Ashok Kumar, India
I am Ashok Kumar from Jharkhand, India. I was diagnosed with lung cancer in April 2024. My cancer has an ALK-positive mutation. While my body may be sick, in my head I truly believe that I am fine. I continue to do all my daily chores by myself and make a conscious effort to stay active. Walking has become a part of my routine—I walk almost 6 to 8 kilometers every day.
I often compare my body to a car. A car has many parts, just like our body has many organs. Sometimes, a few parts develop problems, but that doesn’t mean the entire car stops working. You repair what is damaged and keep moving forward. That is exactly how I look at my illness.
What troubles me the most is the question—why did I get lung cancer?
I was never into smoking or drinking. I maintained a healthy lifestyle, rarely fell ill, and hardly ever took leave from work due to health issues. Ironically, it was after my retirement that I was diagnosed with lung cancer. I have asked many doctors this question, but I have never received a completely satisfactory answer. Some people say it could be the result of karma from a previous birth, but I do not believe in such explanations.
I try to remain positive, but positivity and quality of life now come at a cost. I had saved some plots of land, thinking they would support me during my retirement years. Unfortunately, I had to sell them to afford targeted therapy medicines for my treatment. Lung cancer treatment is expensive, especially for middle-class families in India. I have been fortunate to receive support for some of my medicines through patient support groups like Lung Connect India Foundation, for which I am deeply grateful.
Through this journey, I have realized how important it is to take the first step toward treatment. Medical research is advancing rapidly, and I truly believe that people like me can live longer and better lives because of these developments.
Like many patients, I experience side effects such as constipation, headaches, and body pain. Over time, I have learned how to manage them on my own. Living with cancer teaches you resilience—you adapt, adjust, and move forward one day at a time.
One message I strongly want to share is about caregivers. Our loved ones give more than 100% of themselves to support us. Managing the outside world, responsibilities, emotions, and caregiving together is not easy. As patients, we must support our caregivers too—emotionally, mentally, and with understanding. They are fighting this battle alongside us.
My body may be unwell, but my spirit remains strong. I choose to keep going, to believe in science, and to live each day with purpose and hope.