NIHARIKA DASH SARANGI@NiharikaDash14
My Mother’s Courageous Journey
Meet my mother, an incredible human being and a true fighter. In 2009, she was diagnosed with cervical cancer. She underwent surgery and was under close medical supervision. During this time, she faced many health issues. Doctors told us that she wouldn’t be able to walk due to arthritis and osteoporosis unless she had hip replacement surgery. Desiring to see her walk and engage in regular activities, we went ahead with the surgeries. After both hip replacements, I was relieved and happy to see her walking again. However, our journey was far from over.
In 2020, her cancer relapsed, and she was diagnosed with cervical cancer metastasis to her lungs. When I took her to the hospital, hoping it was just a minor health issue, the doctor informed us that she had only 15 days left to live and that nothing more could be done. This news devastated me. I tirelessly reached out to every hospital and oncologist in our locality and across India, seeking the best possible treatment for my mother. The prognosis was grim, and I was terrified to share the news with her. However, she eventually found out and asked me what was happening. When I told her it was cancer again, her response gave me immense courage. She said, “We will fight again. Don’t worry, I am with you. As long as I am fighting, you shouldn’t be worried.”
Every hospital we visited offered little hope, outlining standard protocols with minimal optimism. Amid this despair, we found Dr. Parida, who provided a glimmer of hope. He promised to do his best with the treatment, but emphasized that the outcome would depend on her fighting spirit. He said, “If she fights, nothing can stop her.”
Today, on World Cancer Survivor Day, my mother continues to fight. She is a teacher, a mother, and a remarkable survivor. She has faced cancer three times, and through this journey, I have learned a valuable lesson from her: if you are willing to fight, no one can stop you. She is fighting for us, and as long as she continues to fight, I will always be there to support, motivate, and care for her.
From my childhood to now, she has protected and loved me unconditionally. It is now my duty—and my honor—to care for her. Every month, she continues her treatment, and I will be by her side, guiding and motivating her. Sending all my love to the survivors out there.
#internationalcancersurvivorsday
#CancerAwareness
#cancer
