 7^th of September. It was a three-and-a-half-hour operation. There were few organs that were removed during this surgery. She was in the ICU for three days.

She was in a lot of pain. She was recovering well and was discharged on 16^th September. We came back home on the 23^rd. The next chemotherapy was undertaken and after that biopsy was conducted. In total, she underwent six chemotherapy treatments. She became well and things went on smoothly.

Post-treatment

Around June 19, I realized that something was wrong and I decided to go for a psychology session as I felt she was going through depression. She was feeling anxious. I decided to visit a psychiatrist and he told us the same. She was not getting well. We again went to another doctor and sessions continued. At the same time, I took admission in an MBA college But due to corona it was all online. Managing everything was a bit tough for me and at the same time, I knew she was going into depression. I came to know about LoveHealsCancer. One of my friends asked me to visit a new psychiatrist and things became normal.

Side Effects.

During the treatment, she had hair loss, suffered from constipation and also had weight loss. Post the treatment she had symptoms of depression and anxiety.

How did I handle everything?

Initially with my job, and studies it was a bit difficult but with time I made some tough decisions as my priority was to be with my mother. While the treatment went on for my mother It was equally painful for me too to look at her in so much pain. Family members were always there for my support.lot  Lots of  friends provided constant support. I became less materialistic and more empathetic

Message for caregiver and patient

Death is inevitable, it is destined to make the best of the time. You have to be your own strength and support system. Stay positive and do whatever you want to do. One more important thing is acceptance. You should not be afraid of accepting and believing  that depression is normal.