Weekly Musings : Week 17 Man Proposes And….

Weekly Musings : Week 17 Man Proposes And….

The India lockdown continues for 3 more weeks. Roads are empty and there is an eerie silence. The social media is flooded with only one new which is the Corona virus. The entire world has been brought to its knees by an unknown enemy. Manas was saying that all his friends plans of playing cricket, traveling abroad, watching movies all have gone for a toss. Some of the much awaited movies like 83, Marvel Black Widow all are getting postponed seems the delay is waiting for Manas to get well soon. All plans that people would have made is irrelevant now, reminds of the saying Man Proposes and God Disposes.

Weekly Musings : Week 16 Staying in Isolation

Weekly Musings : Week 16 Staying in Isolation

The last few weeks the entire world has been shaken by the Corona Virus. This week India had a voluntary lockdown on Sunday where everything was shut and people were asked to stay indoor. While many were discussing what it means, we have been in Physical Distancing for close to 4 months now. Our only movements outside were when we go to the hospital. Didn’t realise how 3+ months passed at home. It allowed us to bond better, spend time playing games like chess and Ludo, caught up with reading, learnt baking and cooking new dishes and binge watching on Netflix, Amazon & Hotstar. While the world grapples with this unknown enemy, it is also a time to respect nature which has brought human greed and has made all man made discrimination of borders, class, colour, religion, language etc irrelevant as at end of day what matters is humanity. This time too shall pass. Reminded the Alchemist of the world is with you, seems the entire world is in Isolation to give us company.

Weekly Musings : Week 15 Manas Hits A Century

Weekly Musings : Week 15 Manas Hits A Century

This week completed 100 days since Manas was operated. 100 is associated with a Century and very commonly with the game of cricket, something he loves so much. Our conversations are either cricket, food or TV programs. I recollected Manas telling that he will hit a century and the tap his back with his bat. I am sure he will hit that century as well. His positive attitude and smiling face has been a source of strength for me and Shalini, I am sure we all will come out stronger from all this. Amen

Weekly Musings : Week 14 One Day More

Weekly Musings : Week 14 One Day More

This was the week which has 29^th Feb, the leap year where you have 1 extra day in your life. A leap year occurs every four years to help synchronize the calendar year with the solar year, or the length of time it takes the earth to complete its orbit around the sun, which is about 365¼ days. When you look at each day at a time, it is amazing to know that you have one extra day, extra 24 hours or 1440 minutes more that can be made more memorable and worth living. No wonder the year is called a Leap year and am sure it will leap us to something cherishable.

Weekly Musings : Week 13 Inspiration Around You

Weekly Musings : Week 13 Inspiration Around You

This week Manas has an infection in his hand and we went to the dermatologist to show. There was a young man about 21 years old named Basavaraj who was her assistant. He asked about Manas health and said that he too had cancer when he was the same age. In fact his cancer was severe and he underwent bone marrow transplant. He was speaking to Manas that he was in ICU for 265 days and had grown very weak but now he is fully cured and is in his final year engineering but also comes to the hospital to work and help. He was a smiling young lad and was an inspiration for Manas and us. Manas felt that he was better off. It reminded me of the song “Duniya mein kitna gam hain, mera gam kitna kam hai”, this means there is so much sorrow around us that mine seems pale in comparison. Look around and there is abundance of inspiration.

Daily Diary for month of March 2020

93) Sunday 1^st March : For change no medicines other than just Forcan. Today his strenuous stretches started and he was made to do some knee related exercise. Was bit tired, he complained of bit of bum pain.

94) Monday 2^nd March : Routine day and today the Physio made him stand near window and do situps. Also made him sit on mat and do knee tucks. This was strenuous bit for him and he was tired. Had dinner and went to sleep early

95) Tuesday 3^rd March : Morning went to meet Doctor, he walked to her room. His BP was bit high due to the walking but later it was normal. His left hand finger infection still persisted, hence went to see Dr Pratibha but she was unwell. The CBC Stat showed lower CBC while the platlets and RBC had grown, Dr Shobha spoke to Dr Pratibha and decided to start injections to treat his infection as that has to be clear so that his next chemo can be planned.  A round of injection was given in evening and next 4 days injection has to be given at 8 am, 12 pm and 6.30 pm they tried to get some nurse but decided to do in hospital itself which was our preference as well. Came home by 9 pm. Manas had severe pain in thighs due to the exercises gave him a Dolo tablet and applied cream, he was better. GCSF also given today and then for 3 more days.

96) Wednesday 4^th March : Morning left at 8.15 for hospital and his first injections given at 9 am Followed by injection in noon and evening 7.30 pm. Manas started throwing up due to side effect of the medicines. We came home by 10 pm and Manas was too tired. We decided to get admitted as that gives rest to all of us and also there is attention if required. Shalini informed Dr Shobha and she asked us to come early.

97) Thursday 5^th March : Manas again threw up in morning and was very tired. He did pass motion and then felt better. We reached hospital by 10.30 am and got admitted in his favourite PB ward. Dr Shobha came and his 3 injection cycles was given. Manas was feeling better and did not vomit.

98) Friday 6^th March : Dr Sunil came and saw him and asked for an Xray to see if there is infection. His report was fne and his medication continued. Dr Shobha was on leave. Dr Pratibha came and saw his hand and seemed to be healing. The pus culture report also came and mentioned it is a contamination but it is not growing so the current medicines are fine. Manas was feeling better and did his Physio in the room. He did 2 rounds of walking as well.

99) Saturday 7^th March : Manas was his normal self. Dr Shobha came and said will replace injections with tablets and asked to come on 14^th March so that his next cycle of chemo which is the 4 day admission is started. Asked us to come to hospital in case we see his infection increasing and said will discharge him today. His 6 MP Chemo tablet started from tomorrow which will be one 50 mg to be given at 6 pm and he has to not have any food 1 hour before and 2 hours later.

100) Sunday 8^th March : Today is the 100^th day since manas got operated, he was feeling much better and was his humorous self. Today being the Women World Cup T20 we were very excited but after seeing the hammering it remined of the 2003 South Africa world cup where we were rodgered. I made Manas do the exercises as the physio is on leave and Manas did over 5 rounds with ease. His 6MP chemo tablet started from today which is at 6 pm. Played chess with him which he is slowly mastering as have lost last 3 matches with him

101) Monday 9^th March : Manas was fine and getting active. Evening did 6 rounds of walking and stretches. He had early dinner and went to sleep

102) Tuesday 10^th March : Manas woke up late but was much better. Evening did some walk and some stretches, slept late.

103) Wednesday 11^th March : Manas woke up late, there was no power so did tasks liesurly. Skipped the physio activities but did walking and cycling. Again a routine day today.

104) Thursday 12^th March : Manas had a usual day, his 6MP medicines was given. The Physio came and his routine exercises started. Manas was his cheerful self.His finger still shows slight infection. Again a day of good chess match.

105) Friday 13^th March : Manas did his usual activities, evening did multiple rounds of walk. Tomorrow his Phase 2 Chemo is to start, he dreads the Lumbar Procedure as it causes heavy nauseauting. He was asking when will all this end, kept him motivated saying that the major part he has overcome now it is just matter of 3 more months. Played a game of chess with him and defeated him.

106) Saturday 14^th March : Morning he finished all his breakfast by 9.40 am and then went to Hospital. Dr Shobha saw his finger and suspected some growth and hence went and showed to Dr Pratibha she asked to show to padetric surgeon hence Dr Sanjay Rao saw his fingers. It was decided that anyhow he is getting sedated for LP so better to remove the infection and if need be the finger nails as well. He was taken for the LP, was bit worried with the finger nail removal but said it is a small procedure. His nail was fine and only infection cleaned. LP got done and shifted to his favourite PB5 room where he could sleep for some time. Poor child had not eaten since 9.30 am hence was very hungry. His 6MP medicines was given. Manas was throwing up and could settle only by 10 pm. He had curd rice and was feeling better and then went to sleep.

107) Sunday 15^th March : Early moning 7 am his chemo medication started, it has to be administered for 24 hours and in parallel saline was also administered. He has to be fully hydrated and cannot move. Manas was initially active but then started feeling very weak. By evening he was getting irritated and bored and wanted to stand , walk, cajoled him to bear one more night. He was very supportive and poor kid is bearing a lot. Night he had dinner and then went to sleep. He woke multiple times at night either for water or to pee but was feeling better. Night he passed motion. The side effect of the chemo is mouth ulcers hence medicines given.

108) Monday 16^th March : Morning his chemo got over by 8 am only. He got fresh and walked him to loo. He was feeling frustrated hence made him walk in the lobby. He had breakfast and watched some TV. Sagar came to hospital and gave him company. I was busy in calls. Gave him a good bath and then evening took for one more round. Doctor came and said will check his levels tomorrow and then decide he has to be fully hydrated. He was very tired hence ate dinner and went to sleep by 9 am.

109) Tuesday 17^th March : Manas was feeling better passed lot of urine, doctor came  and checked and said he has passed less urine so will do a createnine test. We checked the sheet and the sister had summed it up wrongly. His all tests came normal said will wait for a blood report by evening and then discharge tomorrow. Manas was feeling bored so made him walk, while walking he lost balance which was more out of mis-step. Krupanidhi came and gave him stretches and made him walk. Evening Sagar came and we played chess with him. Had good food and looking forward to discharge tomorrow. Slept by 11 pm. 

110) Wednesday 18^th March : Manas drank enough water and passed urine hence his system was cleansed. Morning his CBC Stat taken and all parameters were good. The needle was removed and he had a good bath. The clearance took time and by the time the Insurance came it was 10 pm. He was getting restless and wanted to go home and sleep in his comfortable bed.

111) Thursday 19^th March : After 4 days in hospital Manas had very good sleep in comfort of his home. Morning he work up late did his usual chores, had his favorite rasam and cabbage curry which he was desperately missing. Morning was his idly day. The Physio came early and made him do stretches. Today Manas walked a few steps on his own. It was so nice to see him slowly come to his normal self and gain confidence. Took his 6 MP medicines, watched some TV and went to sleep early.

112) Friday 20^th March : Manas was feeling the normal self. Woke up late an dhad his lunch also a bit late. It was raining in evening hence the physio did not come. Manas walked a few rounds. The PM declared lockdown and Sunday will be closed. We were already in isolation for last 4 months and now entire country is in same situation. Played chess with him and evening went to sleep early.

113) Saturday 21^st March : Manas has a routine day, evening did good physio exercises. Made bisse bele rice for him.Had his 6 MP and went to sleep by 11 pm.

114) Sunday 22^nd March : Manas woke in leisure, spent time reading newspaper. Today was an All India Lockdown and people stayed indoors. Evening we clapped for all the medico, physio etc staff who do this for us. The Physio had come home and we clapped our appreciation for him. Manas did good stretches. Made Masale baath for him and egg roll which he liked. Today break from 6 MP tablet. 

115) Monday 23^rd March : Manas had a usual day, spoke to Dr Shobha and she asked to come next  Monday for admission and also asked to avoid Physio and we all stay home given the severity of Carona. The Pan & Zafair tablets stopped. Asked to continue with 6MP and give GCSF on Sunday and come on Monday. I gave the physio exercises to Manas.

116) Tuesday 24^th March : Manas had a normal day, today just Forcan tablets and evening 6 MP. I gave him the stretches. Today the PM addressed the nation and a lockdown of 21 days was put. Sent message to Dr Shobha and she said she will give a letter and we get Manas admitted on Monday as planned. A normal day for Manas. Praying that the Carona pandemic gets resolved soon.

117) Wednesday 25^th March : Manas had a normal day but later in day had slight running nose. This could be due to the A/c which we put on for him the entire night. Asked Dr Shobha and she asked to give cetrizine tab 10 mg at night. Evening gave him exercises and he did 3 rounds of walking

118) Thursday 26^th March : Manas was feeling better but she asked to continue for 3 days the medicines. Gave him only body bath and not head bath. Evening he did his stretches and cycling.

119) Friday 27^th March : Manas had a usual day, today gave the last tablet of 6 MP. Made him do the stretches. He wanted to eat pizza hence made that at home which we enjoyed. Gave cetrizine tab 10 mg

120) Saturday 28^th March : Another normal day, in 2 days Manas will have to get admitted for the next 5 day chemo cycle. Dr Shobha sent the letter which we need to show to Police in case they ask on our way to Hospital. Evening manas wanted cake hence baked wheat banana cake. Evening played uno. Gave him one more tablet of cetrizine tab 10 mg

121) Sunday 29^th March : Morning he woke up late. Gave him the GCSF injection, he felt sleepy and took rest. Had lunch, evening gave him stretches and he did 3 rounds of walking as well. Night had dinner and went to sleep. Tomorrow is the next chemo admission, he does not like the LP as it is nauseauting and the 24 hrs confined to bed is something he hates told him just matter of few more sessions and this too shall pass.

122) Monday 30^th March : Manas woke around 8 am, we got ready finished his breakfast by 10.45 as after that he will eat only in night as LP is scheduled. We left at 11 am,  the roads were deserted. We were stopped at Silk board and in electronic city, showed Dr Shobha letter and they let us go. MSMC had strict checking and no OPD only critical care functioning. Dr Shobha saw manas and said looks fine, got his CBC stat and Cretenine checked and both were normal. His LP was done, Manas kept saying he does not want to get admitted. Surprisingly his LP was done smoothly with no nauseauting. He slept and later in evening shifted to room PB7. He had dinner and then went to sleep. Today he will complete 4 months since he was operated. Dr Shobha said they may decide to give Radiation as his spine was impacted but will decide after due consultation.

123) Tuesday 31^st March : Morning 7 am the nurses came and did his PH test using urine sample and it was 6, it should be above 7. They gave some injections and after an hour again tested and then it was fine. His 24 hour chemo of MTX was started at 9.30 am, this time a stronger dose was given. Dr Sunil came and saw and said he is fine. Dr Shobha also came and said she may keep him till Saturday. Manas felt low as he wanted to go home, he misses home food and company. Later in evening played uno with him and comforted him that he will get over this soon.

Weekly Musings : Week 12 One ray brings the sunlight

Week 12: One ray brings the sunlight

This week Manas was walking with the walker, but the physio asked him to walk without the walker and just holding his hands. Manas did that and after walking a few steps his confidence just soared and he said he will walk the entire 3 rounds without the support of the walker and he could do that. We could see a sense of pride and confidence in him and it brought tears to us. He said he will now walk around rather than sit on his bed. It was great to see that and again a reflection where just one positive signal or ray of hope brings about a transformation. I remember the conversation we had with him where we was down and wondering when he would be able to walk and had his doubt but this one action had made him very confident and opened the sunlight for him. Reminded me of stories I had heard where wars were won on knowing of one battle victories.