The symptoms

I was a graduate student pursuing my degree at Delhi University. In 2015, during my final year, I noticed a swelling on my right ankle. Consulting numerous specialists and doctors due to persistent pain, I soon found myself unable to tie my shoelaces and experiencing daily weight gain. A visit to a hospital in Delhi revealed that it was a small tumor. They scheduled me for surgery to remove it, but during the operation, the doctor informed my father of the risks involved. They would need to make a deep incision in my ankle to completely remove the tumor.

The Diagnosis and Treatment

After this surgery, I shifted to my hometown. But after ten days, I received a call that informed me that I was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, and I was at stage 3. I thought of various ways of suicide in the next 48 hours, but somehow I told my parents that I had been diagnosed with cancer stage 3. I realized that I'd never seen my dad cry before, but this gave me the power to accept the truth and fight cancer. I consulted doctors in Delhi and Punjab, and I was told that I would need an amputation. As a family, we decided to go through this amputation Surgery at the Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Hospital. My parents were afraid that they would lose me, but my resolve to live was strengthened.

However, life was quite disastrous for me. I was bedridden for almost 1.5 years, after which I had to use an artificial leg. I was broken, not because of my cancer, but more because of emotional trauma. I learned one important lesson: We lose our present to fulfill future goals.

Life After Cancer

Every individual has a unique perception of cancer. Witnessing a lack of knowledge and awareness among many friends and acquaintances, I embarked on a new chapter of life in 2016, realizing I had nothing to lose. In 2017, I ventured into the realm of motivational speaking, marking my inaugural public speaking event. It was there that I met a girl in the audience with whom I began a relationship, culminating in our marriage in 2019. While this journey has demanded much from me, I acknowledge the invaluable gains I've made when I glimpse the other side.

I have several significant goals I aim to achieve in my life. Firstly, I am committed to battling cancer. Secondly, I am determined to overcome disability, and thirdly, I am focused on combating obesity. I have been diligently working towards conquering my obesity. Six months before the lockdown, I shed 20 kgs, and during the lockdown, I lost an additional 10 kgs. It's essential for individuals facing challenges to have the support of those who have experienced similar struggles. This support provides a significant boost in confidence. I have been actively guiding others through various sessions, including one-on-one personal counseling.

Overcoming problems

I was deeply passionate about biking and racing, but after losing my leg, I thought I'd never experience that thrill again. However, in 2018, I decided to defy the odds and purchased an Avenger. Over the past two years, I've traveled nearly 40,000 km on my bike. Everywhere I go, I share my story. I believe that by connecting with others who face similar challenges, they can find inspiration to overcome their obstacles. Despite being an amputee, I've participated in over 50 marathons, ranging from 10kms to 21kms. My achievements have been recognized at both the state and national levels, and I'm actively involved with organizations dedicated to cancer disability.

When I got my prosthetic leg fitted, it took me nearly 3-4 months to learn how to walk again because I had been bedridden for almost 1.5 years. People often ask their parents to share memories from when they were learning to walk. In most cases, people don't remember those days.

Orphans don't experience their parents' love, and they may not even realize it. But when people like you and I lose our parents, it hurts a lot. The same can be said for a specific disability. I never enjoyed sitting at home, but I found many interesting things online during those two years. I spent a lot of time on Quora and started working with anti-suicidal helplines.

The keyboard was my best friend during that time. I tried to reach out to more and more people to gain confidence and boost my morale. My sister, who witnessed my struggle against cancer, defined cancer as "You Can, Sir," and this motivated me a lot. To this day, I continue to reach out to more and more people, spreading awareness and providing personal consultations, even in between sessions. This is the main goal that I aim to achieve.

Parting Message

People are often unfriendly towards disabled individuals. Whenever the term "disability" comes up, they may see you as an alien, a beggar, or a person in need. So, whenever I walked outside my house, people would stare at me, believing all the myths surrounding the word "disability." Cancer taught me many life lessons, and now I have some mantras. I refer to these mantras whenever I need a confidence boost. You might have noticed that the hands of a clock never stop, regardless of what's happening in your life. Similarly, you must not quit. Seek help from someone or crawl if you must, but never stop.

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