Written by:
Anoushka Pinto
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 Patience And Positivity Drives This Young Man’s Fight Against Stage 4 Lung Cancer
How Patience And Positivity Drives This Young Man’s Fight Against Stage 4 Lung Cancer
Published on: 1 August, 2023
Published on: 1 August, 2023
Faisal Aftab“Life took unexpected turns, but faith and resilience have brought me this far, and they'll remain my guiding forces as I press onward…"
Sometimes life throws unexpected challenges our way, and Faisal Aftab’s journey is no exception. A dedicated officer in the Merchant Navy, he tirelessly sailed the seas, driven by his ambition and the responsibility of providing for his family. However, destiny had other plans for him. In July 2020, the 28-year-old’s health began to deteriorate, leaving him plagued by incessant coughs that refused to subside. The severity of his condition forced him to take a leave of absence from work and return to India, throwing his aspirations and financial stability into jeopardy.
His coughs never relented and soon, he started losing his voice
One month turned into two, and two months turned into eight – with each passing month, his hope for relief grew dimmer. Countless medical examinations were carried out under the guidance of various doctors, yet none resulted in a conclusive diagnosis. The doctors attributed his symptoms to minor issues or allergies.
Faisal“Weight loss and a lack of appetite troubled me, but the real wake-up call was the drastic change in my voice, one day. It was hoarse, barely audible. I hoped it was just the side effects of medication, even as I suspected otherwise.”
These were tell-tale signs of something far more shocking
The persistent hoarseness in his voice weighed heavily on his mind. Seeking guidance from a doctor, Faisal underwent a laparoscopy in March 2021, only to uncover a startling truth: the right side of his vocal cords had become paralyzed. This revelation prompted further investigation, leading to the discovery of abnormal spots in his chest and neck area. After a biopsy, Faisal was diagnosed with stage 4 adenocarcinoma, a lung cancer that had already spread across his body and even affected his bones.
Faisal“Overwhelmed by the cancer diagnosis, my mind froze momentarily. The doctor's words also hit me hard - survival rates for this cancer are abysmal, with few making it past 2 years. Yet, I was raised to be strong, a virtue instilled from childhood and honed through my demanding job. Summoning all my courage, I confronted reality, vowing to face my cancer head-on. I knew I couldn’t change it, but I decided that I would deal with it in the best way I possibly could.”
Tumours were discovered in his brain, alongside the ones in his lungs and bones
With a life-changing diagnosis weighing heavily on his shoulders, he initially chose to shield his elderly parents from the harsh reality. Instead of rushing into chemotherapy, he sought a concrete diagnosis and was found ALK-positive, a gene fusion causing lung cancer. Oral medication offered temporary relief, but it eventually reached its limits.
Then, just as he thought things couldn’t get any worse, in March 2022, tumours were discovered in his brain, adding to the existing ones in his lungs—the primary site of his cancer— and the dormant ones in his bones. Faisal was then urged to start the second line of treatment, which he bravely continues to endure.
Embracing love and strength, in the face of unseen challenges
Through Faisal’s cancer battle, every resource he had was being drained by his ongoing treatment and the weight of his financial burdens threatened to crush him. His colleagues caught wind of his plight, and refused to let him face this battle alone. They rallied together, setting up a fundraiser on Milaap, igniting a spark of hope that spread like wildfire within his networks. The response was overwhelming, as friends, family, and even strangers came forward with their unyielding support.
Faisal“A cancer diagnosis is unfathomable, and even after I had broken the news to my parents, it took time for us to come to terms with it as a family. While my mother is fully aware of my battle, I have had to withhold some details from my father, a heart patient. Nevertheless, we draw strength from one another to navigate life with my diagnosis, and move forward."
No matter how daunting the journey may seem, we must never lose faith in ourselves
Faisal’s unwavering spirit serves as a beacon of hope for all. Battling against the relentless grip of lung cancer, he refuses to succumb to despair. Instead, he radiates optimism and persistence, inspiring others in their own struggles. Faisal’s powerful message resonates deeply:
Faisal“There are times that will shake you, and other times that will break you. But, I believe you have to get to grips with it, and put your faith in God. You'll have bad days where you'll feel extremely down - like the world is coming to an end. But even through those days, you have to keep fighting. You have to give yourself that fighting chance.”
Share this story with someone who could benefit from this advice or inspiration, especially if they are going through a similar situation.
Faisal Aftab“Life took unexpected turns, but faith and resilience have brought me this far, and they'll remain my guiding forces as I press onward…"
Sometimes life throws unexpected challenges our way, and Faisal Aftab’s journey is no exception. A dedicated officer in the Merchant Navy, he tirelessly sailed the seas, driven by his ambition and the responsibility of providing for his family. However, destiny had other plans for him. In July 2020, the 28-year-old’s health began to deteriorate, leaving him plagued by incessant coughs that refused to subside. The severity of his condition forced him to take a leave of absence from work and return to India, throwing his aspirations and financial stability into jeopardy.
His coughs never relented and soon, he started losing his voice
One month turned into two, and two months turned into eight – with each passing month, his hope for relief grew dimmer. Countless medical examinations were carried out under the guidance of various doctors, yet none resulted in a conclusive diagnosis. The doctors attributed his symptoms to minor issues or allergies.
Faisal“Weight loss and a lack of appetite troubled me, but the real wake-up call was the drastic change in my voice, one day. It was hoarse, barely audible. I hoped it was just the side effects of medication, even as I suspected otherwise.”
These were tell-tale signs of something far more shocking
The persistent hoarseness in his voice weighed heavily on his mind. Seeking guidance from a doctor, Faisal underwent a laparoscopy in March 2021, only to uncover a startling truth: the right side of his vocal cords had become paralyzed. This revelation prompted further investigation, leading to the discovery of abnormal spots in his chest and neck area. After a biopsy, Faisal was diagnosed with stage 4 adenocarcinoma, a lung cancer that had already spread across his body and even affected his bones.
Faisal“Overwhelmed by the cancer diagnosis, my mind froze momentarily. The doctor's words also hit me hard - survival rates for this cancer are abysmal, with few making it past 2 years. Yet, I was raised to be strong, a virtue instilled from childhood and honed through my demanding job. Summoning all my courage, I confronted reality, vowing to face my cancer head-on. I knew I couldn’t change it, but I decided that I would deal with it in the best way I possibly could.”
Tumours were discovered in his brain, alongside the ones in his lungs and bones
With a life-changing diagnosis weighing heavily on his shoulders, he initially chose to shield his elderly parents from the harsh reality. Instead of rushing into chemotherapy, he sought a concrete diagnosis and was found ALK-positive, a gene fusion causing lung cancer. Oral medication offered temporary relief, but it eventually reached its limits.
Then, just as he thought things couldn’t get any worse, in March 2022, tumours were discovered in his brain, adding to the existing ones in his lungs—the primary site of his cancer— and the dormant ones in his bones. Faisal was then urged to start the second line of treatment, which he bravely continues to endure.
Embracing love and strength, in the face of unseen challenges
Through Faisal’s cancer battle, every resource he had was being drained by his ongoing treatment and the weight of his financial burdens threatened to crush him. His colleagues caught wind of his plight, and refused to let him face this battle alone. They rallied together, setting up a fundraiser on Milaap, igniting a spark of hope that spread like wildfire within his networks. The response was overwhelming, as friends, family, and even strangers came forward with their unyielding support.
Faisal“A cancer diagnosis is unfathomable, and even after I had broken the news to my parents, it took time for us to come to terms with it as a family. While my mother is fully aware of my battle, I have had to withhold some details from my father, a heart patient. Nevertheless, we draw strength from one another to navigate life with my diagnosis, and move forward."
No matter how daunting the journey may seem, we must never lose faith in ourselves
Faisal’s unwavering spirit serves as a beacon of hope for all. Battling against the relentless grip of lung cancer, he refuses to succumb to despair. Instead, he radiates optimism and persistence, inspiring others in their own struggles. Faisal’s powerful message resonates deeply:
Faisal“There are times that will shake you, and other times that will break you. But, I believe you have to get to grips with it, and put your faith in God. You'll have bad days where you'll feel extremely down - like the world is coming to an end. But even through those days, you have to keep fighting. You have to give yourself that fighting chance.”
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:
Anoushka Pinto
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