Dr Sharmila, India

In 1994, my life took an unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with fibroadenoma, marking the unwelcome arrival of cancer into my existence. Just two years later, in 1996, my father was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. He fought valiantly and continued working until the last fifteen days of his life, eventually passing away in 2006. Despite his battle, I remained cancer-free after my excision biopsy. However, in 1997, our family faced another devastating loss when my grandmother succumbed to a cerebral tumor. Her stoicism and acceptance of her fate at the age of 74 left a profound impression on me.

In 2006, my daughter received the same diagnosis as I had – fibroadenoma. The latest blow came when my husband was diagnosed with plasmacytoma. Each time, we found ourselves trapped in the unrelenting cycle of denial, anger, and eventually, acceptance. The emotional toll of these experiences has been immense, and we have had to summon every ounce of strength to navigate through the fear and uncertainty that cancer brings.

My father viewed cancer as a reason to exit the world, yet he never stopped working until he could no longer go on. My uncle, Dr. A.V. Rao, faced his stage three lung cancer diagnosis with practicality and refused to be surrounded by mournful faces. My grandmother, too, maintained her dignity and only wished to be pain-free during her final days. Witnessing their resilience taught me the importance of acceptance and grace in the face of such adversity.

Since my husband's diagnosis and subsequent treatment, life has become a relentless and exhausting ordeal for my daughters and me. We have transformed into robots, merely reacting to the chaos around us. The once vibrant and emotional bond we shared has been overshadowed by the constant stress and fear that cancer instills in our lives.

Tomorrow, my husband has a follow-up appointment, and it feels as though we are holding our breath, waiting for the results that will determine our next steps. It is only after this appointment that we might find some respite, allowing the aftermath to wash over us. The uncertainty of what lies ahead is daunting, but we cling to the hope that we will find the strength to persevere.

Cancer, or "the crab" as I call it, has a way of infiltrating every aspect of our lives, bringing fear and anguish in its wake. Yet, it also forces us to confront our vulnerabilities and find the courage to navigate the turbulent waters toward acceptance. In the face of adversity, I have learned to cherish the moments of peace and to hold on to the love and support of my family. Though the journey is fraught with challenges, I am determined to embrace each day with resilience and an unwavering spirit.