Cancer and Life: Insights from a Survivor’s Journey

Living through a cancer diagnosis is a life-changing experience. This article shares my personal journey, from the initial diagnosis to the recovery period, and offers valuable insights for both cancer patients and survivors. My story began when a routine dental examination led to an unexpected discovery that would dramatically alter my life.

From Innocence to Battle

It all started when my dentist noticed a suspicious lesion in my tongue during a routine check-up. Despite my assurance that it was nothing to worry about, he insisted on a biopsy. The suspense was unbearable as they sent the lesion to the lab. Praying to every god I knew, I awaited the results, hoping it would be benign.

When the biopsy results came back, they were far from favorable. My dentist's words, "Sorry, you have cancer," cut deep. It was a devastating blow not just to me but also to my wife, who was with me every step of the way. The journey that awaited us was fraught with challenges and uncertainty.

The Desk of Selection

Following the biopsy, I underwent surgery to remove the tumor. The surgeon was informative but the diagnosis was serious: I had stage 3 carcinoma of the tongue. The timing of my diagnosis couldn't have been worse. It was the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the World Health Organization had advised people to avoid visiting dental practices, largely to prevent the spread of the virus.

I felt a deep sense of anger and frustration towards the WHO chief, questioning why such advice was given. For me, this meant delaying treatment, which could have potentially worsened the outcome. Looking back, I realize that these cautionary measures were important, but sometimes, the personal needs of individuals take a back seat in public health guidelines.

The Long Road to Recovery

The road to recovery was no less rough than the journey to diagnosis. I faced 35 rounds of radiation therapy, each session lasting just one hour but spanning two months. The physical toll was immense. I experienced numerous vomiting episodes and struggled to maintain my strength throughout the process.

After the radiation therapy, I faced a hazardous post-treatment period. My ability to eat was severely limited, and I was reduced to a diet of mashed foods for an entire month. The loss of my taste sensation was devastating, and I felt a complete dejection. I found myself unable to concentrate and my speech became incomprehensible. To regain clarity, I committed to reading English and Tamil newspapers loudly for 15 minutes every day, a practice I continued for a whole year. Despite the effort, the taste sensation stubbornly remained absent for two long years.

The Magic of Vasambu

Turning a corner in my recovery, a female relative suggested a remedy that truly worked wonders. Since vasambu is widely used in my region, I began chewing its small quantities for 15 minutes every other day. To my relief, the taste began to come back, and I could finally enjoy outside food again. It was a remarkable turnaround, but the journey to recovery was not over yet.

Life Lessons from Cancer

Throughout my journey, I've learned several valuable lessons that might resonate with other cancer patients and survivors:

Carcinoma is not fatal. With proper treatment and care, carcinoma can be cured. Any stage of cancer in any part of the body can be cured if proper living methods are followed. Recurrence and metastasis are fully avoidable if careful attention is given to the body's needs. Doctors can be helpful, but a significant portion of the journey can be managed by the patient. For speech difficulties, reading newspapers aloud for 15 minutes daily for a year can help in regaining speech clarity. Regular exercise and walking can significantly aid recovery. However, too much of it might strain the body. For taste problems, using vasambu can help in regaining taste. A small amount of hatred can be beneficial in dealing with cancer. Picking up quarrels on social media or with friends and family can give one a sense of identity and purpose. Avoid allowing others to pity you because you had cancer. It can hinder progress. However, if their concerns are genuine, respect and listen to them. Do not trust web information on cancer. Most of it is unreliable and often contains misinformation.

Ultimately, cancer presented me with a stark reality and a harsh lesson in life. Yet, amidst the struggles, there were moments of resilience and discoveries about life and oneself. I carry these lessons with me every day, grateful for the journey that transformed me.