Debdulal Chakraborty, from Bankura, West Bengal, was struck with a devastating diagnosis in January 2019: lung cancer. The once-familiar symptoms of cough, breathlessness, and fever turned into a nightmare. Despite numerous tests, the local doctors couldn’t pinpoint the cause. It wasn’t until a CT scan revealed a tumor in his right lung that the truth dawned upon him.
“It was like a bolt of lightning,” Debdulal recalls. “I was terrified. What would happen to my family? How would I provide for them?”
The news was a cruel blow. Debdulal, the sole breadwinner for his young family, faced an uncertain future. Fear gnawed at him as he thought of his wife and children. Yet, he knew he couldn’t give up. With the support of his loved ones, he sought help at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai.
There, a series of tests confirmed his worst fears: he had ALK+ lung cancer. The doctors prescribed Crizotinib, a medication that came with a hefty price tag. For a middle-class man like Debdulal, the cost was a mountain he feared he couldn’t climb.
“The medication was expensive, but I knew it was my only hope,” Debdulal says. “I was determined to do whatever it took to get it.”
The pandemic further complicated his journey. Lockdowns made it difficult to access his life-saving medication. But Debdulal found solace in Lung Connect, a support group that provided not just medicines but also emotional support.
“Lung Connect has been a lifeline for me,” Debdulal says. “The support and encouragement from other patients have helped me stay strong.”
Debdulal hopes to inspire others battling lung cancer and advocate for more accessible life-saving medications. He also seeks support from those who want to contribute to managing the cost of this treatment.
“I want to make a difference,” Debdulal says. “If my story can help even one person, then it’s worth it.”
Swapna Zimba, from Siliguri, West Bengal, has been battling metastatic adenocarcinoma since May 2023. Her journey has been marked by immense physical, mental, and emotional challenges.
“The day I was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer was the toughest day of my life,” Swapna recalls. “I felt like I was drowning.”
Despite the overwhelming odds, Swapna has remained determined. She has undergone a series of treatments, including radiation therapy, to combat the disease. “I’m fighting every day,” she says. “I won’t give up.”
However, the journey has been far from easy. Lung cancer has taken a toll on her physical health, leaving her feeling weak and exhausted. The mental and emotional strain has been equally challenging.
“It’s not just the physical pain,” Swapna explains. “The fear, the uncertainty, the constant worry – it’s overwhelming.”
Financial burdens have also compounded her struggles. The cost of treatment, medications, and daily living expenses can be overwhelming for many cancer patients.
Despite these challenges, Swapna remains hopeful. She finds solace and support in the Lung Connect community. “The support group meetings have been invaluable,” she says. “I’ve met so many compassionate people who understand what I’m going through.”
Swapna’s story is a testament to her strength and resilience. She continues to fight bravely, one day at a time. Her journey serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges.
She ends by saying, “Even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.”
Rushikesh Jayale, from Yavatmal, Maharashtra, was living his dream life when his world was shattered by a devastating diagnosis: lung cancer.
“It was a shock,” Rushikesh recalls. “I was so young, and I had never smoked a day in my life.”
The symptoms crept up on him gradually – persistent coughing, blood in his sputum, and a growing sense of weakness. When the tests confirmed his worst fears, Rushikesh felt like his world was crumbling around him.
“I was broken,” he admits. “I couldn’t believe it was happening to me.”
The road ahead was filled with challenges. Rushikesh underwent surgery and chemotherapy, enduring the physical and emotional toll of treatment.
“It was tough,” he says. “There were days when I didn’t think I could make it.”
But Rushikesh’s spirit was indomitable. With the support of his family, friends, and medical team, he fought bravely against the disease.
“I’m grateful for everyone who helped me,” Rushikesh says. “Their support gave me the strength to keep going.”
Today, Rushikesh is a lung cancer survivor. He is determined to use his experience to help others who are battling the disease.
“I want to be a part of Lung Connect,” he says. “I want to share my story and offer support to others who are going through what I went through.”
Rushikesh believes that more research is needed to understand and combat lung cancer. He also emphasizes the importance of clinical trials and staying informed about the latest developments in the field.
As Rushikesh looks to the future, he is filled with hope. He is determined to live a full and meaningful life, free from the fear of cancer.
“I need all of your blessings,” he says. “So that I can be cancer-free for life.”
Bhuaal is caregiver and husband to Anita Bharti, a young woman from Maharajganj, Uttar Pradesh, has been battling lung cancer since January 2023. Her journey has been filled with fear, uncertainty, and immense courage.
“When the doctor told me I had lung cancer, it felt like my world was falling apart,” Anita recalls. “I was terrified. I had lost my father-in-law to cancer just a few years ago.”
The disease had spread rapidly, affecting her eye, breast, lungs, and throat. Anita underwent a series of surgeries and treatments, but the pain and suffering were unbearable.
“There were days when I thought I couldn’t take it anymore,” she says. “But I knew I had to fight for my family.”
Anita’s husband, Bhuaal, was her unwavering support. Together, they faced the challenges head-on, refusing to give up hope.
“We told each other that we would overcome this,” Bhuaal says. “We had to stay positive and strong.”
Anita’s family and friends rallied around her, offering their love, support, and prayers. The Lung Connect community also provided invaluable support, answering her questions and offering encouragement.
“The Lung Connect group has been a lifeline for me,” Anita says. “I’ve received so much support and advice from other cancer patients.”
Despite the physical and emotional toll of the disease, Anita remains determined. She is undergoing targeted therapy at Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, and her condition is stable.
“I’m fighting every day,” Anita says. “I won’t let cancer defeat me.”
Anita’s story is a testament to her courage, resilience, and unwavering spirit. She is a beacon of hope for others battling lung cancer. As she says, “Your courage and strength are greater than the disease.”
