Poorva Choudhary
I was just 25. My life felt like it was finally falling into place. I had started a new job at Infra.Market and all my dreams seemed within reach. But then life threw me a curveball, a small lump that shattered my world and changed everything.
It began as a small, nagging worry I tried to brush off, convincing myself I was too young for anything serious. But the lump stayed, stubborn like me, and after countless tests and agonizing weeks of waiting, I finally heard the words I had always associated with older people, "It's cancer."
The diagnosis felt surreal. Cancer wasn’t supposed to be part of my story, not now, not when my life was just beginning. How did dreaming about tomorrow turn into a battle for today?
Accepting this new reality was a tough pill to swallow. And breaking the news to my parents was the hardest part. I was not just battling cancer; I was also battling their denial! It was hard to see the pain in their eyes; they were my protectors yet felt powerless.
Chemotherapy was brutal. My hair fell out in clumps, and the mirror reflected not just my loss of hair but my fading identity. While others shared promotions, holidays and adventures on social media, I was trapped in a cycle of hospital visits and treatments.
This is where my hope began to unfold. In darkness, I found light. My friends supported me with movie nights and memes, while my family became my pillars of strength. And connecting with other young adults renewed my purpose.
Months later, the tumor shrank. My doctors felt optimistic, but the journey was far from over. Cancer forced me to confront my mortality, shifting my perspective. I began to appreciate small moments, savoring my morning chai, enjoying peaceful walks, and celebrating good days while letting go of what didn't matter.
One of the biggest lessons I have learned is discovering strength I didn’t know I had. Facing cancer was overwhelming, but I found determination to move forward. Even on the toughest days, I managed to push through, and that’s something I am proud of. Who knows what's next? At this point, if I can beat cancer, I can conquer anything.
Now, two years later, I am cancer-free, and I am incredibly grateful for that. This experience will always be a part of me, shaping my life in ways I never imagined. I have experienced weakness beyond my greatest fears while simultaneously experiencing strength far beyond my natural capacity. My life didn’t follow the path I envisioned, but here I am, embracing the future with renewed purpose.
It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and I want to take time to acknowledge people out there going through any health issue. I see you; I feel you. You are stronger than you think.
