Written by:
Aathira Ayyappan
Free Crowdfunding for India | #1 Fundraising website in India | Milaap
OVERCOMING THE ODDS: A SURVIVOR'S TALE
OVERCOMING THE ODDS: A SURVIVOR'S TALE
How My Husband’s Unwavering Love And Support Helped Me Beat Breast Cancer
How My Husband’s Unwavering Love And Support Helped Me Beat Breast Cancer
Published on: 22 February, 2023
Published on: 22 February, 2023
Most of us live our lives thinking that tomorrow is always promised. We believe, at least subconsciously, that the routine that we follow every day will define the rest of our days, and do not expect anything bad to happen that could change up our lives forever.
In 2019, Bina was diagnosed with breast cancer. She shares her story of resilience, courage and hope in the face of this difficult journey. Read about her experience and how she found strength to fight the disease.
Most of us live our lives thinking that tomorrow is always promised. We believe, at least subconsciously, that the routine that we follow every day will define the rest of our days, and do not expect anything bad to happen that could change up our lives forever.
In 2019, Bina was diagnosed with breast cancer. She shares her story of resilience, courage and hope in the face of this difficult journey. Read about her experience and how she found strength to fight the disease.
The first sign of trouble
The first sign of trouble
If I could describe my life with my husband in one word, it would be ‘peaceful’. We were happy and content with each other. In 2019, I had been already undergoing treatment for a gynaecological issue when I noticed a hard lump under my arm, close to my chest. I didn’t think much of it at that time, but I decided to talk to my doctor about it. I wasn’t prepared for what was to happen next.
If I could describe my life with my husband in one word, it would be ‘peaceful’. We were happy and content with each other. In 2019, I had been already undergoing treatment for a gynaecological issue when I noticed a hard lump under my arm, close to my chest. I didn’t think much of it at that time, but I decided to talk to my doctor about it. I wasn’t prepared for what was to happen next.
Hit with a shocking diagnosis
Hit with a shocking diagnosis
When I told my doctor about the hard lump, she told me to get a biopsy and a mammogram done. When she was telling me about these tests, I felt a sense of fear build in me – slowly but surely. But I still did not think of the worst outcome at this point because my husband was there to support me throughout. But when the reports came, I was numbed by what I was reading. I had a malignant breast tumour. The only questions that ran through my head at the time were – How will my husband, a chronic rheumatoid arthritis patient, be able to take me to the hospital regularly? Secondly, we did not have insurance to cover cancer treatment – how will we manage?
When I told my doctor about the hard lump, she told me to get a biopsy and a mammogram done. When she was telling me about these tests, I felt a sense of fear build in me – slowly but surely. But I still did not think of the worst outcome at this point because my husband was there to support me throughout. But when the reports came, I was numbed by what I was reading. I had a malignant breast tumour. The only questions that ran through my head at the time were – How will my husband, a chronic rheumatoid arthritis patient, be able to take me to the hospital regularly? Secondly, we did not have insurance to cover cancer treatment – how will we manage?
‘You just focus on your recovery, I’ll take care of the rest’
‘You just focus on your recovery, I’ll take care of the rest’
My husband has been my pillar of strength right from the heydays of our marriage. So when we left home for treatment in Kolkata, he told me on the train that I don’t have to worry about money. He told me to be positive and try to focus on taking things one day at a time.
Being a mature individual, he counselled me about the side effects of chemotherapy like hair loss, vomiting, diarrhoea etc. He used to keep telling me that this is just a dark phase of our life and we will overcome it soon. Together. He had been dealing with chronic pain in his joints all his life, but he had chosen to ignore it to focus on my healing and recovery. His love kept me going.
My husband has been my pillar of strength right from the heydays of our marriage. So when we left home for treatment in Kolkata, he told me on the train that I don’t have to worry about money. He told me to be positive and try to focus on taking things one day at a time.
Being a mature individual, he counselled me about the side effects of chemotherapy like hair loss, vomiting, diarrhoea etc. He used to keep telling me that this is just a dark phase of our life and we will overcome it soon. Together. He had been dealing with chronic pain in his joints all his life, but he had chosen to ignore it to focus on my healing and recovery. His love kept me going.
I slowly started losing my hair, my confidence and my vigour
I slowly started losing my hair, my confidence and my vigour
The doctor who did the biopsy and mammography counselled us not to worry, and told us to be positive. My family doctor gave me the additional morale boost I desperately needed. We planned to go to TMH, Mumbai, initially for treatment but on the advice of my husband’s colleague, we finalised on Apollo Multispeciality Hospital, Kolkata, as everybody spoke highly of the onco-surgeon there.
The treatment started with a review of the biopsy slide. The first phase of treatment was surgery. This was followed by 21 days of chemotherapy. The side effects of chemotherapy were unbearable. I had immediate hair loss after the first cycle. I couldn’t bear seeing my lush long tresses fall off like this. Vomiting and nausea, coupled with fear and anxiety became the highlight of my treatment. I could not bear to look at myself in the mirror because I was a changed person. But my joint family, including my son and husband, were very supportive. They did not make me feel like I was getting weaker and because of them, I tried to forget the pain.
The doctor who did the biopsy and mammography counselled us not to worry, and told us to be positive. My family doctor gave me the additional morale boost I desperately needed. We planned to go to TMH, Mumbai, initially for treatment but on the advice of my husband’s colleague, we finalised on Apollo Multispeciality Hospital, Kolkata, as everybody spoke highly of the onco-surgeon there.
The treatment started with a review of the biopsy slide. The first phase of treatment was surgery. This was followed by 21 days of chemotherapy. The side effects of chemotherapy were unbearable. I had immediate hair loss after the first cycle. I couldn’t bear seeing my lush long tresses fall off like this. Vomiting and nausea, coupled with fear and anxiety became the highlight of my treatment. I could not bear to look at myself in the mirror because I was a changed person. But my joint family, including my son and husband, were very supportive. They did not make me feel like I was getting weaker and because of them, I tried to forget the pain.
We held on to every shred of hope
We held on to every shred of hope
The first part of the treatment was surgery, followed by 8 cycles of chemotherapy and 26 sessions of radiotherapy. All the three modes of treatment cost around INR 14-15 Lakhs which was borne by my husband from his savings.
When my radiotherapy sessions got over, the doctor told us that I needed 17 cycles of chemotherapy again, after a 21-day interval. He had also added that I needed an urgent surgery to get a chemo port inserted as my vein was not able to be traced for chemotherapy. It was a difficult time for my husband, both mentally and financially because we immediately needed around INR 2 Lakhs. He had already run out of funds and was scrambling to arrange some money when one of his schoolmates called him. After learning about our situation, the friend suggested that we try fundraising through Milaap.
The first part of the treatment was surgery, followed by 8 cycles of chemotherapy and 26 sessions of radiotherapy. All the three modes of treatment cost around INR 14-15 Lakhs which was borne by my husband from his savings.
When my radiotherapy sessions got over, the doctor told us that I needed 17 cycles of chemotherapy again, after a 21-day interval. He had also added that I needed an urgent surgery to get a chemo port inserted as my vein was not able to be traced for chemotherapy. It was a difficult time for my husband, both mentally and financially because we immediately needed around INR 2 Lakhs. He had already run out of funds and was scrambling to arrange some money when one of his schoolmates called him. After learning about our situation, the friend suggested that we try fundraising through Milaap.
How Milaap helped
How Milaap helped
My husband’s friend was the person who initiated the documentation process to start the fundraising process on Milaap. I learned later that it was fairly simple and straightforward, and we could get the campaign running immediately. When my husband shared the Milaap fundraiser link with our relatives and friends, many of them were not even aware about my disease. I got calls and messages of solidarity from them, which gave me strength to fight. Every individual in our circle contributed as much as they could, and as we saw that funds were being raised, we felt a certain sense of calm that cannot be explained in words.
The target amount was INR 6 lakhs because we had anticipated an extended period of treatment which would include many cycles of chemo and if necessary, more surgery. We were able to raise close to INR 4 lakhs – which was enough to get the pending bills cleared for my immediate treatment. The rest of my chemo sessions were funded by my husband’s salary. The Milaap team was very supportive, right from the registration to the money withdrawal process. The team was quick to respond on both emails and calls. All the team members were polite and supportive as well.
I believe that crowdfunding can be a viable option for people who cannot afford healthcare, as it allows individuals to appeal to a wide audience for financial support. It has helped many people to cover the costs of medical treatments and expenses that they would not have been able to afford otherwise.
Finding strength through adversity: Parting message
After undergoing two years of intensive treatment, it was really a good feeling knowing that now my body can take a break from any kind of treatment-related pain. I am also happy that now I could spend lots of quality time with my family members because I really missed doing that while in hospital.
I have adopted healthier habits, such as exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and reducing stress levels. I am also undergoing regular check-ups and screenings with my doctor. I would say that I have become a more positive person in general.
If you are currently fighting a similar illness, my advice would be to prioritise your health and well-being. Follow your healthcare provider’s advice, take any prescribed medications or treatments as directed, and make self-care a priority. It’s important to seek support from family, friends, or a support group if you need it. Remember that recovery is a journey, and it may take time and patience, but there is always hope for a brighter future. Stay strong, stay positive, and believe in your ability to overcome this challenge.
Share this story with someone who could benefit from this advice or inspiration, especially if they are going through a similar situation.
My husband’s friend was the person who initiated the documentation process to start the fundraising process on Milaap. I learned later that it was fairly simple and straightforward, and we could get the campaign running immediately. When my husband shared the Milaap fundraiser link with our relatives and friends, many of them were not even aware about my disease. I got calls and messages of solidarity from them, which gave me strength to fight. Every individual in our circle contributed as much as they could, and as we saw that funds were being raised, we felt a certain sense of calm that cannot be explained in words.
The target amount was INR 6 lakhs because we had anticipated an extended period of treatment which would include many cycles of chemo and if necessary, more surgery. We were able to raise close to INR 4 lakhs – which was enough to get the pending bills cleared for my immediate treatment. The rest of my chemo sessions were funded by my husband’s salary. The Milaap team was very supportive, right from the registration to the money withdrawal process. The team was quick to respond on both emails and calls. All the team members were polite and supportive as well.
I believe that crowdfunding can be a viable option for people who cannot afford healthcare, as it allows individuals to appeal to a wide audience for financial support. It has helped many people to cover the costs of medical treatments and expenses that they would not have been able to afford otherwise.
Finding strength through adversity: Parting message
After undergoing two years of intensive treatment, it was really a good feeling knowing that now my body can take a break from any kind of treatment-related pain. I am also happy that now I could spend lots of quality time with my family members because I really missed doing that while in hospital.
I have adopted healthier habits, such as exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and reducing stress levels. I am also undergoing regular check-ups and screenings with my doctor. I would say that I have become a more positive person in general.
If you are currently fighting a similar illness, my advice would be to prioritise your health and well-being. Follow your healthcare provider’s advice, take any prescribed medications or treatments as directed, and make self-care a priority. It’s important to seek support from family, friends, or a support group if you need it. Remember that recovery is a journey, and it may take time and patience, but there is always hope for a brighter future. Stay strong, stay positive, and believe in your ability to overcome this challenge.
Share this story with someone who could benefit from this advice or inspiration, especially if they are going through a similar situation.
Need help meeting emergency medical expenses for you or a loved one? You can easily raise funds for medical treatment and get the help you need in times of crisis with Milaap. It is simple, secure and free!
Visit www.milaap.org or call us on +91 9916174848 to get started now.
For more information, write to us at cx@milaap.org.
Need help meeting emergency medical expenses for you or a loved one? You can easily raise funds for medical treatment and get the help you need in times of crisis with Milaap. It is simple, secure and free!
Visit www.milaap.org or call us on +91 9916174848 to get started now.
For more information, write to us at cx@milaap.org.
Written by:
Aathira Ayyappan