Amazing Women - First Story

Hello All,

This is the collection of short stories dedicated to the women whose lives have influenced me in one way or another. Their stories are not very trans-formative but they do teach us something about life and its journey. And how these women found happiness and hope in their darkest hour. As a disclaimer, this is my interpretation of their feelings through conversations and by being an observer.

"S" - Her name is "Synonym of Saraswati who embodies wisdom and knowledge"

This is "S" story in her words. I met "S" in 2011 when I first heard her sing in Diwali function at work. She sang 'Bole Re Pipuha". She has this sweet melodious voice - a real pleasure to the ears. I reached out to her to see if she can teach some basics to my daughter who is also fond of singing. This is her story and her struggle with cancer.

Life is Beautiful

It was a sunny Wednesday morning in August 2012 and I was in a meeting at work when I received a call from the doctor who had done my biopsy. "You have breast cancer the next year is going to be tough".

I was young, had just turned 35, leading the quintessential American dream with a wonderful husband, a beautiful 7 year old daughter and an energetic 4 year old son, a house and good jobs. I could not believe what she was saying and just burst out crying. The next few days were a blur as I was still wrapping my head around the news. There were a series of tests that needed to be done that would determine my treatment plan. I just followed the flow and we came to a decision where I needed to have 6 months of chemotherapy, followed by surgery, radiation, a year's worth of Herceptin and hormone therapy.

I thought I started my treatment bravely but was still in a state of denial for a long period. After about 3 chemotherapy sessions, I started losing my long silky, hair accompanied with a sore mouth, metallic taste, loss of appetite, sleepless nights and mood swings. The doctors prepare you for all this but it strikes hard when it actually happens.

About halfway into the chemotherapy sessions, I started having hallucinations and went into severe depression. There was a point at which my family was more worried about my mental health than the physical aspect. There were days together where I would just lie in the bed, too depressed and weak to even get up. I did not feel like talking to anyone. One day my husband told me "Do you realize, you haven't hugged or kissed the kids since two months?" I was devoid of all feelings and somehow detached myself from everything feeling hopeless. But my husband, my kids, my parents, my in-laws, my relatives, everybody constantly kept reminding me that this was just a phase and I told myself the same though it was practically hard for me to believe it.

I hated to look at myself in the mirror with no hair, eyebrows or eyelashes but my husband would tell me every day how beautiful I was. He was there for each and every appointment. He was my guiding light! I could see the pain in my parents' eyes that used to put a brave face on for me, working tirelessly to keep me happy and taking care of my kids. I would in turn put a brave face on in front of my kids who just knew mommy was too sick. They would tell me that I would be better soon and I derived my encouragement only from them.

I was so happy when the chemotherapy came to an end. I was given a little break before my surgery. I opted for prophylactic mastectomy with reconstruction. My in laws were there to support me through this phase and radiation. They were a constant source of inspiration and support throughout my treatment.

The physical and emotional pain of losing my body parts was pretty intense but I was almost out of depression. I could see light at the end of the tunnel. Radiation came with its own baggage, my skin was peeling because of the burns but I took it in my stride since I was mentally much stronger. Days, months and finally a year passed and it was the final day of Herceptin. I could not believe I had done it! We celebrated by taking a mini vacation to the Niagara Falls and having a little family get together. I am now enjoying life with a renewed sense of purpose. As cliché as it might sound, I embrace every new day with full vigor and enthusiasm. I am looking forward to a long life filled with happiness with my family and friends.

Agastya's Funny Conversations with Nanoo

My mom/dad is visiting from India and staying with me for a month. Agastya loves playing chess with his Nanoo and has sometimes very interesting conversations with him. Agastya decided that nani ki beti hoon and nanoo ka main friend hoon. I am trying to capture some here.