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Monica D'silva

Borivali

My Nine-Year Battle with Cancer: A Journey of Faith, Strength, and Hope

I am Monica Dsilva from Mumbai.

I have been battling cancer (multiple myeloma) since 2016 and am currently under medication. I was first diagnosed after a routine medical check-up which led to further investigations and after several anxious weeks a diagnosis that said Multiple Myeloma. When I first heard the word cancer my whole world came crashing down and it was very hard for me to control myself. In that moment I started questioning everything. Why did it happen to me? Was it something I had done? Was it my food, my lifestyle or anything in my past that could explain this. The diagnosis sounded like a death sentence, and I thought my time here is up.

In my first consultation the doctor explained the different options and treatment had to start soon so before I could gather myself and recover from the initial shock, I had started with chemotherapy. At first it was weekly, then every 2 weeks and finally every month. The routine involved blood tests before every dose, bone protein tests, PET scans and waiting anxiously for every result. Every small change in test result numbers would be analysed. This routine continued and then finally in June 2024, December 2024 and in 2025 my results came back normal and I am currently on tablets to keep things under control.

This whole process was not easy, and it takes a while to accept the outcome and a longer time to get the strength to start fighting. The hardest part about chemotherapy is the feeling that you are not in control of your body anymore. You suddenly feel things you have never felt before and even daily tasks become harder. However, it’s the mind that gives up hope I knew I had to do something to stay strong mentally. I turned to prayer and immersed myself in it so I could have the strength to keep going. The support from my husband, family and friends made a huge difference. Seeing their smiling faces gave me the strength to keep going and to maintain a positive attitude. With time the prayers, medication and positive attitude gave me a sense of control, and I started regaining my strength. Physically as well I could start feeling like my former self and do some of the things I used to do before. Yes, there are limits and I cannot do everything that I used to but it still gives me a sense or normalcy.

This journey of nine years would not have been possible without Dr. Ashish Joshi and his team of dedicated doctors and medical professionals. All staff right from the gatekeeper, receptionist, nurses, pathology, pharmacy are all connected to each other and ensure that the patient is not a stranger. Everything you need is available when you need it and ready for pick-up when you arrive. They are always welcoming, caring and polite which goes a long way in making this difficult process a little bit easier. The doctors led by Dr Joshi are always available to answer any queries. No concern or query that you have is dismissed. They will listen to all your queries and take the time to explain things in a manner that is easy to understand. If I have to give some advice to cancer patients it would be to

Keep faith in God

Trust the Doctor and his team

Take your medications on time and maintain a healthy diet

Take time to rest

Keep thinking positive

Do not listen to negative advice or wonder cures advertised on the interne without consulting your doctor.

Surely things will work out. Keep faith there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

A Big Thank you Dr.Ashish Joshi and his team and all my fly of Moc

God bless u all

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Monica D'silva , Borivali

My Nine-Year Battle with Cancer: A Journey of Faith, Strength, and Hope
I am Monica Dsilva from Mumbai.

I have been battling cancer (multiple myeloma) since 2016 and am currently under medication. I was first diagnosed after a routine medical check-up which led to further investigations and after several anxious weeks a diagnosis that said Multiple Myeloma. When I first heard the word cancer my whole world came crashing down and it was very hard for me to control myself. In that moment I started questioning everything. Why did it happen to me? Was it something I had done? Was it my food, my lifestyle or anything in my past that could explain this. The diagnosis sounded like a death sentence, and I thought my time here is up.

In my first consultation the doctor explained the different options and treatment had to start soon so before I could gather myself and recover from the initial shock, I had started with chemotherapy. At first it was weekly, then every 2 weeks and finally every month. The routine involved blood tests before every dose, bone protein tests, PET scans and waiting anxiously for every result. Every small change in test result numbers would be analysed. This routine continued and then finally in June 2024, December 2024 and in 2025 my results came back normal and I am currently on tablets to keep things under control.

This whole process was not easy, and it takes a while to accept the outcome and a longer time to get the strength to start fighting. The hardest part about chemotherapy is the feeling that you are not in control of your body anymore. You suddenly feel things you have never felt before and even daily tasks become harder. However, it’s the mind that gives up hope I knew I had to do something to stay strong mentally. I turned to prayer and immersed myself in it so I could have the strength to keep going. The support from my husband, family and friends made a huge difference. Seeing their smiling faces gave me the strength to keep going and to maintain a positive attitude. With time the prayers, medication and positive attitude gave me a sense of control, and I started regaining my strength. Physically as well I could start feeling like my former self and do some of the things I used to do before. Yes, there are limits and I cannot do everything that I used to but it still gives me a sense or normalcy.

This journey of nine years would not have been possible without Dr. Ashish Joshi and his team of dedicated doctors and medical professionals. All staff right from the gatekeeper, receptionist, nurses, pathology, pharmacy are all connected to each other and ensure that the patient is not a stranger. Everything you need is available when you need it and ready for pick-up when you arrive. They are always welcoming, caring and polite which goes a long way in making this difficult process a little bit easier. The doctors led by Dr Joshi are always available to answer any queries. No concern or query that you have is dismissed. They will listen to all your queries and take the time to explain things in a manner that is easy to understand. If I have to give some advice to cancer patients it would be to
- Keep faith in God
- Trust the Doctor and his team
- Take your medications on time and maintain a healthy diet
- Take time to rest
- Keep thinking positive
- Do not listen to negative advice or wonder cures advertised on the interne without consulting your doctor.
Surely things will work out. Keep faith there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

A Big Thank you Dr.Ashish Joshi and his team and all my fly of Moc

God bless u all
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Harveen Kaur Vohra, Nashik

No matter how hard it is, or it gets, I'm going to make it!

No matter how hard it is, or how hard it gets, I'm going to make it!”

It’s often said that we don’t truly understand someone else’s pain until we go through it ourselves — unless, somehow, we feel it in our very soul.

I had seen cancer patients, heard their stories, watched documentaries on survivors- brave souls who either conquered the disease or faced it with remarkable strength.
Hats off to every single one of them - those who fought to live, and those who kept smiling through the storm.

Today, I want to share my story.

My journey through this so-called cancer!
It began on the morning of 15th July 2023 with acute abdominal pain. What seemed like a simple stomach infection was diagnosed as ovarian cysts on 10th August 2023. The cysts were presumed malignant. Thanks to my friend Dr. Vrushali Chaudhari, tests like sonography, CA125, CA19-9, and CT scans were done immediately. Even though the diagnosis was becoming clearer, the truth was gently shielded from me. All I was told was that I’d need surgery - and soon.

But doubts lingered.

What if…? There were so many questions - and none of the answers felt complete.

Yet somewhere inside, I knew ,I wasn’t done with life.

I had dreams to chase, moments to live, responsibilities to fulfill.

Life, in that moment, felt like a flicker of light at the end of a long tunnel.

But I couldn't give up. I prayed, I believed, and I gathered all the courage I could.

On 6th September 2023, I walked into Dr. Ambrish Chatterjee’s cabin at Apollo Hospital, Nashik, carrying my reports — and a smile.

He explained everything with clarity: the surgery, the risks, the chances of malignancy. I listened carefully and thanked him — silently praying for strength as I stepped into a new chapter.

The surgery was scheduled for 12th September 2023. It lasted 9 long hours. Bilateral ovarian cysts and three tumors — all in Stage 1C — were removed. I was told I had fought bravely — my surgeon called me a warrior.

After three days on a ventilator and in the ICU, I was moved to a room, recovering steadily. But life had more surprises.

On 20th September, Dr. Ambrish shared the full post-surgery report - confirming ovarian cancer. That day, I learned I would need six cycles of chemotherapy.

The news hit hard. My mind went blank. My heart went numb. It felt like life wasn’t done testing me just yet.

Yes, I cried - for a couple of days, but giving up was never an option.

How could I, after surviving such a major surgery? It was just four more months. It sounded short - but felt overwhelming and yet deep down, my faith held strong.

On 10th October 2023, I met Dr. Chandrashekhar Pethe at Hope-M|O|C, Nashik. He explained everything about the therapy, side effects, and expected outcomes. And once again, my faith aligned. I braced myself.

On 14th October, my first chemo session began.
It went well - and I walked back home like a warrior who had just won a battle.

Because it was a battle of the body. Of the mind. Of my faith.

It wasn't easy, the side effects, weight loss, weakness, pain, emotional ups and downs... But it was worth it.

Worth understanding life more deeply.
Worth realizing how precious each day is.
Worth learning that giving up only makes you lose yourself.
Worth discovering that we are stronger than we ever imagined.

This journey wasn’t full of joy, but I’m proud I walked it head held high & took care of my physical and mental health - and today, I stand here smiling.

My last chemo was on 29th January 2024 and here I am - a new me, filled with new hopes and a deeper appreciation for life.

I am so grateful to all those who stood by me. My friends, family, doctors, and silent supporters - my pillars of strength, those who helped me cope, lifted me when I felt low, and never let me fall apart.

A little note to you, dear reader: Life is a blessing - always.
Even when it hides behind clouds, there’s a silver lining waiting to be seen.

Keep smiling.

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The Healing Journey
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Firstly, it was difficult to accept that it had happened to me. It broke me emotionally. I could not stop my tears for days. My mind was racing with countless questions with uncertainty. I started to overthink how things will be taken care.

My Doctor introduced me to MOC for further treatment. The team and Dr. Udip Maheshwari at MOC Ghatkopar is Superb.

They gave me the confidence to believe that I was in the safe hands. Some of the things I learnt & followed during the healing journey I am glad to share that with you with a hope that it has changed my life, it will change yours too.
1. Stay Strong
2. Keep yourself busy
3. Eat Healthy
4. Manifest
Thank you & Stay Blessed!
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श्रीमति ताराबाई, म्हसरूळ, नाशिक

कॅन्सर आणि सकारात्मकता |

मी एक कर्करोगग्रस्त पेशंट आहे, साधारणतः जानेवारी२०२० च्या शेवटी माझा कर्करोग लक्षात आला, डॉक्टर तपासण्या होईपर्यंतफेब्रुवारीचा शेवट उजाडला. कर्करोगाच्या उपाचार पहदतीतील केमोथेरेपीबदल माझ्या मनात भयंकर चित्र होते. औषणे पोटातून दिले जातात.मोठ्या मशिनखाली झोपवून औषधे दिली जातात. असे काहीसे माझ्यामनातील हे चित्र होते.

मी एक कर्करोगग्रस्त पेशंट आहे, साधारणतः जानेवारी २०२० च्या शेवटी माझा कर्करोग लक्षात आला, डॉक्टर तपासण्या होईपर्यंत फेब्रुवारीचा शेवट उजाडला. कर्करोगाच्या उपाचार पहदतीतील केमोथेरेपीबदल माझ्या मनात भयंकर चित्र होते. औषणे पोटातून दिले जातात.मोठ्या मशिनखाली झोपवून औषधे दिली जातात. असे काहीसे माझ्यामनातील हे चित्र होते.

आमच्या कर्करोग तज्ज्ञानी सुचविल्या प्रमाणे आम्ही मार्चमहिन्याच्या सुरुवातीस होप हॉस्पिटल' मध्ये म्हणजेच डॉ. पेसरयांचेकडेआलो. दवाखान्याच्या इमारतीत प्रवेश करताच तेयाले वातावरणामुळेमाझ्या मनावरचा थोडा ताण हलका झाला. कारण इमारत कॅन्सरहॉस्पिटलची आहे असे वाटतच नव्हते. रिशस्वनिरट कडे गेलो त्यांनीहसून स्वागत केले, सर्व माहिती आपलेपणाने विचारून संगणकात संग्रहीतकेली, त्यानंतर मी, माझे दोन्ही मुले व पती आम्ही डॉक्टरांना भेटलोकॅन्सर पेशंटची मनस्थिती जशी असते तशीच माझी ही होती,डॉक्टरांकडेजालाच त्यांची शांत मुद्रा, स्मितहास्य पाहून माझ्या मनावरचा ताण आणखिकाहीसा कमी झाला, डॉक्टर उपाचपती समजेल अशा सोप्या भाषेतसांगत होते.पण माझे त्यात लक्ष नहते. तर मी त्या खोलीतील वातावरणअनुभवत होते, वस्तूनिटनेटक्या, स्वच्चसूर्य प्रकाश आम्ही डॉक्टरांच्या खोलीतुनखोलीतून बाहेर पडल्यानंतर मी सहज 'केमोथेरेपी जिये डोकावले.खूप प्रेमाने तेथील नर्स पेटची विचारपूस करत होत्या

मी एक कर्करोगग्रस्त पेशंट आहे. साधारणतः जानेवारी 2020 च्या शेवटी माझा कर्करोग लक्षात आला. डॉक्टर तपासण्या होईपर्यंत फेब्रुवारी चा शेवट उजाडला. कर्करोगाच्या उपचार पद्धतीतील केमोथेरपी बद्दल माझ्या मनात भयंकर चित्र होते. औषधे पोटातून दिले जातात. मोठ्या मशीन खाली झोपून औषधे दिली जातात असे काहीसे माझ्या मनातील हे चित्र होते.

आमच्या कर्करोग तज्ञांनी सुचविल्याप्रमाणे आम्ही मार्च महिन्याच्या सुरुवातीस होप हॉस्पिटलमध्ये म्हणजेच डॉक्टर पेठे सर यांच्याकडे आलो. दवाखान्याच्या इमारतीत प्रवेश करतात तेथील वातावरणामुळे माझ्या मनावरचा थोडा ताण हलका झाला. कारण इमारत कॅन्सर हॉस्पिटलची आहे असे वाटतच नव्हते. रिसेप्शनिस्ट कडे गेलो त्यांनी हसून स्वागत केले. सर्व माहिती आपलेपणाने विचारून संगणकात संग्रहित केली. त्यानंतर मी, माझे दोन्ही मुले व पती आम्ही डॉक्टरांना भेटलो. कॅन्सर पेशंटची मनस्थिती जशी असते तशीच माझीही होती. डॉक्टरांकडे जाताच त्यांची शांत मुद्रा, स्मितहास्य पाहून माझ्या मनावरचा ताण आणखी काहीसा कमी झाला. डॉक्टर उपाचपद्धती समजेल अशा सोप्या भाषेत सांगत होते. पण माझे त्यात लक्ष नव्हते. तर मी त्या खोलीतील वातावरण अनुभवत होते. वस्तू नीटनेटक्या, स्वच्छ सूर्यप्रकाश, आम्ही डॉक्टरांच्या खोलीतून बाहेर पडल्यानंतर मी सहज 'केमोथेरपी' जिथे डोकावेल. खूप प्रेमाने तेथील नर्स पेशंटची विचारपूस करत होत्या. औषधे सलाईन मधून दिले जात होते. आता तर काय माझ्या डोक्यातील केमोथेरपी चे चित्र गळून पडले. त्याची जागा समाधान व आनंदाने घेतली. मनाशी पक्का निश्चय केला की मी याच दवाखान्यात पुढील उपचार पद्धती घेईन.

11 मार्च 2020 रोजी माझी पहिली केमोथेरपी होती. दोन-तीन दिवस आधी येऊन मी लॅबमध्ये माझ्या पांढऱ्या पेशीची तपासणी केली. माझ्या नसा बारीक असल्याने बहुतेक हा लॅब वाला इतरांसारखाच मला ओरडणार असे वाटले. पण आश्चर्य एका सुंदर गोड मुलाने हसत हसत मला कुठल्याही प्रकारचा त्रास होऊ न देता तपासणीसाठी रक्त घेतले.

11 मार्चला आम्ही दवाखान्यात आलो. दवाखान्यातील काम करणाऱ्या मावशींनी प्रेमाने कॉफी विचारली, हसून स्वागत केले. या कर्मचाऱ्यांकडून केली जाणारी स्वच्छता तर डोळ्यात भरणारी नीटनेटकेपणा प्रत्येक ठिकाणी जाणवत होता.

रिसेप्शनिस्ट कडे गेलो त्यांनी "मावशी कशा आहात? "अशा गोड आवाजात विचारताच मन प्रसन्न झाले. प्रत्यक्ष केमोथेरपी खोलीत, नंतर तेथील नर्सची कामाची पद्धती, पेशंट बरोबर आपलेपणाचे बोलणे पाहून तर माझ्या मनातील कॅन्सरची तिरस्काराची भावना निघून गेली.

मला या दवाखान्यात एक गोष्ट प्रकर्षाने जाणवली की रोग्याचे मानसिक आरोग्य राखून त्याच्यावर या ठिकाणी उपचार केले जातात. सलाईन संपले, मला त्रास होत आहे, हे केमोथेरपीच्या दरम्यान सांगण्याची गरजच पडत नाही कारण नर्स आपले काम प्रामाणिकतेने व लगेच करत असतात. दोन डॉक्टर निरीक्षक म्हणून नेमलेले आहेत. ते पेशंटची प्रेमळ व गोड आवाजात सारखी विचारपूस करत असतात.

मला स्वतःला या हॉस्पिटलमुळे उभारी मिळाली. मी खूपच सकारात्मक विचार करू लागले. त्यामुळे माझ्या शरीरावर देखील सकारात्मक परिणाम होऊन औषधांचा चांगला परिणाम झाला. प्रत्येक पेट स्कॅन ला माझ्या कॅन्सर गाठी कमी होत होत्या. ऑपरेशन नंतरच्या बायॉप्सी रिपोर्ट मध्ये तर माझा कॅन्सर शून्य टक्के आला.

अरे हो, एक गोष्ट महत्त्वाची सांगायची राहिलीच. पेशंटचे वजन डॉक्टर पेठे सर कमी होऊ देत नाहीत. त्यासाठी ते विविध औषधांचा वापर करतात. अशा प्रकारे सर पेशंटचे तन मन दोन्हीचे आरोग्य उत्तम राखतात.

मी कॅन्सर पेशंटला सुचवू इच्छिते की त्यांनी नाशिक मधील बेस्ट हॉस्पिटल होप एमओसी हॉस्पिटलचीच उपचारासाठी निवड करावी. आशेच्या मिटलेल्या कळीवर प्रेम, आपलेपणा या कौटुंबिक जिव्हाळ्याची अलगद फुंकर घालून एक एक पाकळी उमलवून सुगंधी फुलात रूपांतर या इस्पितळात केले जाते. शेवटी कॅन्सर पेशंट आपल्याला कॅन्सर आहे-होता हेच येथे तो विसरून जातो.

येथील डॉक्टर, नर्स, लॅब कर्मचारी, सफाई कर्मचारी पेशंटच्या सेवेसाठी सदैव तत्पर असतात. 'रुग्ण सेवा हीच ईश्वर सेवा' हेच जणू यांचे ब्रीदवाक्य आहे.

म्हणूनच डॉक्टर पेठे सर, इतर डॉक्टर्स, नर्स, मावशी, लॅब कर्मचारी, मेडिकल मधील कर्मचारी या सर्वांना माझे शतशः प्रणाम.

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