I had a normal life. I was born and brought up in India. I was living a life that I loved. But one day, I found a lump in my left breast, and I immediately went to my doctor.
Breast Cancer Diagnosis
I got it investigated because I knew lumps could be malignant. I was humble enough to understand that it can happen to anyone. I had enough awareness to go to the doctor immediately.
On my 34th birthday week, I was diagnosed with themost aggressive stage 2 A Breast Cancer.
Breast Cancer Treatment
For theinitial six months, I didn’t know whether I would survive or not. During those six months, I used to promise myself that I would do everything in my power to live the rest of my life as meaningful and joyful as possible.
I underwent aggressive Chemotherapy treatment, but I responded to it very well. My Chemotherapy sessions went onfor four and ahalf months, and later, I went for a lumpectomy. I also had many hormonal treatments, and I have been on Tamoxifen for seven years and have to take it for another three more years.
I had to encounter several side effects. The doctor and themedical staff helped me to survive through everything. My family, husband, friends, and a lot of therapists supported me a lot. I took a lot of therapies to manage Pain. I made my health my priority.
It’s been eight years, and I am good now. I now help other people to flourish intheir life. I left the corporate world and set myself up as a coach. I do storytelling and public speaking. I help people in being seen and heard. Cancer was not a bump in the road for me; it was a fork on the road because I chose to change my life after cancer.
My Breast Cancer Journey
I documented my cancer journey. It started as a regular journal because I couldn’t sleep at night, and then it came out as a book, “My Cancer Journey-a Rendezvous with Myself.
Cancer allowed me to find the person who was lost under all the conditions. It was the opportunity to peel off every layer and discover my real self. I wrote this book to create awareness about cancer and to inspire people going through cancer.
Parting Message
Every cancer is different; don’t compare your journey with others. With recent healthcare advancements, you can overcome cancer easily. Never be hesitant to go for counseling and other therapies.
Caregivers have to take care of themselves, too, because the cancer journey is traumatic for them also. Events can happen to us, and cancer is an event that no one chooses to happen, but if it has happened, you have the choice of how to respond to it.
