Surviving Cancer and Spreading Positivity
By Ramendra Kumar I was diagnosed with stage II colon cancer in November 2021. Immediately after the verdict, I raved and ranted. I don’t smoke. I don’t drink. I’m healthy. I exercise regularly. So why me? I went through the entire spectrum of anger, frustration, angst, and yes, even a few tears. I looked at […]
Sign Language
By Alpa Dharamshi The lady was very beautiful looking and had long hair almost touching her knees. I couldn’t resist myself, but my eyes immediately saw her beautiful black and silky hair. She looked very disturbed. She entered our Counselling room almost 10 months back at one of the government hospitals where I volunteer at […]
Importance of Counselling for Cancer patients
By Alpa Dharamshi A cancer diagnosis changes lives. Feelings of shock, fear and uncertainty can overwhelm not only the patient but their entire family. A patient may react strongly to changes in the body, feel anxious about treatment and its results. Cancer can stir up many deeply personal issues such as spirituality, sexuality and relationships. […]
The ‘Why me’ conundrum
Oncologists rarely pass a day without hearing a patient wonder “why me? Why did I get cancer?” As valid as the question is, rarely do we have an accurate answer. Most have lived their lives in moderation, perhaps never smoking or drinking. Many are good people never intentionally harming anyone, in case one fears […]
From early lump detection to treatment
I vividly remember the day, as if it was just yesterday. I was preparing to go for a vacation when I first detected the lump. My mind was filled with an array of conflicting thoughts, as I had to catch a flight in mere hours. Despite the excitement of my trip, the questions in my […]
Compassion Fatigue
Compassion fatigue is a condition characterized by emotional and physical exhaustion leading to a diminished ability to empathize or feel compassion for others, often described as the NEGATIVE COST OF CARING. It is sometimes referred to as secondary traumatic stress and is mostly faced by caregivers. Compassion fatigue is similar to burnout. But burnout usually […]
You are not alone
Connecting with a 52-year-old patient with advanced stage of Brain tumour proved to be a challenge. When prompted, she was able to share her thoughts, feelings and wishes. She talked in a feeble voice about her belief of a speedy cure so that she could go back to her village to be with her home and […]
Thoughts of a Cancer Conqueror and Counsellor
A patient after talking to the doctor often has unanswered questions such as – Dr: Your hair will grow back. Pt: How do I cope till it doesn’t? Dr: Why are you sad? There are so many who live with stoma bags.Pt: Can you imagine how I feel to see the stool in […]
Loved ones suffer just as much
— Sri Rajeshwari (Volunteer Counsellor) Raju, a software engineer, lost his father when he was only four years old. His mother raised him single-handedly with utmost difficulty and determination. Now, in her last stages of cancer, she was admitted to the hospital for palliative care. Being a family of just two, Raju was very close […]
My family knows I lived happily
— Sri Rajeshwari (Volunteer Counsellor) Rashmi was diagnosed with stage 3 cervical cancer at the age of 46. She has two children, one studying in B.com final year and another son studying PUC 2nd year. I first met her when I was counselling voluntarily for the Cancer patients in palliative care. Months later, knowing the […]
