The mere mention of ‘Cancer’ sends shivers down the spine of millions. For those fighting the disease, the risks are real, and treatments can be brutal, leaving patients to navigate a gruelling landscape of surgeries, chemo, and uncertainty. The emotional toll is just as daunting, with fear and anxiety gripping loved ones and patients alike, making every moment a struggle to hold on to hope. But amidst the darkness, there are beacons of hope – stories of survivors who have emerged victorious in their battle against cancer. Cricketer Yuvraj Singh, actors Lisa Ray, and Sonali Bendre are among those who have fought and won.
On World Cancer Day, Ommcom News brings you the inspiring tale of a Kendrapara farmer who defied the odds and beat stage IV brain cancer. In a candid discussion, he shared when doctors said three months left for him to die, his determination and strong will power helped him beat the disease from last stage of brain cancer and still surviving for nine years.
Meet Sitanath Parida, who emerged as a shining example of hope for those facing similar battles.
“The painful treatments, loss of hair, spread of the cancer germs and the eventual death dream made me spend sleepless nights. No doubt it is a dreaded disease but there are many who have emerged winners in their war against cancer. I can also beat the disease. One needs to understand that getting cancer is not the end of the world”, said Sitanath.
Sitanath was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017. He was taken to District Headquarters Hospital in Kendrapara after a wound in his head did not recover. He was then referred to a government hospital in Cuttack where doctors detected cancer after several tests.
“I still remember the day the world crumbled around me. Doctors, the ones I thought were supposed to save me, delivered a verdict that felt like a death sentence: ‘three months left to live’. Their words cut like a knife, draining the life out of me. ‘Discharge him with medicines, no need to waste a bed,’ they said, like I was a lost cause. That day is etched in my memory, a painful reminder of the darkest moment”, recounted Sitanath with his voice cracking as tears welled up in his eyes.
“Cancer doesn’t take everyone’s life, and it won’t take mine. I’ve seen people beat it, and I will be one of them. I can’t leave now, not when my family needs me most. My wife was struggling with her mental health, and my daughter was fighting her own battles with an 85% mental handicap. Who would take care of them if I’m gone? And my son’s dreams – he wanted to be an engineer. I wanted to see him succeed. I can’t just leave them to frown for a morsel of food. I made a promise to myself, to them, that I would fight”, said the cancer survivor Sitanath who beat the disease with proper medication.
Sitanath was later admitted to a Bhubaneswar-based private hospital where he had undergone treatment for years.
“Instead of wasting my energy to find out why it happened to me, I accepted the reality and developed a will power to recover. I am fortunate to have got the support of my oncologist Sunil Jaiswal, family members who came to know about it little later, relatives and my fellow villagers. They stood by me like rocks and helped me face the harsh realities of life.”
Being a farmer, it was not possible for him to bear the medical expenses. It was then that the Kendrapara district administration and a few businessmen from the Chandol area extended a helping hand, telling him not to worry about the costs. Besides, government schemes like BKSY helped ease his financial burden. He is completely cured but take medication on regular basis.
“I had a believe that I will become disease free one day and lead a normal life. Initial months were extremely challenging, not only physically but emotionally as well. I gathered courage to fight the battle. We shouldn’t panic, come what may. All we need is a positive approach, strong will power to survive and believe in the miraculous power of God to beat the disease,” said Sitanath on his message for the people living with cancer.
By Rashmi Rekha Das
