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Thursday, February 18, 2010

Health Science and I Conquer Breast Cancer for 13 Years and Running



















Other than the little girl .. everyone in the above picture is a survivor.....

I am submitting my blog under the category of Health and Hygiene.

Kicking cancer butt and keeping it away for 13 years 

Twenty years ago a breast cancer diagnoses was a death sentence, but thanks to many who are dedicated to finding a cure, some patience, and decades of research, women have a chance to survive now. 

 Thirteen years ago Cancer invaded my body and demanded that I suffer chemo, go through hair loss and give away one of my breast. I had to do it for my survival and did it grudgingly. I hated it with all my heart and considered BC to be one of my worst enemies ever. It went to prove me right by taking away my sister and mom in years to come.

Today after 13 years I am sitting here and thinking of personally what did I lose and what did I gain from breast cancer or precisely gain in my life after BC. Loss of one breast. I had lost my hair too but it has come back. Self confidence has grown much more than what it used to be. I value my life more now because I had to fight for it.. and that too with a demon named cancer. I feel my life is something I have earned now. I have enjoyed watching my kids grow into their teens and loved every moment of it (other than few moments like Farheena going through her surgery etc). I would never have known how wonderful my kids are and how blessed I am to have them if I had not fought cancer furiously 13 years ago.

I turned into an extrovert after my cancer experience. It was just too much to keep in my chest and I felt my ribs breaking out. So had to pour out everything and found out how good it is to share our feelings. I have found amazing friends in the past 13 years. Also some wonderful people who made much difference to me. They changed me into much better person and also made me realize my own potential and resources. When I had slipped into a great depression, one of the counselor , who used to visit us during my sisters illness suggested I go to helping hand which is a free counseling center in Bangalore. Initially I was very hesitant but when I visited helping hand, I met people who changed me for good and also made me much better person with my kids and all kids in general. I cannot forget how helpful the people at Helping Hand have been for me and my kids. They are the ones who do not give you fish but teach you fishing.

There have been friends who have made me realize that it is not necessary to be rigid. Sometimes it helps to flow with the tide and enjoy life. I don't know where I would be today without the help from these people. Farheena being a special needs kid, me getting BC and losing my sister to BC all in a span of year made it very tough for me to handle it emotionally. Rizwan was being nasty and was not much of help. He came out with his worst self when I was going through worst period. May be he was not tough enough to handle the pressure cancer brings with it and also he was not willing to accept that he has a special needs child. He was living in complete denial. Strangers supported me emotionally where my close ones failed.

I hear all the horror tales of doctors and wonder where they are.. because all the doctors I have met so far have been very kind and helpful to me. Most of them are sort of like good friends. I have wonderful friends half way across the globe who I may never have met if not for cancer. I don't like having cancer but when I think what would I have missed in life if not for cancer then may be I don't hate it totally. I have found more friends recently again (Like Marin and Kathi from breastcancer.org) who have been through this ordeal like me and it amazes me to see how quickly we bond together, even though we have a grand canyon of difference between our cultures and lifestyles.

As a kid I had a dream of visiting Disney World. I am cartoon and comic book lover and wanted to be in their world sometime. Always wondered whether that would ever happen... Then there was Rayyan who always wanted to see NYC . I still cannot believe that we realized our dreams last year. The most shocking part was Rizwan willing to give consent to our visit to USA and also providing the tickets first to USA and then to Disney World. How things were set in right place is very amazing. We got to enjoy the fireworks on 4th of July from the best view possible in Philadelphia courtesy of another survival friend Judy. There were amazing people who accompanied us and made our Disney World trip totally enjoyable.

I know I bitch, groan and moan and also at times squeak and squeal LOL.at life but then realize how much I have and feel grateful to God. I feel angry at my friends when they misunderstand or under estimate me and my values but then I realize no matter what I still love them. Cancer makes it easy to forgive follies..I have known the joy of being in water and got introduced to swimming on my USA trip. Loved it a lot and miss it now..

Some may find this funny but I have found a great joy in knowing a wonder machine called computer. It was love at first touch for me. I am a woman of questions and computer with internet has most answers though not for those important questions which I have to find answer all by myself.

I have lived for thirteen years being NED and enjoyed my life with my children, family, friends and computer. Have loved playing games, tasted new food, dressed in a new ways and become totally non-religious person. I trust and believe in God a lot but realize I am not meant to belong to any religion. The battle has been won and has remained on my side until now and the life after cancer has been worth fighting for... so to anyone who is fighting cancer. Kick hard and fight with all your might and will power. Don't give in. I know I will not.....

Link to participate in the contest

I am tagging three more bloggers to participate in the contest..

Alice.. http://thewondersofalice.blogspot.com/

Simone .. http://chocolatecovereddaydreams.blogspot.com/

BM ...http://mothersalways.blogspot.com/

18 comments:

  1. Farila,

    I applaud and admire you, not only for what you endured both emotionally and physically, but for the lessons you learned. And for having the courage to speak up and share your story with everyone, so that we can get to know you better and learn as well.

    Cancer is no stranger to my family. I lost a grandmother to this disease, and my wife has now had two surgeries to remove cancer from her body (that I don't publicize about often).

    I am in awe of people like you who fight the battle and win. But you know what? I'm in awe of those who fight with every ounce of their life, and lose the battle. Some day, and hopefully in our lifetime, the long awaited cure will be found.

    I sit here and wait....and hope.

    P.S. I also hope you are selected as a finalist. Your story is heartwarming.

    ReplyDelete
  2. You are blessed certainly because you came out stronger. My mother is blessed, she had to give up 1 breast and she survived it too but the difference I realise now is it did not improve her zest for life, she became more prayerful but still stayed very much an introvert.

    I am blessed because I continue to have her in my life .

    And I am glad too, that you are here today to inspire me not to give in so easily..Life is still so rough.

    I'll check the link.

    Peace to you.

    BM

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  3. Oh Farila, thank you so much for giving me this chance to display this and the link on my blog.
    Cancer is one of the things that have never shown up in my Family, but Leukaemia has and that has shown up and taken the lives of at least three members of my family, and they have all been males.
    But I will proudly display this award and link.
    You are one of the strongest women that I have ever met, and I am so thankful that I met you!
    You have come through so much, but have never lost your sense of humour! I love and respect you so much for that, and I love our little chats!
    Thank you for being a Friend, and a very special friend at that!

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  4. Hi Guys
    Do not miss your chance to get a free ipad. Visit http://bit.ly/d9QOON

    ReplyDelete
  5. Ah, it annoys me to see people leaving Spam on such a beautiful post.

    I think the bad things in life often result in really good things.

    You're an amazing woman. I love your writing, your kindness, and your sense of humor. I'm sure a lot of that is something you were born with...well, judging from your childhood stories. But I'm guessing some of your vibrant personality comes from your experiences with cancer.

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  6. i salute you once again followed by bowing head...! You are a true inspiration to millions out there..

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  7. these kind of experiences bring the best out of ppl.....but the best thing about this one...was you lived to tell others......it surely brought many changes......becoming an extrovert from being an introvert is a vast change.....i'm can imagine......

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  8. A life changing phase...it has allowed you to enjoy life as it ought to be lived...one second at a time...'now' more important than tomorrow...I salute you, brave Farila

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  9. Here's to thirteen years! And 13 times 10 more!!!
    Well, you decide on how many more. You'll make it. :)
    Blessings to you for always sharing your stories, keeping us aware of breast cancer and the survival possibilities. You've recaptured your life very well and I pray that for others, too.

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  10. Oh wow you are amazing!!! Such a beautiful post!!

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  11. Your story is so inspiring and amazing. I gave you an award on my blog because you touched me so much. It's just a silly little thing, but I wanted to let you know that even though we'll probably never meet, your story has effected my life.

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  12. Hi.. came over from Indus ladies..
    Your story is really touching. I can relate to the mental agony that one goes through when the body is in pain.. though it was not cancer in my case. It takes real guts to overcome the pain and grow. Admire your attitude; hope it inspires many more.

    Cheers,
    priya.

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  13. Hats off to your attitude man... i am truely honored to have been able to read this story. Thanks for leaving this link on my blog post as a comment. My childhood story had inspired people but you have inspired me... here is the link to my post.

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  14. Lovely story....!! Awazing person

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  15. That is such an inspiring account Farida, and it made u stronger and become a better person and happy.... u've just proved that everything happens for the good if we take it in the right spirit... There are always two ways of doing things and u have chosen the best way

    keep rocking and cya around
    Love to ur kids
    Ashes

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  16. I hadn't noticed chaptersfrommylife.blogspot.com before in my searches!
    cool website, I'm very happy I stumbled here through my friend's blog, going to definitely need to add another one to the old bookmark list.

    ReplyDelete

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