Maa, Me and Cancer - A Phase of Life

I have stated enough and most of the people around me know that My Mom is my support function and I am yet to imagine a life without her. I would say I am not prepared for the day when she would not be around and thinking of that frightened me and sometimes reasons of my sleepless night. I am still processing the news which I got 10 months ago when we have discovered that she has this disease named “Cancer”. I have never thought that I would have the first-hand experience of this life-threatening disease. This disease required rigorous treatment and if someone has been diagnosed with this then apart from the that person their family and friends will experience waves of emotions which can’t be explained. The diagnosis of cancer is a family experience that changes the lives of all its members, bringing an immense amount of stress and many challenging situations. The daily routine, common activities, and distribution of duties all must change.

I am known to be a less emotional person and somehow I have never tried to break the myth about it as it has helped me to not indulge in social activities. I have never thought in my life that a disease can change so much around me. It felt like my whole support system got infected and I could not able to breath because I am yet to figure out a life for me where I wont have my mother around. I can say it with 100% confidence that Cancer is a family experience, and often family members have as many problems coping with it as it does the diagnosed patient. The family goes through different stages of adjusting to the disease. The emotional reactions which include anger, bitterness, guilt and adjustment pain, and may or may not lead to the acceptance of the disease. Mom was also struggling with acceptance of the disease initially and we have seen multiple instances where we were in denial and shock and asking each other "This can't be true." Why this has to happen with us. Specially for me it was more like Anger and Rage as I already have my personal Life issues where I was seeking support from her and kept questioning to God as “This isn’t fair” and “Why me?” I am yet to get an answer but soon will find and will write about that too.

If I have to create a timeline of emotions for my Mom it would be like below (people say I like writing in points):

Anger and rage - "Why wasn't I protected from this?"

Stress and depression - "Why should I get treatment? I'll die anyway."

Grief and fear - "I will never feel safe again." “My Kids are suffering because of me”

We had so many late-night discussions and we had become “Cancer specialist” by searching day and night about the steps involved and about the treatments and Doctors.  Finally, we got the Doctor who suppose to treat and operate on Mom’s disease. People who got to know about her were telling that feeling strong and positive will help in healing process but the mood swings of Mom’s and me (I am known for my mood swings) was on different level. My emotions were hidden under the thick layer of Sarcasm and self-proclaimed astrologist who was telling everyone that everything would be fine. Before this post none would believe me that I was shit scared.

I always knew in my life that dealing with emotions would not be easy for me and I have stopped being vulnerable even in front of people who cares. When Mom diagnosed with Cancer, it was very difficult to identify and honor the feelings and there is no book in the world which can tell you the way to feel about something. Yet, working through your emotions can help lower stress. This can lead to improved mental and physical health.

I am no expert, but I can surly say people will tell you to be strong and have patience and faith but it is easier said than done. I have a very screwed up personal life (Discussion for some other day) and apart from MAA I had nothing to hold when I am down or when nothing is working out in life and suddenly your support function needs a deadly support, it is very difficult to cope up in this situation. When you are mentally not organised, you end up ruining all your personal connections and people.  People around you wont understand the situation you are going through and even you wont be able to explain because it seems very simple in other person’s head (as his Mom has cancer and treatment is going on and she would recover soon and this is a phase which will pass) but it’s difficult to explain as what’s happening to you mentally. I have never been known to share my feelings even if my life is on stake (not something I am proud of).

As I keep making points and try to find answers in bullet points. Here are my five pointers as how We (Mom and Family along with me) are going through this journey:

Accept your feelings: Be kind to yourself and avoid judging yourself for your emotions. Try to pay attention to what you’re feeling and spend time with people who are positive and uplifting. Many emotional challenges will lessen or go away as you move through cancer treatment. Your sense of hope and confidence can increase with time. At First going for operation was tough and due to 3^rd stage it was kind of difficult for everyone to keep hope but we did not have an option. First time we got to know or visit the doc was on my Birthday when I took Mom for doc visit and within 5 days my brother has consulted more than 10 doctors about this situation.

I might have irritated him much by asking stupid questions and he has also given some uncomfortable replies at that time as he was also going through the same emotional process and has different way of dealing with it. Once you accept your feelings and go through the pain of worst possibility then you can see the light and can hold the hand of Hope. Hope would work for you when you are mentally prepared for worst but in your heart you keep hope alive and each heartbeats says “Everything going to be alright”. In my best of Judgement (I have poor judgements too with no regrets) accepting your feelings and thoughts (negative or positive) in these kind of situation works.

How to deal with emotions: It's natural to feel loss after receiving a cancer diagnosis. At first, the thought of living with cancer and treatment can be overwhelming and my Mom was no exception. She could have gone to the verge of giving up Hope too, but we were there for the support. We kept her engage in this journey by making jokes on the disease or by telling her that we all are there in this. Having support system is an important part of dealing with emotions. Dealing with your emotions along with family members is like having cocktail when you do not like to mix your drink. It hits you hard and in some scenarios you blame yourself of the things which were beyond your control.

If feelings of sadness and depression grow stronger with time, for me I have a different type of coping mechanism. Either I find some anchor who can let me flow with my emotions and work as a support system. This has really worked for me all the time and last time it worked like a charm but this time the anchor was gone and I was vulnerable to emotions. Took a leap of faith and find a way to process my thoughts and emotions but having mood swings like mine it didn’t work out even if I tried not to ruin it but eventually, I am a champion in it. When I get no way out I started doing random things like travelling even if it is not required and taking help of some medicines too. I stopped writing since then because I didn’t find peace in that too (I am not a good writer though and it wont change a thing in the world).

My advice these emotional issues can be damaging so open up with people (might be sound like preaching but this is the best way to go about it) and you have to find right kind of people. :P

Deal with people reactions: For Mom dealing with the emotions and beliefs of other people about cancer may also be challenging. For example, those closest to her might worry about losing her. She was concerned about the changes in her life might affect us. In her own words “Everyone is around me and not going for work (WFH was blessing in disguise) and kind of money is getting spend makes me feel sad as I could not do much about it”. I can understand that It can be hard to deal with the fears of others while you are facing your own.

Sometimes people are not sure what to say when they learn you have cancer patient as your Mom. Even as they try to offer support, some might say or do things that hurt your feelings or offend you. Some people are uncomfortable thinking about the possibility of cancer in their own lives. Because of their own fears, they may not know the best way to help you with your illness.

Then comes second type of People who can also pass on incorrect information, false beliefs and myths about cancer. For example, although we don’t yet know what causes most types of cancers, people might try to tell you a reason for your cancer. They might give their opinion about the best cure for cancer. It becomes critical when their ideas and beliefs are different from yours. Whenever I see that happening I just speak up and let them know that doctors are doing their job and we (me and that person) are not qualified enough to pass judgement. I can surly say that people don’t like me.

Fear of recurrence: Even if Doctors and reports are positive and there are no signs but the thought of recurrence is always there with her. She might worry that every ache or pain is a sign of her cancer recurring. Eventually these fears will fade, though they may never go away completely. I keep on telling her that you should be honest about your feeling or any issue which you feel and try not to take guilt about your feeling or ignore them in hopes that they will go away.

In my opinion to fight this syndrome you have to take the control of the fear and see what you can do t influence your health. Try to do the following atleast:

• Go to all your follow up appointments: You may fear the worst when it's time for your next follow-up appointment. Don't let that stop you from going.
• Get all of your follow-up tests. Discuss with your doctor plans for follow-up and monitoring of your cancer. Together, you will formulate a specific follow-up plan based on your specific situation.
• Eat healthy and eat regularly
• Keep busy. Get out of the house and find activities that will take your mind off your fears.

Stress, Depression, Anxiety and Loneliness post treatment: All these are any which ways not good for health and when you are recovering from Cancer these could create issues too. All these are phycological and I will give you my Mom’s example, When she was diagnosed with Cancer and our entire focus was on treatment and timely medicine to make her healthy. She has followed all the instructions and now when she is nearing to complete the treatment (Radio therapy is running), all projects and her work around the house giving her stress because she wanted to complete everything in one go so she can catchup to the pace. When she is not able to do then Lingering feelings of sadness and anger can interfere with her daily life. For many people these feelings will dissipate. But for others, these feelings can develop into depression and anxiety. So we keep on having discussions and plans in order to give her small targets to reach so we both can be happy.

She feels some time as others cant understand that what she has been through, which makes it hard to relate to other people and can lead to loneliness. If she kept on feeling that way then we become unsure as how to help her as no one wants to upset her. We keep on interacting on the issues and medicine and other not much important stuff (about my future and life) with her which keep her busy.

I can keep on going as this phase has taught me a lot and make me a better human being. I got the clarity of mind and my overthinking skill has prepared me for better to worst scenarios. Most of you might find this post boring but this is my way to keep journal and record my emotional encounters. I hope next time I would come up with some interesting topic (suggestions can work).

Traits You will Get in a Libra - Zodiac Sign

As they say, empty mind is devil’s workshop and when a over thinker moves towards self quarantine then it will become a deadly weapon. In this post I will write my experience with two of my most favorite people in my life and cause of them I have interest in astrology and palmistry. Both have mood swings like no other and I am still trying to know both of them like a school going kid. Fortunately both of them share the same Zodiac sign which makes this post must to write. Before I move further I would like to call this post as my first paper for the PHD, I am doing on someone.

As a cardinal air sign, a Libra’s personality is very much about relating to others. They are often considered the nicest, most charming people in the world and they are the favorite of almost everyone they meet. They have a tendency to be magnets for people, drawing many people to them. They are attractive; this has already been deeply established in the Zodiac. They often want things to go smoothly, they can stir up a lot of controversy with their attitude and their behavior at times (I guess both of them would not agree).

One most important point that Libras cannot be rushed and they demand space whenever they feel pressured or crowded.  They are, however, not opposed to putting pressure on others, and often think that it will add to their characters. Libras tend to very outspoken and their views at times can rub a lot of people the wrong day.

Have you ever wondered what is it that makes Libra tick?

Those of us that a born under the Libra zodiac sign are often known for having logical minds and fair judgment but there’s also a lot more to the Libra sign that many people have no idea about.

If you see them closely then you will understand that they are really special and very few people have strong traits like them. Please find the few of them below:

They are very charming, charismatic and romantic souls

These people are charismatic. This Quality gives them the ability to win everyone’s heart with their charming attitude. They are always in front when it comes to popularity and everyone wants to be their friend. So you need to think twice before you contradict them trust me most of the time I just surrender to avoid the conflict. They have long lasting impression on others as they are blessed with inner beauty and outer charm and you can just envy their personality (I do at times).

If they love someone or something, they will go to the ends of the earth to show their love and trust e they can win anyone over with their sweet talk. It is advisable not to play with their emotions because it is real. With their ability and personality to sweet talk, it is hard not to fall for them, but once you do, there is no way you regret it.

They are honest, Calm, emotionally intelligent 

As I told I have a lot to talk about this sign so combining all the traits which are self explainable, Libra will surely stand for “Honesty is the Best Policy”, they are very honest and they stick to the truth and they won’t be badmouthing you behind your back. Since they are honest with you they expect the same courtesy in return (This expectation everyone has but few of them get that). They are not among those who escape from the situation after committing some wrong doing.

They are known for their calmness and they never lose their temper (I know one of them never loses). If they do, you (This should be me) have done something which exceeds their limits. Their relaxed attitude allows them to have more friends than enemies.

They have a firm hold on their emotions. They do not go around pouring out their anger or worries on other people (Sometime I want them to do). They are aware of their surroundings and will try their best not to make a scene. One of the best qualities which I like about them is their empathetic nature – they will not judge you! You can trust them with your secrets and you can cry with them (One of them is pro at this)

Creative Minds and love challenges

Having creative mind helps them a lot especially in the real work setting in the industry they are into. These people happens to be one of the biggest daydreamers you will ever meet (I know both of them will not agree and might kill me for this) and at times they refuse to face the reality. They have deep thinking that is the reason their extreme imaginations get difficult to execute. My advice would be that they must learn to avoid prolonged decision and be quick thinker in life. 

Let me quote a scene from “Titanic” where the Hero asked the heroin “Where to Miss?” the Heroin who must be Libran replied, “To the stars”. This is the limit of Libra’s imagination.

These people are naturally competitive in nature. Challenges in life are the most common part in their life, they like to accept challenge and challenge others too. Trust me they can do anything to win the race. This is my personal experience that this quality (To win the race) in even the smallest tasks of their everyday lives, the way these people takes every single competition as the question of life and death. If you are in their team, you have to keep up the pace and seek help from God to match the pace.

Very Optimistic and Problem solver (Life Hacks)

When it comes to achieving their dreams and goal, failure can not stop them. They do not get settled before attaining perfection. Their positive thinking and God loving nature allows them to try till they succeed, they never give up. Trust me their positivity is contagious too.

Believe me or not, Libra’s have answers to everything. You have a problem they will come up a solution which will suits to everybody. If you ever have a problem, do not hesitate to ask. For all we know, they probably have the answers to Corona problems too (This is not sarcasm, If they think they will have) not vaccine of course. I will look forward to know the Zodiac sign of the scientist who would discover vaccine for Corona.

If you are depressed or are going through a difficult situation always ask a Libra for advice.

Easily Get Frustrated

They get frustrated when they have to deal with a negative person who do nothing but criticize them and poke holes in every single idea that they have (Personal experience, you have to deal with wrath of Titans). They would like to hand out with people who have “can do” approach to life and will keep social distance to the people who constantly try to bring them down. As they are very careful with their moves this is the reason why they get offended by other people’s rough behaviors. So my advice when you are with these people, make sure you watch your behavior (I am forced to write this else they are very sweet people: P)

Decision making might be an issue?

Most of the Libra’s are extremely annoying because of their nature of giving too personal remarks, without even knowing that they already hurt someone. I would consider this as a negative trait in this sign. Making their own great decision can be very difficult for these people and it is even harder to learn in their mistake. However, they can always win the situation by utilizing their rational mind and accurate intuitions.

They can hurt people most often but get the score settled easily

If I have to write this I would say these individual don’t have control over their anger, you can call them short tempered. They hurt others most often but as they are the nicest people in Zodiac, this is the reason they recover their quarrels easily. I am told and would like to believe that They can get very high in anger but never keep anything in the heart.

I think this post can become the longest I have ever written so bringing this to an end.These people are strongly motivated, optimistic and competitive and their traits are unique from others. Surely not all Libra’s possess all these traits but you will definitely find this quality in the depth of their personality. They like to deal with the situation as they come.

No wonder they are always positive! Don't you think they're just great?

11 Traits You will get in a Cancerian - Zodiac Sign

At first you deny it then you entertain the idea of it and finally you will become addicted to it. I was one of those people who did not believe in Zodiac sign and astrology. Being God’s favorite child, I was inspired by someone to check the same and I thought there was no harm in reading this stuff. Now it is the time when I can’t spend my day without reading my horoscope along with that person horoscope (just to check if everything is going to be okay between us that day). This quarantine period bring the worst out from me as I decided to write again and this time I decided to write my experience with some of the signs and I will start from myself (Obviously this is my blog) and trust me Badal has forced me to write this post as he believes that my posts are not balanced and it has hidden messages for a single person.

If you have the opportunity to have a Cancerian in your life then I think you are sorted for life if you get to know them well (I know its difficult). Cancer Zodiac may be known as over thinker, sensitive and family oriented sign but the only reason why Cancer make such awesome people because they are caring and emotionally challenged. Here are the 11 reasons to identify a Cancerian around you:

1. They can read your Mind, not literally

There are chances if something is bothering you, your Cancer knows about it before you can bring it up. As they say, Cancers are lead by their instincts and they take the right decision at an opportune time (I know few of you might not agree with my current situation). If I have to explain further, they are the people who understand people by patterns and if something is odd then they would be the first to know.

2. Good Listener – you can say whatever you have to say

Cancers are very sensitive and compassionate listener. When you are talking to them they will try to get into your shoes and see the problem from your point of view. If you are having a bad day at office, in relationship or having any personal problem which need to vent then you can trust a Cancer. Cancers are best of friends (Even they have less friends) and they usually give off an aura that makes you feel more comfortable.

3. They can fix things

Cancerians are known to fix issues and have a knack of coming up with prompt solution and are usually problem solver. As they say Cancerians are neither too technical nor too emotional. They know (if they know or want to know) when to listen to their heart and when to listen to their brain. It is to believe that a Cancerian will not only give the most practical solution to your problem, but will also solve most of it for you.

4. A great sense of humor

This one is my favorite trait and most of the time people took me wrong for my weird (They call it not me) sense of humor. Cancers have the ability to laugh at themselves when they are wrong and they don't mind being the butt of a good, smart joke for the sake of fun, and they're willing to look foolish to get a laugh. If you like clever, thoughtful humor, hang out with a Cancerian. You can sense sarcasm most of the time. Let me close this point by saying,” I am not Sarcastic, My humor has an attitude”.

5. They speak their Mind – Can be Manipulative 

Cancers speak of their mind and won’t be afraid to give their opinion on anything or everything. They will hold up if they give priority to a person/ relation than the opinion which is being asked. Else they’re the kinds of people that will tell you exactly what is on their mind without any kind of filter… even if it’s not pretty. Whether or not you want to hear it, if you NEED to hear it, a Cancerian will say it. Eventually everything would make sense to you too.

6. Cancers are very strong and independent

Cancers might have a reputation of being insensitive or emotionless but they are very sensitive and you should not make that mistake for thinking that they are weak. My dad has told me once that Your Zodiac sign like to surprise people via their efforts and they might go an extra mile to solve something for anyone. In relationships, Cancers are more willing to work through problems instead of giving up and when they give up there is no going back mentally.

7. Cancerian is a supportive and encouraging companion

If I have to compare Cancerian to any mythological Character I will relate it to “Karna” because of their support and companionship. Cancers will support you unconditionally despite of whether you are right or wrong. They would always know what to say to make someone feel better and are great at giving advice that is actually helpful. Cancers hold all their intimate relationships close to heart, which makes them very dependable regardless of what situation they encounter. 

8. Keep you from making bad decisions

Cancers are antidote to the situations where you have “I really shouldn’t have done that” moments. You can avoid that having a Cancerian around you. As far as they love to explore and listen to the ideas even then they are extremely rational and thoughtful when it comes to their decision. Cancers will game of anything but they will draw a line when a situation is potential harmful. When it comes to express they might hold back as they do not want to be a part of the other persons bad decision.

9. Ability to know if you’re being ‘fake’

As they say, if someone is honest with you they expect the same courtesy in return, this is true in case of Cancerian. If you are being fake or they identified you as fake then they will have no time for you. They will move away from your life and you would not be able to identify that transition. They can get inside your heart and mind in no time but not misuse your weaknesses.

10. Cancers are very caring

If astrology to be believed, Cancer is the sign that represents motherhood, hence they have a strong maternal instincts and empathetic by nature. They treat being a best friend like a full time job and they are willing to go above and beyond for the people they love. If you look up “Best Friend” in the dictionary, you would see a picture of a Cancer right next to the definition (This one is for Badal).

If you are close to a Cancer and feelings are mutual then you are family and the family-oriented crab will likely do just about anything for you. You can mess with Cancers, but never mess with their friends or family.

11. They might forgive, but never forget

Cancers are generally pretty easy going sign in their approach to life and they don’t complicate things and take life on a lighter note but don’t mistake that for thinking that they will just allow people to walk all over them. Cancer always tries to treat the people like they way then want to be treated but if somebody violates their trust and privacy or wrong them in some way that they simply can’t forgive. They will be sure to put you in your place in the way that only Cancer can… well they can hold a grudge for a long long time and they aren’t quick to forgive betrayal.

There were many other traits and qualities with the said Zodiac sign but only creative ones got the space in list. Trust me when I say this all Cancerians cannot be the same as their mind and deeds will impact their life and they tend to change. End of the day you born with a Sun Sign but you end up building yourself basis your deeds which is called “Karma”. All these qualities might not be available in all Cancerians and all cancerians can not behave the same.