And miles to go before I sleep

Life was quite ordinary until June 2018. As I started my third year of engineering studies, I noticed a gradual drooping of my eyelids. Initially attributing it to only fatigue, I shared my concerns with my mother, who promptly advised a visit to the doctor's. Following a nasal endoscopy and eye examinations, the medical team recommended a series of blood tests. The results revealed a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis, a rare autoimmune ailment characterized by muscular weakness without atrophy, stemming from a malfunction in acetylcholine action at neuromuscular junctions. To compound the situation, a computed tomography (CT) scan revealed an unexpected and distressing revelation on my birthday – thymic carcinoma. The tumor had rapidly progressed to a formidable size of 9 cm. The news felt surreal, witnessing my life shattering before my eyes. The emotional toll was devastating. Within 3 months, my life turned upside down completely. We decided to seek treatment at the Tata Memorial Cancer Research Center in Mumbai. After a lot of tests, my chemotherapy journey began during Navaratri in 2018. Realizing the need to be strong for the sake of my parents, I refrained from seeking answers and chose acceptance. I embraced the reality of enduring painful chemotherapy sessions, losing my hair, and witnessing a profound transformation in my appearance. It became evident that I had no control over the situation, and my only recourse was patience. Through days and nights filled with waiting, enduring both physical pain and emotional suffering, I had to do it for the sake of my parents. Their persistent question "Will she be cured completely?" echoed in my mind, breaking me a thousand times over as I grappled with the helplessness of my circumstances. After completing 3 rounds of chemotherapy, I underwent a robotic thymectomy on January 4, 2019. Throughout my cancer journey, my parents, despite being well-informed by the doctors, turned into "babies" seeking constant reassurance. The night before, my surgery resembled a nightmarish ordeal, with the medical team emphasizing the complexity of the operation, compounded by my neurological disorder, adding an extra layer of difficulty. Although that night passed, the haunting specter of cancer lingered, necessitating two more cycles of chemotherapy, this time under palliative systemic therapy. My doctors laid out a grim prognosis, cautioning about the likelihood of a recurrence. This time, I decided to rebel – against both my parents and the medical advice. I opted to undergo chemotherapy in Bhubaneswar while concurrently pursuing my studies in the sixth semester. Aware that a cure was not guaranteed, I focused on gaining control over what I could. It marked the onset of a new battle. My support system has consistently been my friends—Devalina, Bichayan, and Sayantani. Additionally, my sister, along with her 6-year-old son Roop, never failed to bring joy into my life. Despite the gravity of the situation, Roop, unaware of the severity, consistently put in efforts to make me smile. Witnessing my hair loss, both my father and Roop shaved their heads with me every time. Throughout the ordeal, my mother never displayed the turmoil she was enduring, choosing to shield me from her distress. They have been, are, and will forever remain my unwavering pillars of strength. My roommate, Shrabasti, emerged as a true strength, highlighting the existence of true friendships. Professors and friends pitched in, providing notes and including me in group projects. Despite the challenges, I managed to maintain a CGPA of 8.6, juggling exams and chemotherapy. Returning to Tata Memorial Center after 2 rounds of chemotherapy and studying in hospital rooms, I underwent a checkup, and surprisingly, the cancer was not detected at that moment. However, a new challenge arose, a diaphragmatic hernia, necessitating another surgery and a 20-day hospital stay with a Ryle's tube through my nose. Post surgery, without waiting for the removal of stitches, I promptly returned to college for my end-semester exams. Gradually, happiness crept back into my life. I navigated the final placement process and secured a position at Bosch, one of the premier companies on campus. I incorporated yoga into my routine and shed some weight. Yet, a new hurdle emerged – pain in my hip joint. A visit to the doctor revealed Stage III avascular necrosis, adding another ailment to my already extensive list. Despite grappling with both illnesses and academic challenges, I successfully graduated—a moment that once felt unattainable became a reality. I sincerely worked with all my effort and secured rapid promotions. My manager, seniors, and my colleagues' support helped me to continue without feeling demotivated. In 2022, fueled by my long-standing aspiration to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA), I decided to prepare for the common admission test (CAT-MBA entrance exam). However, the dream was abruptly interrupted when my test reports revealed a recurrence of cancer. I had anticipated its return, but never did I imagine it resurfacing so swiftly. COVID-19 had been a contributing factor. Returning to Tata Memorial Center, I collected my medicines for chemotherapy and then returned to Kolkata to continue the treatments while balancing work commitments and CAT preparation. To accommodate my need to write with my right hand, I requested the nurses to administer the intravenous channels in my left hand only. The agony of chemotherapy, coupled with its unimaginable side effects, led to the loss of my waist-length hair once again. Unlike the first occurrence, this time, I understood the necessity to persist in my studies as it had been my lifeline earlier. I emerged victorious within 6 months, pouring my heart into the preparation. Although I received offers from several premium business schools, I opted for Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) School of Management in Mumbai, commencing my MBA journey in July 2023. Now, I undergo checkups every 4 months, endure positron emission tomography–computed tomography scans, and anxiously await the reports with my heart in my hands. Even during my visits to the Tata Memorial Hospital, I diligently work on assignments, focusing on tasks within my control and choosing not to dwell on uncertainties. My university has supported me throughout my journey and helped me to never feel like an outlier. Although I faced the unfortunate twist of battling cancer twice, I consider myself lucky to have survived. I firmly believe there is a yet-to-be-fulfilled purpose in my life. I will continue moving forward, knowing that in the end, I will have an extraordinary story to share. The woods are lovely, dark, and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep. ~Stopping by woods on a snowy evening, Robert Frost About the patient Sreeparna Majumder was 22 years old when she was diagnosed with thymoma. She had 12 rounds of chemotherapy and 2 surgeries in her cancer journey. Her beacon of hope was her parents, Santosh Majumder and Dipti Majumder, who fought against all odds and believed in her always. Her friends, Shrabasti Saha, Sayantani Sah, Devalina Mahanty, and Bichayan Das were rays of joy in her life. Special thanks to her sister, Rituparna Kundu, and nephew, Ayushya Kundu for bringing joy and happiness. She is working hard for her MBA currently and making every moment count. Declaration of parent's consent The author certifies that she has obtained all appropriate parents' consent forms. She has obtained consent for the names mentioned in the article. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.