Monthly Musings : Apr -22 Summit Scaled

 Monthly Musings : Apr -22 Summit Scaled

It was in Nov-2019 when Manas my son complained about a lingering pain in his back, we thought it to be the after effect of back to back cricket matches that he was playing, little did we realize what we had in store. What was assumed to be simple spasm turned out to be a Malignant Tumor affecting the spine and protruding into his nerves thereby he loosing sensation to his leg. An arduous cancer treatment of 2.5 years comprising of innumerable chemo sessions and the fear of how he would be gain his mobility strength seemed like an unscalable peak in front of us.

On 18^th April after 29 months, Manas completed his last chemo and also underwent a small surgery where his constant companion, the ‘Chemo Port’ was removed. It is the happiest day of our lives and we cant thank enough all those who have been part of our journey and support system. We can never ever repay the debts of the doctors and health care workers of Muzumdar Shaw Medical Center (Narayana Hrudayalaya Hospitals)  Bangalore, especially Dr Shobha and her team of oncologist who took care of Manas as their very own along with Dr Sunil Bhat, Dr Komal Prasad, Dr Thimappa Hegde, Dr Pooja, Dr Salman, Dr Rhea and the physio Kirubanidhi who made Manas not just stand but run again.  

While in today’s world when each one seems to be arguing, fighting over whose God is superior for us it came in form of numerous prayers in Temples, Churches, Mosques, Gurudwaras, Spiritual Guru’s and anyone and everyone who believed and prayed for us.  Last but not least, this has been a long battle that could never have been fought alone and all our Families, Friends, Colleagues, Team Members, Managers, Well Wishers, Neighbors and Strangers who stood like a rock with us encouraging and motivating us that this too shall pass. We all have come out stronger and far more grateful than we ever were. Manas has taught us that however down you are, one has to smile and fight it out, there can be no better way to sum this up than he penning his thoughts in his book aptly titled ‘Its Not That Hard’ which we hope to publish soon and share. Thanks to each one of you. A few snaps with doctors enclosed. Have a blessed life.

Monthly Musings : Mar -22 Still One Chemo Away

 Monthly Musings : Mar -22 Still One Chemo Away

March is here and so are summer. Manas cleared his 11^th grade and his 12^th grade started. Given he had his exams and also school we decided to do his last chemo in April once his holiday starts, this way he wont loose few days of school due to post chemo effects. We also need to remove his port which is a small surgery. The Muzumdar Shaw Hospital where Manas is treated opened a new wing for post Cancer Care, this was inaugurated by the renowned Dr Devi Shetty who is also the chairman of the hospital. Manas was invited as a speaker to speak about his experience as a Cancer Survivor (though I prefer the word fighter). He spoke for 2 mins but spoke very well, it was very emotional moment to watch him speak. All the doctors praised him. We did inform Dr Sunil Bhat that he has written a book about his experiences and would come to take photographs with his team, he was more than happy to do that. Waiting for April to complete the last leg. Shalini parents came here after nearly 1.5 years, they were his constant support during his treatment, he was happy to see them. March month also meant catching up on few movies in theaters.

Monthly Musings : Feb -22 Penultimate Month

 Monthly Musings : Feb -22 Penultimate Month

Feb is a short month and for Manas the penultimate month before his last chemo gets over in month of March. Manas had his final exams for his 11^th grade and could go to school in person. It was good to meet his friends. This being a short month, he had just the regular tablets. He also caught up with his school cricket friends. His cricket coaching also going fine and he is looking forward to exams to get over and go and play a match. Globally world and people do not seem to learn from history and the Russia attack on Ukraine has thrown the world into another chaos. I wonder how world leaders can be so stupid to inflict suffering, pain and loss of lives on each other. Hope better sense prevails.