Cancer. The very term is enough to inspire dread. But to actually go through it is an experience that is absolutely debilitating. It takes all your mental and physical capabilities to see yourself through such a situation. Not only have I gone through the ordeal, I have emerged from it, on the other side, victorious. I am a Cancer survivor!

This World Cancer Day, I would like to share my journey on the path to conquering the disease with the cancer research centre in Mumbai.

I remember the events as if it were yesterday. I received my diagnosis on the 1 st of August, 2011. I was informed that I had ovarian cancer. In that moment, a cold dread gripped me. The thought of the impending treatment, and the toll it would take on me and family, terrified me. I was worried. I had heard about how painful, and sapping, the chemotherapy and radiation is. Indeed, chemotherapy was truly agonising. It made my body weaker. Routine cycles led to the loss of hair, coupled with a woefully low immunity. I asked myself, “Why me?” Perhaps, God did choose me because He knew I would have the strength to fight it.

I learnt about a cancer research centre in Mumbai that uses Ancient Ayurveda to combat the disease. I spared no time in contacting them, and opted for treatment immediately. After that, each new day seemed like a blessing. I had to undergo surgery during the course of my treatment. The Ayurvedic medicines I had been prescribed helped reduce the side effects of the heavy doses of chemotherapy cycles I had been subject to. Even my immunity received a much-needed boost.

Biopsy reports are essential to a cancer diagnosis. When mine showed “Nil for Malignancy”, it was the most joyous moment of my life. Even the doctors were amazed at my recovery. The improvement in my health was a cause for joy, not just for me, but for my doctors as well.

A threat to your life is stressful and depressing. It can take away your motivation. But not fighting back is tantamount to accepting failure even before success has had the chance to try and materialise.

Every cancer warrior faces adversity. The mantra “Be Positive” is one that should never be discarded. A healthy mind is essential to the maintenance of a healthy body. A disease can only get the better of you if you let it. Face it with confidence and positivity, and it can never defeat you.

Remember Cancer is just a word, not a death sentence. It is undoubtedly tough and taxing. But it can be defeated. I have seen it through, and I am living a cancer-free life today!

I am thankful to D.S. Research Centre, the cancer research centre in Mumbai, for helping me in my quest to gain victory over the disease, and for giving me a new lease of life.