Harapriya, India
My Journey: A Story of Resilience and Hope
My name is Harapriyananda, a 52-year-old teacher from India, and a proud mother of three wonderful children—two daughters and a son. My life was once beautiful and smooth, filled with the simple joys of family, teaching, and motherhood. But everything changed the day I received a call from my doctor, a call that would alter the course of my life forever.
The doctor’s words still echo in my mind: “You have cervical cancer. You need immediate surgery.”
At that time, my children were very young. I was overwhelmed with fear, confusion, and heartbreak. But amidst the chaos, one thing was clear—I had to fight, not just for myself, but for my children who needed their mother. I underwent a hysterectomy and, fortunately, didn’t require chemotherapy.
However, life after cancer wasn’t easy. Gradually, I began facing several health issues. Osteoporosis led me to undergo two hip replacement surgeries, and cataracts affected both my eyes, requiring surgeries to restore my vision. Despite all these challenges, I refused to let cancer define me. I took it as a challenge—a battle I was determined to win.
This was in 2009. Life moved on, but in 2022, I began feeling unwell again. It felt like something was stuck in my chest. My daughter rushed me to the hospital, and after several tests, the doctors discovered fluid in my lungs. I stayed hopeful, thinking it was something minor. But then the doctor delivered a devastating blow to my daughter:
“Your mother is going to die within 15 days. She has cancer again, and this time it has metastasized to her lungs.”
My daughter was shattered. She didn’t tell me immediately, but I could see the fear and sadness in her eyes. When I asked her what was wrong, she broke down and whispered, “Mother, it’s cancer again.”
I paused, took a deep breath, and with every ounce of strength in me, I said:
“Don’t worry, my dear. We will fight it again. I will fight it again.”
And so, the battle began once more. My daughter reached out to every hospital, every doctor, clinging to the hope of a cure. Most doctors gave us bleak prognoses—“Maybe a year, six months, 15 days… we can’t say for sure.” But we didn’t give up. We chose to fight.
I started targeted therapy, which I’ve been on for the past four years. Just when I thought I had faced it all, in the same year—2022—I was diagnosed with varicose carcinoma. Another surgery followed, more challenging than I had ever imagined.
Cancer has hit me hard, again and again. But with every blow, it has made me stronger. I am fighting as a mother, as a woman, and as a warrior. I refuse to let this disease define me or break my spirit.
Yes, it has turned my world upside down. Yes, the journey has been painful, both physically and emotionally. But I am still here. I am still fighting.
I fight for my children.
I fight for myself.
And I will continue to fight, no matter what.
Cancer may be a part of my story, but it will never be the end of it.
I am Harapriyananda, and I am a survivor. I will not give up. I will win.