She is rare, huge, tenacious and fierce. Her origin is unknown and her future is unpredictable. She believes in reincarnation. Her discovery was unbelievable. In a million, she chose me and transformed my life. She thinks I am special!
Back in 2014 while playing ultimate frisbee, Naveen told me that the left side of my back below the scapula seems a bit swollen. That was the first time Parmanu’s presence was noticed. As she was not hurting at that time, I ignored her assuming that perhaps my back was always asymmetrical like that. She remained undiscovered and continued building a cozy home for herself in my body.
While thriving inside me, she was working hard and fast to change my internal structure and at the same time, she wanted to remain uncovered until she was well settled. She was silently constructing a home for herself, but could not resist straining her surroundings. At the beginning of 2015, Parmanu’s diligence started showing up as my pain. Parmanu was cautious but could not avoid pulling my intercostal nerves which resulted in incidences of sharp stabbing pain below my front ribs. The doctor in Mumbai did not doubt her as the origin for this pain. He attributed it to my cycling posture as I was cycling long distances often in those days. Thus, Parmanu went undetected almost like an undercover agent.
Unaware of my silent associate, I moved from Mumbai to Cambridge in mid-2015. While I was hustling to adjust in a new country, Parmanu was hustling harder to adjust in me. She soon became big and malicious with an unsatisfiable desire to conquer more. She knew it is about time to build the hype for her grand announcement. She started hurting me and I could not even sleep on my left side. In the beginning of 2016, I decided to consult a general practitioner nearby, but not with any strong suspicion. The doctor examined me, prescribed a few scans and surprisingly, did not clearly say anything to me. A few days later, my pigeon-hole saw the first letter of the many in future from the oncology department of Addenbrooke’s hospital. The letter informed me about the schedule of four scans (MRI, CT scan, X-ray, ultrasound) and a blood test. Like a grand promotion of an event, Parmanu slowly started dropping hints with each scan result and the oncology team started speculating her identity. Is she just a lipoma or is she a soft tissue sarcoma? Is she malignant or is she benign? I was curious and puzzled as a clear conclusion about Parmanu’s identity was not made yet. The oncology detectives referred my case to their colleagues at the Royal Orthopaedic Center in Birmingham. It was time for Parmanu to get some royal treatment. Although I was confused seeing this rapid referral, I was mentally prepared to deal with whatever Parmanu had to offer me. The doctors at the Royal Orthopaedic Center did a biopsy to get a sample of Parmanu to establish her true identity. Two weeks later, I got a call from Birmingham while I was working in my research lab. The not-so-unexpected (by now) colossal announcement, which Parmanu planned, was finally made.
Her identity card read like this:
Name
Parmanu ( परमाणु, a Hindi word which means atom)
Family Name Desmoid-type fibromatosis tumor Address Left posterior chest wall, Body of Priti Gupta Size Big Ethnicity Rare kind of aggressive tumor (2-4 in a million) Birthcause Unknown Skills High recurrence rate ( ~ 30-50%) Allergic to Not precisely established: therapy varies from host to host (low-medium success rate)
With this revelation, just when Parmanu was feeling a sense of accomplishment and I was feeling a sense of uniqueness, another announcement was made. As Parmanu was huge by now, the best-suggested treatment was to uproot her with a margin even though that will be immensely painful for me. A major surgery was planned to get rid of her. Parmanu started throwing tantrums against this decision leading to more radiative pain around her. Her idiocy left no choice than to eliminate her. The pain she was giving was unbearable and unforgivable! Parmanu and I finally parted in April 2016.
Parmanu’s departure scarred me for life. She left but created a big void in her place. Her removal resulted in a permanent loss of strength. My left shoulder and arm could not function properly for almost three months. But I was cheerfully bearing all these discomforts as she was gone for good. Her mysterious origin, hostile behavior, and successful treatment are yet to be understood fully. I donated Parmanu as my contribution to the research studies.
Here is a glimpse of the amazing fun I had during the surgery period at the Royal Orthopaedic Center in Birmingham. I went for my surgery alone, hence spent a lot of time learning origami. I made a paper bouquet for the hospital staff as a thank you token and also created one flower each for all the fellow-fighters in the ward.
So, was it the end of Parmanu’s story in my life? No!
Like a story of any haunted house, in September 2016, my MRI scan indicated the void Parmanu created is not empty anymore. Someone unusual started living in that space. Was she back? Doctors did not confirm her return. Entities like Parmanu mimic scar tissue and I was still recovering from my surgery with a big scar on my back. With mild suspicion but strong optimism, I went to India for some time. During a month-long mountaineering course in the Himalayas, both Parmanu and I were on an arduous journey to reclaim what we lost. Oblivious to her recent expedition, sometime later in Bangalore, a familiar pain started emerging from inside. She was silently reaching out to me once again. She had infiltrated deeper than evaluated by the medical team. She regenerated from her remnants. A new year – a new launch for the tenacious Parmanu. The oncology team confirmed that she is bigger and more aggressive than the last time.
Parmanu, by nature, has a high recurrence probability. So, going under the knife once again was not advisable. I was referred back from Birmingham to Cambridge. The second plan was to weaken Parmanu so that she eventually shrinks and hopefully disappears. But there is a catch in it. There are no sure and secure medical protocols to achieve this goal. For my Parmanu, I started a hormonal and anti-inflammatory medical treatment. Another MRI was done after three months and Parmanu was still unaffected. My medicine doses were doubled and so were the side-effects.
Setting aside this mess which Parmanu created, I moved to Berlin in May 2017 for my career development. The oncologist in Berlin decided to continue the treatment and I decided to keep Parmanu secondary in my life. It was tough! While I was finding my feet in a new place, I went through many painful days and sleepless nights due to the strong side effects of the therapy in addition to Parmanu’s radiating pain. Mentally, I was a strong fighter but physically not. Parmanu was winning this battle against the therapy. She was progressively expanding her kingdom and my overall body health was deteriorating. Six more months, another MRI and it was obvious that the medication was not working. Finally, this battle was called off. With my oncologist consent, I decided to see how am I doing without any medication for a while. To my surprise, I did fairly well and could tolerate occasional pain due to Parmanu and fading symptoms of the previous therapy.
Another MRI after four months, Parmanu was still growing. She was huge by tumor standards, so another major surgery was proposed. It was difficult to surgically remove her successfully. A clear margin was an absolute necessity. To achieve this margin, the cancer surgeon suggested to remove 5-6 rib bones, a part of lungs and definitely a big chunk of my left shoulder muscles permanently. This will certainly reduce the probability of relapse from high to not-so-low, but a real assurance was not given. Visualizing the quality of my life after this surgery, Parmanu threw me off-balance for the very first time. In addition to this conundrum, the previous treatment led to the development of a big cyst in my ovary which my gynecologist suspected as another tumor. My evergreen optimism was crashing down and I was finding it difficult to pull it together. Thankfully, the tumor marker test was negative in my ovary, but it did result in something I have to annually keep an eye on.
Photo courtesy: Naveen (28 Mar 2018)
On realizing that I was quite hesitant to go for surgery, my oncologist arranged an appointment with a colleague of him who is a desmoid surgery specialist at the famous “Institut Curie Hospital” in Paris. Parmanu, Naveen and I went to Paris in March 2018 for seeking the opinion of Dr. Sylvie Bonvalot who heads the Sarcoma and Complex Tumor Surgery Unit at Institut Curie. She told us that statistically speaking surgical treatment does not work and desmoid tumors usually relapse and that too aggressively. Hence, she recommended (that too strongly) that Parmanu should not be taken out surgically. She also told us that the studies have shown that these tumors first grow in size, stabilize at some point and may start shrinking thereafter, but the duration of this process is unknown and varies a lot from one case to another. She has the opinion that if the tumor is stable (not growing), the best treatment is to leave it untouched and follow a ‘wait and watch’ policy. Unfortunately, my Parmanu was growing fast and causing a lot of pain. According to her, my Parmanu had grown by 30 percent over the past one year. Therefore, “wait and watch” was not among the safest options for me. She suggested that the best way to take care of Parmanu was to use a combination of tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeted therapy and chemotherapy. By the way, thanks to Parmanu, I also met the French President, Mr. Emmanuel Macron, at the hospital. He visited the institute the same day to discuss artificial intelligence research. I was overjoyed to talk to him and my perennial optimism was restored.
After reading a lot and discussing with my doctor about viable medical therapies, I have learned one thing that all the therapies are quite aggressive and have a lot of short-term as well as long-term unwanted side effects. Opting for the stronger chemicals definitely brings horrible side effects and a terrible quality of life. On top of that, the outcome is unpredictable, it may or may not work? It made me think that the pain and subsequent problems due to therapy may not be any less than what Parmanu already delivers!! I felt that living with Parmanu may be better than living with both Paramanu and the side effects of the medicine. And I chose to live a slightly better life as long as I can. My doctor in Berlin agreed to continue the “wait and watch” policy for some more time. Unfortunately, my recent MRI results show that Parmanu has not settled so far and is acting in a greedy manner wanting more space. In the process of occupying more space knowingly or unknowingly she is causing more pain. Hence, my doctor has decided to try targeted therapy on Parmanu. Soon, both Parmanu and I will be under attack once more. It was tough and it is going to be tougher. But while I can, I am trying to check as many boxes in my wish list before it is too late. This blog is going to be a chronicle of all the little adventures which I have done over time with Parmanu and the plans we have for the future.
Parmanu lives close to my heart and hence I share a very personal bond with her. She definitely started as a stubborn and undesirable companion, a constraint in my life, but finally, we have started going well together as we both don’t have a choice. And I must say that she has brought me new experiences. We both go stronger with each passing day: she in my body and me in my spirit. She has taught me to live life as if it is the last moment, sharing love, having compassion, and spreading happiness. I am among those few in a million people who host friends like Parmanu. Maybe I am special!
Naveen Yadav
That’s a great story. You are a brave man 🙂
Priti Gupta
🙂
Debolina
Hi Priti, don’t know if you remember me. This is Debolina from TIFR. A huge huge hug to you and Parmanu. This post had a million TILs for me. Huge amount of motivation. I have been smiling and crying at the same time. Have known you through your treks and photography and frisbee, and now a blog of love and inspiration.
May you check off all the items and keep adding more to the list. Get well soon.
Priti Gupta
Hi Debolina,
Yes, I do remember you and occasionally come across your funny posts on facebook. I hope you are doing great.
I also had a TIL moment reading this comment. I had to google what is TIL? 😉
Thank you so much dear for your big big hug and such love and appreciation for our little adventures.
Lots of love and smiles for you 🙂
Martin Frentrup
Dear my little friend,
The thoughts of your words make me very sad, even if I know your health situation for a while. I admire your bravery and your strong will. I hope this is ending good and will not become a painful farewell.
Your big friend,
Martin
Priti Gupta
Dear big friend,
You can’t get rid of me that easily!
Your little friend.:-)
Arnab Bhattacharya
Dear Parmanu,
You seem to give Priti, your amazing host, her infinite energy and unbounded optimism, and make her a stronger person day by day. I know you don’t want to leave her, but give her some space, just as she has given you, so that she can take you along with her adventures around the world, to places familiar and unknown. Celebrate this journey together, but don’t grow too quick, for Priti’s got a long long way to go, and many paths untrodden to discover.
You can do it, Parmanu, I’m sure you can.
Enjoy the journey.
Arnab
Priti Gupta
Dear Arnab,
Priti says many thanks to you for your kind words of encouragement. 🙂
Regarding your request:
Priti plans to do a lot of things. I also like seeing places but she makes me tired. Then I have to do something. But I will consider your suggestion. I have not looked at my calendar for a while, but maybe I am approaching my adulthood and then you know, how it is. In that phase, even pull-ups do not result in further growth.
Cheers 🙂
Parmanu
Nirupam
If anyone can make the best of a situation like this, that’s you Priti, the ever energetic girl! Hope you get lots and lots of time to do many activities.
Priti Gupta
Am I really seeing Nirupam’s comment?! Thanks a lot, Nirupam for such a wonderful wish. 🙂
I hope you are doing great! 🙂
Ashleigh
Hi Priti
Love your courage! Our tumors could be twins, my left shoulder desmoid was surgically removed Oct 2017 and grew back to original size in 9 months. I have also decided that further surgery is not an option as it would mean amputation and reconstruction with prosthesis of left shoulder and scapula. I have started course of Pazopanib and have amazing pain relief and return of function and mobility in just 6 weeks. Good luck!
Priti Gupta
Hi Ashleigh,
Thank you for your love and sharing your twin story 🙂 Lots of love and smiles to you too <3 🙂
I am so happy that Pazopanib is working for you. My oncologist is also considering that. I will keep you posted.
All the best!
Wageesh Mishra
I am speechless. I just wish you all the best and I am sure you will defeat the “Parmanu”. Please, Parmanu, please understand her. Priti, the way you have written your history of difficult days tells that you are blessed with extreme optimism and really you are unique. I love your optimism and cried reading your post, and pray that you win the battle. Such a piece of expression in the times of trouble even does not come from an enlightened person who claims to understand the life. I am proud of you……. I have always been your admirer since I met you at Gorakhpur University. In fact, you have inspired and helped me, I remember all those, and wish you to win the battle and inspire millions of others with your knowledge, smiling face, and enthusiasm. Please don’t lose hope and you have to do a lot of things following your passion and profession. I believe you will certainly do. All the best Priti! See you some time.
Priti Gupta
Hi Wageesh,
I am feeling so overwhelmed reading your comment. Thank you so much for your kind appreciation and encouragement.
I hope you are doing well and constantly adding many more accomplishments to your life. I really hope to meet you sometime. 🙂
Best wishes,
Priti
Anonymous
Hi Priti,
I would love to meet you. I am doing well.
I just read through all the comments posted here and feel that you have earned a lot by your amazing personality. You will be a constant source of inspiration for many people.
I wish you all the best.
—
Wageesh
Girish Kulkarni
Hi Priti,
It is truly my privilege to know a person with such relentless optimism like you. You inspire everyone with your positive attitude and never-say-die spirit. Keep that going. Meanwhile, I hope that medical advances catch up soon to help you recover and bring further adventures and explorations.
With warm regards,
Girish
Priti Gupta
Hi Girish,
Such big words! Thank you so much!
I really feel blessed to have such an amazing friend circle! 🙂 🙂
Best regards,
Priti
Josephine Fernandes
This is some story of a very strong determined woman….kudos to you….to live with so much pain…and yet…travelling places and doing what you are doing…congratulations to you and your life with your companion….
Priti Gupta
Thank you, Josephine. 🙂
Kshitij Gajjar
This was fantastic! Let me know if you are coming to TIFR or Mumbai. Would love to meet up! We need more players like you in Ultimate Frisbee. 🙂
Priti Gupta
Thanks, Kshitij 🙂
I will be a demerit for the team – will be counted as two with one who is super lazy and just want to eat and grow! 😛
Shweta
Hey Priti,
You are a wonder girl. I always admire your strong will and bravery. Keep smiling 😊
All the best dear…
Priti Gupta
Hi Shweta,
Thank you 🙂
Best wishes to you too.
Madhavi
Dear Priti,
This is Madhavi, had interacted with you while coordinating Kathak activities at the TIFR colony. I still have fond memories of you clicking pics of my younger daughter Asmita in the gardens. I admire your creativity and positivity in life. This artical is an excellent example . I wiish you good luck and may you fullfill all your dreams. Take care
Priti Gupta
Dear Madhavi,
Thank you for remembering me and for your kind wishes. I am glad that you liked this blog post. 🙂
Best regards,
Priti
Victoria
Dear Priti
We remember and admire you. You are a clever and brave girl. Wishing you all the best
Your friends from Cambridge
V&A
Priti Gupta
Dear Vicky and Alan,
Thank you and lots of love and a big hug to both of you 🙂
I hope both of you doing great and planning many more fun trips 🙂
Best regards,
Priti
Mary
Dear Priti,
When you were in Cambridge I enjoyed your warmth & infectious enthusiasm for many things. I also became aware of the tumour trying to grow inside you. I cannot imagine the suffering & turmoil this has caused & is causing you. However, I am moved by the nickname Parmanu, your ability to consider her as a companion rather than an invader & so impressed by your cheerfulness, optimism, honesty and bravery. My first viewing of a hospital video – typical of you to make something funny & touching with delightful music out of a horrible ordeal (NHS food on full view). Now I also know how you got your photo taken with the President of France – all set for the news.
You are a gifted communicator with photos & words.
I wish for you the minimum of pain & discomfort & maximum of fun & joy in your next times with Parmanu. You are certainly sharing love, having compassion, and spreading happiness.
Very best wishes,
Mary
Priti Gupta
Dear Mary,
Thank you very much for such wonderful words. I have many other funny stories from my hospital days. We should skype sometime and as usual, I will not stop talking. 😉
Lots of love and a huge hug for you 🙂
Best wishes,
Priti
Atreyee
Dear Priti,
I always admired your will power, now more so than ever!
Looking forward to the chronicles of your future adventures… Wishing you have lots of them, and that Parmanu decides to stop being so obnoxiously greedy!!!
Your optimism is infectious 🙂
Lots of love,
Atreyee
Priti Gupta
Dear Atreyee,
Thank you for your kind words.
Lots of love to you too 🙂
-Priti
Claudia H
Dear Priti, you are unique!
The inspiration and strength you create to accept the challenge of Parmanu is unique. Your humor and your happiness despite all the obstacles are unique. I agree with Parmanu: You really are a very special person. For sure you will be brave enough to defy Parmanu and her insatiable appetite! Your story touched me very much and woke me up too.
Priti Gupta
Dear Claudia,
Thank you so much for your lovely words of encouragement. 🙂
Best wishes,
Priti
Sameer
I’m really sorry to hear what you’re going through. I’m sure your indomitable spirit and sense of humour will get you through this. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Get well soon
Priti Gupta
Thank you, Sameer! 🙂
Bappaditya Chandra
Hi Priti,
Suddenly your post was bit of a shocked to me.
In TIFR, during some difficult times, when I was in a voyage of discovering myself, I was desperately looking for things which can give me a new way of looking at the life; looking at myself. During that time, it was your clicked photos which showed me that new way I was searching, “Photography”. I spent hours just looking at the way you click photos. Being completely amateur, I thought of buying a camera with a dream that someday I can take at least one photo, the way Priti takes… I still have the same dream and will always have the same dream…
You are one of the most cheerful and energetic girl; someone who can’t be defeated by anyone or anything and I am sure a small “Parmanu” can’t take away anything from you.
Get well soon Priti. There are a million photos still to be taken by you…
Priti Gupta
Hi Bappa,
Thank you for such wonderful appreciation and support. I love your photography and it is far far better than mine. 🙂
Keep exploring new gears and this beautiful world 🙂
Cheers,
Priti
Anonymous
I was in TIFR at some point and thus through common friends, I have seen many of your stunning photos. This blog clearly depicts, you are a symbol of strength, courage, and optimism! Nothing can stop you from your future adventures. All the very best wishes my friend! You will pull it off!
Debnath
Priti Gupta
Hi Debnath,
Thank you for your kind support.:-)
Cheers,
Priti
Shubhi
Dear Priti,
I feel choked, can’t express how someone’s story can put me into tears though we have never met each other.. My kids unknowing are telling me why u read stories that u can’t take it…. But You know, we still have something in common…”TIFR DAYS”…. I did my post doc. from TIFR in 2011-12. You are definetly lovely, lively n full of life. You are such a big inspiration for very common people like us. Accepting the fact of living with Pramanu and treating it as companion would not be easy but you took it positively. Hats off to you. Just a sincere request from Pramanu to give you extra privilege the way you are giving it. Be strong … Millions are praying for you and I am one of them. You will come out of it.
From your new friend,
Shubhi
Priti Gupta
Hi Shubhi,
Oh no… I am sorry that I brought tears to your eyes. I guess I have to work harder to write properly next time 🙂
Thank you for your kind words of appreciation and support. Maybe someday we will meet in this small world. 🙂
Cheers,
Priti
Shubhi
Hello Priti,
Oh Yes! Sure… Will see you soon in this small world. What else can be the more beautiful reason than this to lead your life?
With luv,
Shubhi
Amrita Bhattacharya
Dear Priti,
You have always been a source of inspiration for me. And that was true even before I had had this opportunity to read about your incredible journey with Parmanu. I want to thank you for shari g your sorry in such beautiful prose and am inspired by your courage, strength and rare perspective about Parmanu as a companion. I have no doubt your perspective and your story will inspire numerous others and I sincerely hope you know how much you inspire me to be stronger, braver and more alive through your adventures.
Hugs and love,
Amrita
Priti Gupta
Dear Amrita,
I don’t know what to say in response. All I can say, I am grateful and honored that you see an inspiration in me. Thank you for such kind words. 🙂
Love,
Priti
Anindita Sarkar
Hi Priti,
I was in TIFR, but maybe we didn’t overlap. Thank you for sharing your story. I LOVED your smile:), your fortitude, and your images. I will come back here to check on you. Meanwhile, give it hell and keep smiling!
Love,
Anindita
Priti Gupta
Hi Anindita,
Thank you so much. 🙂
Love,
Priti
Greeshma G
All the best my strong lady❤️
Priti Gupta
Thank you 🙂
Anonymous
Hi Priti,
You may not know me, but I have seen you many times in TIFR when I was a JRF at DBS. I salute you and your courage. I sincerely pray and wish that Parmanu leaves your body for good at the earliest and you recover soon. I do not know about your bucket list but if you do have Switzerland in it, you have a home in Zürich.
Priti Gupta
Hi,
Thank you for your kind wishes and for your kind offer. I wish to hike in Swiss Alps at some point. Let’s see if it ever happens.
Cheers.
Kousik Chandra
Hi Priti,
we may not know each other as I left TIFR long back. You are truly an inspiration. TIFR has produced many gems, but you are certainly unique among them. Please keep writing. My sincere prayer for your health and speedy recovery.
Priti Gupta
Hi Kousik,
Thank you for your kind words and prayers.
Best wishes,
Priti
Garima Saraswat
Priti! A big hug for being such a brave brave supergirl….I feel so sorry that you have to go through this. You have been such an inspiration for me while I was in TIFR, with your infectious smile, awesome creativity and love for adventure. You are unique, parmanu has met her match, it’s only you who can challenge and defeat her. Keep adding to your adventure list!
Hoping the best for you- Garima
Priti Gupta
Hi Garima,
Thank you so much for your lovely message.
I hope you are doing great. 🙂
Love,
Priti
Anonymous
Hello stranger,
Hope Parmanu realises soon how beneficial it is to live symbiotically. I wish you a long life full of adventures and happiness.
Your well wisher!
Anonymous
Priti Gupta
Thank you 🙂
Anonymous
Hi Preeti
Thought I would drop you a line here. Arnab forwarded me this link. You are truly an insipiration to us mere mortals. You and your wonderful smile will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Continue being the warrior that you are and challenge the status quo everyday .
DK
Priti Gupta
Hi DK,
Thank you very much for your kind words. I still remember and follow the words of wisdom you gave me. Thanks for that too. 🙂
Love,
Priti
Saurabh Sandilya
Priti, You are truly the most inspiration person I met in my life!
My sincerest prayer for your good health..
Priti Gupta
Thank you, Saurabh. I am grateful that you find me inspiring.
Suman Nag
One of the strongest human being that I know personally. Kisi Parmanu mein itna dum nahi ki Priti ko hara sake. You have a strong heart and will power, she doesn’t.
Priti Gupta
Thank you, Suman for your kind appreciation.
Anand Kant Das
Dear Priti,
I could not stop crying after reading your story. The last time we met was in Cambridge and I must say that you are a champion and will continue to top the list of humans I admire the most. Salute to you. You are a fighter and will tame Parmanu soon. With loads of love and best wishes.
Anand Kant Das
Priti Gupta
Dear Anand,
I am sorry that the story made you cry. I am doing quite good. You can read my next post… that is a happy one 🙂 Also, thank you for those encouraging words.
Best wishes,
Priti
Arpita Sharma
Hi Priti, my name is Arpita Sharma. We don’t know each other in person but I heard a lot about you from Deepak Gupta during my summer training at IIT Kanpur. I read your blog and all I can say is that you reminded me of Randy Pausch. I want you to complete all your wishes and adding new with each passing day. Keep on doing the awesome photography as it depicts your dream and soul. Lots and lots of hug to you dearie.. One day we will meet in person for sure…
To Parmanu- I don’t know you too but all I can say is nobody told me about you. I came across of your presence today only. All I can say is Hi but it should be accompanied with Good Bye. I can’t order you as of your supremacy but can request you to become dormant and don’t mess with Priti as she is the one who has introced you the world. So if you want to be heard more do obey her.
Winding up with lots and lots of love and hats off to the courage you have shown. Some people crossed our path and add new meaning to our life. You are one of them. Stay happy, healthy and blessed.
Priti Gupta
Dear Arpita,
Thank you very much for writing such a supportive and lovely message. It will be awesome to meet you sometime. 🙂
Best wishes to you too.
Love
Priti
Abhijeet
Hi Priti,
I know you through Naveen and he sent me this link. My grandfather suffered from Laryngeal cancer and as a school going child, seeing his pain (cancer + the heavy medicine/radiation), was too much for me. So, I can understand your pain a bit, but the way you are living your life is outstanding, like a true champion. I think, one line that describes your attitude towards your friend ‘Parmanu’ is – “It’s not about the cards you’re dealt, but how you play the hand.” (From ”The Last lecture”). I would love to meet you and learn how to live life to the fullest. If you visit Munich sometime, please let me know for sure. I do cycling with Naveen on some weekends, and “meri saans atak jaati hai”, and he says – “uski saans atak jaati hai tumhare saath cycling karne mein”, but still I would like to do cycling with you ‘once’ (kya pata meri saans atak hi jaye phir hamesha ke liye 🙂 🙂
I wish you get well soon and lose your friend ‘Parmanu’ forever. Sometime ‘Har ek friend jaroori nahi hota hai’, although she has taught you many things and changed your life, but she must live now.
Best wishes,
Abhijeet
Colin Humphreys
Hi Priti,
Thank you for your blog and moving story. You are an amazing person! I am so sorry that your tumour came back again after your operation in the UK. You are an inspiration to us all. You wonderful spirit of hope and your bravery are remarkable. I have just said a prayer for you. May God be with you. May your doctors have great wisdom. May you conquer Parmanu. May you be given continued strength and courage.
Very best wishes,
Colin
Edith Mueller
Dear Priti
Our way just crossed for a short time on the campground „Am See“ in Spreewald. I was very impressed by you, your personality, and your way of handling Parmanu. What a strong, positive and cheerful young woman you are.
Yesterday there was some information on TV about stories of people suffering of / surviving cancer. The link is mysurvivalstory.org, perhaps you want to get a glimpse of it.
I often think of you and wish you all the best for your future with all my heart.
Kindest regards
Edith
Gopal
I just came to know from Arnab and feel I, probably, started to live in a different world not to know about your pain. Knowing you as an ever smiling person, I wish it happened to someone else or none. I wish and pray there is a cure. May God bless you.