Cancer Patients Talk About How They Motivate Themselves
Cancer Patients Talk About How They Motivate Themselves
On some days, getting out of the bed is tough. But to get out of the bed after a gruelling, body beating session of chemotherapy? That takes a whole other level of motivation.
For anyone who screenshots quotes on positivity, only to abandon them the minute a tiny challenge comes their way, it's particularly inspirational to hear accounts of those who still kept their positive spirit beaming, even in the midst of a life changing, terminal illness.
"Mumma, Are you Gonna Die?" No Sweety, I am Going to Be Here... for You
For Rajni Arora, who was diagnosed with cancer when her youngest child was only 13, in 2002, motivation came (literally) in a tiny packet.
Rajni had a fourth family member who was completely dependent on her - her sister who was emotionally fragile and sensitive.
Just two years back, both Rajni and her sister had faced the loss of their mother to cancer. After the umbilical cord broke, Rajni felt her sister won't be able to take another loss. Her sister's fear, and Rajni's concern for her, in turn provided more motivation for her to battle the cancer head on!
But hey, Rajni is human too! Even though Rajni counts herself as a strong person, even she had her tough days.
"I wanted to look well (for my husband and kids), but there were days when I would say I don't feel fine right now."
Folks that's another truth about cancer, survivors can't (and shouldn't even be expected to) put a brave front in front of the world.
Some days were particularly traumatic for her. Days when Rajni crumbled, and when the weight of her terminal illness seemed too much to carry.
On Tough Days, Anjana's Father's Words Helped Her
Anjana Bhan, an endocrinologist who had to face cancer as a patient, says that on tough days, her father's words helped her.
It may sound unbelievable, but self help books too helped this rational, scientific doctor/patient.
In an earlier piece, Mandakini, a breast cancer survivor wrote:
Perhaps their feelings of motivation aren't the poster quotes at times, but their spirit of not giving up is (as much as some of them may hate it) admirable indeed!
However, equally tough than the chemo, we are sure, is the ridiculous things cancer survivors hear from "well wishing acquaintances."
"You have to keep your wits about you," says Rajni. We can't help but agree (for most of life's challenges but cancer, particularly, for sure)!
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)