cancer healing journey

Asmita Chattopadhyay is a breast cancer survivor, who at a very young age of 29 years was diagnosed with and beat cancer. Despite the physical, emotional and mental upheaval that cancer brought in her life, Asmita stood strong like a rock, determined to fight it out. She says “what has happened has happened. But how you tackle with it defines the life of the people who are around you, supporting you, and the life of the people who see you getting out of it and get inspiration from you.”

Mr. Hemant Mishra, a caregiver for his wife Mrs. Neelam Mishra, who had Ovarian Cancer, devoted 3 years of his life to completely taking care of his better half. He was there with Neelam throughout the journey as her eyes, nose and ears. Their two daughters, son and their grandchild were their biggest strength, who constantly stood by them. Even when the rest of the family started having negative thoughts about the prognosis of the disease, Neelam stayed positive, strongly believing that the disease was only a minor illness and that she would be in good health in no time. Mr. Mishra’s philosophy throughout the process was that it’s a give and take in life. Neelam had taken care of him for 32 years and he had been doing so only for a year. So, he still had 31 years to do the same. This used to bring a huge smile to her face. He urges cancer patients to never lose their hope. Also, he says that as a caregiver one should be very cautious about what you say in front of the patient, the society, or the family members. They should go with the patient's choices. Plus, even if you are a survivor, maintaining your ultrasound is much simpler nowadays. So don't sit tight being a survivor but do your ultrasound.

Tara Coyote was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in September 2016. She is the author of the #1 Amazon bestseller "Grace, Grit and Gratitude". For two and half years, she went through natural rounds of therapies without any chemo or radiation therapies. Cancer spread in her body and got to stage 4. She was undergoing a lot of pain due to bone metastasis. Her left hip broke due to bone metastasis, and she had to do an emergency double hip surgery. During such times, she focused on building up her immunity. She says to everyone that you are stronger than you think you are. Cancer is not easy but take it as an opportunity. Take good care of yourself and take one day at a time.

Mandeep was 12 years old when he was diagnosed with Blood Cancer. He started having fever and weakness one fine day. His family took him to the nearest doctor, but they could not find out what was wrong with him. He then consulted the doctors in Rajiv Gandhi Hospital who diagnosed Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cancer. Mandeep says to stay away from negative people. Cancer is curable in almost all cases. Believe, and you will achieve it.

Boyd Dunleavy is a two times Blood Cancer Survivor. On one day in 2011 July, he suddenly started feeling unwell, and on further tests, he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He underwent three cycles of chemotherapy as a part of the treatment. He also required a stem cell donor. He had a lot of support from his community financially and spiritually. Finally, he recovered. In February 2012, he started feeling unwell again, and cancer relapsed. He cried for three days. He is a true believer in God. One fine day he started feeling very sick, and he was almost on the verge of his death. On that day, he saw a miracle. He saw Jesus. Believe it or not, everything seemed apparent when the doctors did Biopsy the next day. One of his friends said he would like to run a marathon to raise cancer funds for Boyd. It was a life turning moment for him. He got motivated, and he started running. He had run for 30 km, Disney marathon and still running happily along with his family and friends on the side.

Anil Patil is a Colorectal Cancer survivor. His symptoms started with blood in the stool. When he consulted the doctor for the same, it was initially diagnosed as a Fissure. The doctor gave him medicines for 15 days, but as there was no change in the condition, he came to Nashik, where another doctor did a colonoscopy, and a tumor was detected. He got married in just three years, and his kid was just two months old. He underwent Colorectal Cancer surgery and was provided with a colostomy bag. Everything was new for him, but he got adjusted soon. Ostomy Association of India also provided him with all the necessities and helped him change quickly. Anil Says a Colostomy bag is not a big deal. There might be some changes in your physical appearance, but it will not change who you are. After all, You are who you are.

Sangita Jaiswal is a Breast Cancer Survivor. She was detected in 2012 with first a node's appearance in her left breast. She did not give much notice at first. Later she started developing fever and vomiting. Her family took her to the hospital, where the biopsy was conducted and diagnosed Breast cancer. She underwent surgery, eight chemotherapy cycles and five weeks of radiation therapy as a part of the treatment. She had some complications due to chemo port, and as a result, she has a pacemaker. Sangita says It is important to have a strong will during the treatment. Only then you will be able to defeat the disease. She is also a member of the Sangini group.

Yvette Douglas was 32 years old when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer stage 4. This road has not been easy as she had many health problems, one being a congenital heart problem since her birth. She also had damage to her bones, ligaments, and tendons from chemotherapy treatments. Her bones started to deteriorate, and she currently uses a walker and a cane to get around. She says Believe in God, and Miracles will happen

Rajendra Gupta is a Colorectal Cancer Caregiver to his wife. His wife started having constipation as the primary symptom, and on further tests, it was diagnosed as Colorectal Cancer. They were surprised to know that she had Cancer as she has always been a vegetarian. She Underwent Surgery, 30 Radiotherapy sessions and 12 Chemotherapy cycles as a part of the treatment. She survived Cancer. Both Husband and wife go out to survivors and caregivers houses and provide them with emotional and financial support. They also work with the Ostomy Association Of India in their support group. Rajendra Gupta says it is essential to get the proper awareness of your type of Cancer as the right treatment is the only key to survival.

Flavia was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin's lymphoma in March 2021. Her symptoms started in January. She suffered from fever for two months. She realized the appearance of lumps in her neck. Bone marrow biopsy detected lymphoma. She went through 6 cycles of chemotherapy. Flavia says that painting and exercising helped her a lot to stay happy throughout her journey. Cancer helped her see the world from a different perspective. Her message to other caregivers and survivors is not to give up and try to respect the process. "It was hard, but I did it".

Pat Simmons was diagnosed with stage 1 kidney cancer. He went to the primary care doctor after he felt an abnormality in his lower abdomen. A cyst was detected after several scans and MRIs, and doctors did laparoscopic surgery to remove the encapsulated mass. He was a long-time singer and songwriter. Currently, he runs the organization bikes4christ, which lends bicycles to people who need them to get around or go to doctor's appointments. His parents were his primary support system. He believes that his faith in God has pulled him out from the worst to happen. His message to other survivors is to stay positive, surround yourself with a sound support system and do prayers.

Marie Mueller Sander was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 and stage 4 colorectal cancer in 2013. She has been cancer-free for three years. After the colonoscopy, the tumour was found in her sigmoid colon. She had seven surgeries, 24 cycles of chemotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, and radiation therapies as part of her treatment. Her husband and children were the primary support system during her tough times. She worked as a full-timer before her diagnosis, but after the treatment, she quit her job. She says survivors never give up, educate themselves and follow the guidelines for the screening. Summing up her journey, she says, "I have been to hell and back."

Indira Kaur Ahluwalia was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer with bone metastasis in April 2007. She experienced a lot of pain in her hips and back of her body; later, she even had trouble walking. So after taking painkillers, later in March 2007, she discovered a thickening in her right breast. That was the time when she felt that this was not normal. She went to an oncologist, and several tests detected breast cancer. She went through 4 cycles of chemotherapy and opted for mastectomy. She is continuing with Herceptin and taking it after every 3 weeks. Her primary support system was spiritual and faith in God. Indira is an entrepreneur and executive at Federal Government in Washington, D.C. She believes that cancer has made her more vigilant, made her responsibilities very clear, and allowed her not to take gratitude for granted. Summing up her journey, she says, "I tried, and I am grateful for every experience".

Leticia Diamond was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer in May 2021. She had five weeks of radiation and chemotherapy. Her family was her most enormous support during her tough times. Leticia believes that having positive people around you can help you heal faster. She tells everyone to embrace life and look past all negative things. Summing up her cancer journey, she says, "One of the most memorable journeys of my life that I am sure I wouldn't want to repeat".

Hannah Stonehouse Hudson was diagnosed with stage 2 Breast Cancer. She found a lump after the mammogram, and after visiting her oncologist, breast cancer was confirmed. She went for a double mastectomy and did not opt for any chemotherapy or radiation therapy. She tried acupuncture, massage, BioMed, and healthy eating. Hannah loves taking photos, writing, running, fishing, and enjoying life as much as possible.

Mark Kageyama was diagnosed with Prostate cancer in 2020. He had several ultrasounds, biopsies, bone scans and MRIs during his treatment. Further tests found that cancer had metastasized and moved to his lungs and bones as well. He has a YouTube Channel, 2BYourOwnHero, through which he inspires people to appreciate their lives, health and the opportunities that come their way. Mark believes that every day is a gift, and each day should be treated as a blessing. His message to cancer patients and survivors is to have a positive attitude and appreciate every day of your life. Mark says, "My cancer journey has been a true blessing to my life because it has allowed me to understand what's important in my life.

Joel Evans was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in the year 2015, followed by six months of chemotherapy. He is a retired professor who had type 2 diabetes for about 20 years before knowing he had Cancer. His Cancer got detected from the blood tests which his doctor used to do every three months. He is an optimistic person; he believes that positivity can defeat Cancer. He says not to get aggravated. It is important not to worry about small things and accept what the limitations are. "Always be at peace with yourself.

Ashma Khanani Moosa was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer. She is an integrative health and wellness coach and works with her husband, a family physician. She did an extensive surgery which consisted of a transplant. She went through 1 year of chemotherapy cycles. She believes in meditations, prayers and a natural way of dealing with things. She is also the Vice- President of an NGO called The Indian American Cancer Network in Houston. According to Ashma support groups are very helpful because they give you a secure place with other people going through the same thing. She tells everyone to have a good attitude, be around positive people and help others in any way they can.

Talaya Dendy was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin's lymphoma cancer in April 2011. Her treatment consisted of 6 months of chemotherapy and a month of radiation therapy. Although Talaya had great oncologists, She noticed a lack of emotional support in her journey. She started an organization known as "On The Other Side". She provides emotional support, different concepts about mindset, and communication support to other cancer survivors to get help during their cancer journey. She does meditation, massage therapy and studies bodily connections. She has also made a healing scripture book for herself and read that every day during her journey. Her message to other caregivers and survivors is "Not to be hard on yourself and take one day at a time."

Jeremie Estegassy is a Stage 3 Hodgkins Lymphoma Survivor. He finished his last treatment in 2019, and now he is on his road to remission. Three years ago, he started losing his energy without any cause. But the rapid weight loss is what alarmed Jeremie, along with a nodule in the neck. Once he went to see the doctor, he immediately asked him to get admitted and did further tests. Once, Cancer was diagnosed, he underwent 12 rounds of chemotherapy as a part of the treatment. He started focusing more on his diet by avoiding more sugary and fast foods. He is grateful that he had a supportive family and friends throughout the cancer journey.