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Life after cancer treatment is not always easy, but this breast cancer survivor has not stopped enjoying her life - one day at a time.
Life after cancer treatment is not always easy, but this breast cancer survivor has not stopped enjoying her life – one day at a time.
I am writing this today because I so want to connect with you all. I have been writing for some time now but am finally giving it a shape now. This is my first post so bear with me while I introduce myself.
I am a lecturer by profession (trust me, not a boring one..my kids love me!) and I quit my full time, well-paying job in 2012 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Before questions start to run through your mind whether it’s me or my spirit writing this, let me tell you I am perfectly fit and healthy now as I was blessed to have been diagnosed at an early stage.
I am 34 years young and am married to the most loving husband and have been blessed with the most adorable 5 year old son. My treatment got over in December 2012 and I am on hormonal medication now. Though I can be moody and fight with my husband and blame it on the meds, I am a very good wife. If I fight, I take the responsibility of saying that it’s my husband’s fault and not that of the medicine!
I am happy that I am finally able to give shape to my writing. In my busy schedule as part of which I manage my son, run my NGO (Yes to Life), take visiting classes now and then, go so frequently on trips that my son complained saying, ‘Why are we again taking a trip?’, try to study as I am pursuing a Ph.D., there are days in between when I don’t have much to do. And post cancer, I don’t feel like letting go of even a single day. I would like all my days to be super exciting and busy and today my writing is occupying my day, which is also making me feel so blessed.
…post cancer, I don’t feel like letting go of even a single day. I would like all my days to be super exciting and busy…
I am thankful for every experience of my life and have no complaints whatsoever. Cancer has taught me so much and I have chosen to absorb all the positives. I love every moment in my life now, every second spent with my son, every drop of rain, the wind blowing through my hair. I try to live in the now and stay stress-free most of the time. It is not just me but my family too which is eating healthier; I do aerobics, gym, meditation, dance and whatever else my heart desires.
I can say that I have found myself back. I do what I like to do; I have stopped taking on the pressures of life. Simply put, I am high on life and say ‘Yes to Life’ as it comes.
It also means taking oneself lightly as I believe that there is no need to over analyze life. I had a mastectomy which means one of my breasts was removed after my diagnosis. So, I wear an artificial silicon breast which is called a prosthesis. Soon after my treatment got over, I joined yoga classes. During one of the asanas, when I bent forward my breast (prosthesis) fell out of my inner garments, changing the anatomy of my body as it was resting now on my neck, beneath my top. So, just a few minutes back I had only one breast and now I felt like I had three.
Obviously I rushed to adjust it and got my body shape back. It was really funny and I laughed my heart out. It feels so librated to enjoy even things like these which may depress somebody else. I feel no less without a breast and in fact have started to feel sexier because I now know how strong and positive I am.
I feel no less without a breast and in fact have started to feel sexier because I now know how strong and positive I am.
Everybody has problems in life; these could be relationship oriented, health related, financial, but what makes or mars you are the choices you make. I chose to seek learning from this experience which gave me one of my bigger purposes in life of working towards the cause of helping others through my NGO.
I always asked God to bless me with two things during my treatment, strength and devotion and I am so thankful that he endowed me with both. I am in love with my life to the extent that I sometimes feel selfish but I am happy that I have started to live for myself on my terms.
I have started to write poetry also and am sharing with you my first poem that I wrote while I was undergoing my treatment.
I looked outside the window I wondered how it happened to me I looked for strength outside My God said you have it within
I asked Him for devotion I felt His blessings as deep as the ocean I touched His lotus feet My God hugged me and made me complete
I thank God every second of my life For else I couldn’t have won this strife I am no more scared of the future As I have Him for my tutor.
Stay blessed!
Pic credit via Shutterstock
I am a management faculty by profession and left my full time job in June 2012 when I got diagnosed with breast cancer. I am perfectly healthy and fit now and run my own NGO ` read more...
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Menopause is a reality in women's lives, so Indian workplaces need to gear up and address women's menopausal needs.
Picture this: A seasoned executive at the peak of her career suddenly grapples with hot flashes and sleep disturbances during important meetings. She also battles mood swings and cognitive changes, affecting her productivity and confidence. Eventually, she resigns from her job.
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