Life Lessons From Cancer: A Mother’s Survival Story

I am a 29-year-old mother, raising a 5-year-old son and a year-old daughter. Mother, daughter, friend - I have played many roles in my lifetime but the most jarring role was the one I played in the year 2021, when I was diagnosed with Cervical Chordoma - A malignant bone cancer. The Role Of A Patient.

Today, I’m here to share my two cents on how I survived this journey.

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Taking Small Steps. 

"You have cancer." Those three words by my doctor changed my life forever. At first, I couldn't accept it. But slowly, this deep and intense fear crept into me. Slowly, I began contemplating the what-ifs.

What if I am not strong enough to take care of myself? My children? My husband?

What if I don't make it?

When you are diagnosed with a life-threatening disease like cervical chordoma, your worldview suddenly shifts. In between the continuous appointments, harsh treatments, and well-meaning advice by strangers on how to cure cancer, you begin to think about who you really are, what kind of life you want to live, and if limited time is all that you really have - then how can one  make the most of every moment?  

I told myself to push pause. To breathe. “Baby steps. That's all you need to get through this.”

The First Step Of My Cancer Journey Was Accepting That I Had Cancer.  

It was a slow and lengthy process. But eventually, I accepted this path. I knew it would be a tough fight, but with sheer willpower, my body began to accept the treatment that I was receiving.

I had to undergo extensive surgery to remove the tumor, during which my tongue was cut-off. Those two months were extremely challenging. The doctors reassured me that I would be able to speak in a few weeks, but it was difficult for me to even process what I was feeling. 

I knew that I had come too far and could not give up. Not when the doctors were being so encouraging. Not when my entire family was waiting for me to come back home, happy and healthy.

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Staying Strong

Even though my speech abilities were limited, I was able to go back home to see my precious little ones. The next step was to get out of the emotional black hole. A cancer diagnosis does not just affect your physical well-being. It also affects your mental health. My strongest support system was my family. 

I was able to smile because of my children. Watching them support me was enough to hold me back and not give up. Therefore, it's important to know that you are not alone in this journey. 

Watch Kajal's story here

Kindness Still Exists.

When I was diagnosed with cervical cancer, the doctors recommended Adjuvant Radiation Therapy with Intensity Modulated Proton Beam Therapy (IMPT). The cost for the therapy was 35 Lakhs. As the sole breadwinner of the family, my husband could not raise such a large sum in such a short time period.

During my journey with cancer, I was blessed to have the support of my family, and strangers who showed me kindness and compassion. They helped me through tough times by being there for me emotionally and financially. 

Kind donors from all around the nation helped me raise ₹35,82,529. My determination to make the most of this second chance is unwavering, and I will always feel grateful to each and everyone for their love and support.

A New Perspective On Life.

The journey started with a lot of uncertainty and fear. Today, I am on the road to recovery, and I look forward to rebuilding my strength and returning to my normal life. I have learned to practice gratitude for the small things in life.

I realized that even in the darkest times, there is always hope and kindness in the world. My experience with cancer has taught me to live in the present, prioritize my health and well-being, and be kind to others. 

I am grateful for the lessons I have learned and am determined to make the most of every day.

Love,

Kajal