Now Living the Dream E-Book

Dr Daksha Trivedi

• Herausgeber: Dolman Scott Publishing
• Kategorie: Ratgeber
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2020

Seitenzahl: 197

Beschreibung

Now Living the Dream: A Tale of Surviving Cancer by Daksha Trivedi is a testament to her brave journey through an aggressive cancer which brings to light the power of hope as she learns to accept uncertainty. Daksha’s story of endurance began long before receiving an unexpected and a devastating diagnosis of cancer in her lower oesophagus. She had hardly come to terms with the painful loss of her twin brother from advanced cancer only six months earlier but finds courage to bring solace to her elderly widowed mother who had lost both her beloved sons. Her journey takes us through her diagnosis, the challenges of treatment decisions and recovery from a life- threatening oesophagectomy. Her deeply moving story, whilst that of survival embraces the reality of her condition and conveys profound themes of relentless determination and a commitment to positive strategies at a time of pain and suffering.
This book highlights the patient’s and the family’s distress and encourages health care professionals to find ways of engaging with people from different cultures, especially where there is a family history of cancer. Whilst Daksha faced numerous challenges during a long and a difficult period of recovery, she, together with her family found ways of getting her life back. Her remarkable story is an inspiration to patients, families and practitioners and provides a valuable insight into finding courage to cope with adversity. It acknowledges a dearth of research evidence on oesophageal cancer, though great strides are being made to detect early conditions that can increase a person’s risk of developing cancer.
This poignant and human story draws together everything Daksha and her family have realised about living well in the moment. She also discovers the true meaning of faith, love and hope as she begins to talk about cancer. In her honest and inspiring account, she shares her learnings to live a life full of purpose, being deeply grateful for the gift of time.
This book was completed in the shadow of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. The author intends to donate proceeds from the sale of this book to appropriate charities.

Leseprobe

First published by Dr Daksha Trivedi 2020

Copyright© 2020 Dr Daksha Trivedi

Book cover and other designs - by Jill Bransby

The quotes used in this book are relevant to the essence of my personal journey. Although every judicious effort has been made to authenticate the source and/or author, in some cases, it was not possible to ascertain the origin. In the case of uncertainty, I have attributed it as unknown. I have selected the version that seemed most appropriate to the narrative. Where possible, permissions have been granted from the appropriate authorities and individuals for the use of quotes/poems/figures.

The authors assert the moral right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the authors of this work.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the authors, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover, other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

ISBN: 978-1-911412-91-5

Published by Dolman Scott Ltd

www.dolmanscott.co.uk

Acknowledges

The intention of the author is to offer information of a general nature which may help you. She does not prescribe the use of any particular approach to improve well-being without medical or a qualified practitioner’s advice.

The author intends to donate proceeds from the sale of this book to appropriate charities.

Namaste

(nah-mahs-tay)

My soul honours your soul

I honour the place in you where

the entire universe resides.

I honour the light, love, truth,

beauty and peace within you,

because it is also within me.

In sharing these things

we are united, we are the same,

we are one.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Dedication

This book is dedicated to all those who gave me hope and courage during my darkest hours.

To my great mother whose love, boundless faith and prayers carried me through the storms into the safe harbour of life.

To my beloved husband whose love, strength and confidence sustained us through our most difficult times. I am deeply grateful for his insightful contribution in making this book possible.

Above all, to my spiritual master Sri Sathya Sai Baba whose Divine inspiration helped me to walk this arduous journey with faith, trust and forbearance. To Him I am eternally grateful for this second chance of life.

Acknowledgements

I have been very fortunate to have wonderful people around me whose love has encouraged me to write this book. A special note of thanks goes to a few friends for their help and contribution. Judith Berry, Sheila Leavy and Sue Chapman for their valuable feedback, constructive suggestions and patient proof reading on the final draft; Jill Bransby for her intuitive and artistic sketches that brought my story to life.

I am grateful to Macmillan Cancer Support and the members of the Mid Bedfordshire Cancer Support Group whose shared experiences have made a meaningful contribution. A special mention to the team at ‘Together Against Cancer’, Leicester for allowing me to conduct a healing workshop and share my story for encouraging others. My special thanks to Dr K Narasimhan (Director, Sri Sathya Sai Mobile Hospital SSSMH, Puttaparthi, South India), Dr D K V Prasad (Surgical Gastroenterologist, Lucknow and SSSMH) and Dr Rashmi Mehta (UK) for their insightful direction and encouraging advice.

A thankful appreciation to the Cross-Cancer Institute, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada for granting me the permission to use ‘Tiles’ created by patients, families, volunteers and health care professionals.

My heartfelt gratitude to my General Practitioner, Dr Helen Collins and to the dedicated medical teams at Lister Hospital, Stevenage and the Watford General Hospital, in particular, Mr Ahmed Al- Bahrani, (lead clinician of the Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre for Hertfordshire and South Bedfordshire) for their timely intervention without which this book would not be a message of hope.

Important others

There are no words to express my gratitude to all those countless well- wishers who lifted me during my recovery through their visits, positive thoughts and healing prayers. My personal thanks to my colleagues from the University of Hertfordshire and Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge for their good wishes. Also included are our dear friends from many faiths and beliefs and from the various centres of Sathya Sai International Organisation (Hatfield, Luton, London, Coventry, Milton Keynes, Bangalore, South India, New York), friends from the Christian world, the North Hertfordshire Interfaith forum, Welwyn Hatfield Interfaith Group and to all noteworthy families and friends, too many to name here. I will forever be indebted to them for their love and kindness.

My thanks to Paul and Sharon Hudson for bringing Badger, the delightful Alaskan Malamute, whenever I needed him the most.

In praise of

Now Living the Dream

A tale of surviving cancer

“This book has been written by Daksha at a pivotal time in her life, a diagnosis of oesophageal cancer and a recovery journey that is both moving and one that other cancer patients can relate to. Daksha provides the narrative, the story, that is often unseen or not voiced in the cancer literature. She describes in depth the impact of diagnosis, treatment and her approach to recovery in a way that someone who is also on that journey, like me, can feel. The thoughts and feelings that it invokes – fear of death, of pain and the effects of treatment, anger, why me, but also the vital comfort, compassion and support of others and the profound importance of love and faith in the survival journey. Recovery becomes the here and now of being alive, celebrating life, the dream that as a cancer patient we long to realise and share with those we love. As a nurse as well as a patient, I have experienced cancer from both sides now and I truly believe that health care professionals would find this book uplifting and helpful in their day to day work with all cancer patients, regardless of age or diagnosis. The insights are a remarkable testimony to Daksha’s own survival and provide hope and belief for those of us who are still on our own journey.”

- Professor Sally Kendall, MBE, PhD, RN, RHV, FQNI, MFPH Recovering from breast cancer.

“Receiving a major medical diagnosis is a significant life-turning event for all of us, a crucial time of decision making, particularly as to what mental and spiritual course we will pursue going forward. Many cancer survivors say that their diagnosis was ultimately one of the most positive experiences in their lives because it served as the impetus for them to reshape their way of being in the world. In this inspiring story, Dr Daksha Trivedi shares with us just that decision in her own life, to activate and deeply embrace her inner spiritual essence and the healing power of her mind. With these resources as her foundation, she pursued a combination of conventional and holistic approaches to reclaim her health and to foster a life of greater wellbeing. Dr Trivedi now spreads this guiding message of hope, empowerment, and transformation to others.”

- Paul J. Mills, PhD; Professor and Chief at the University of California San Diego’s (UCSD) Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, Director of the UCSD Center of Excellence for Research and Training in Integrative Health, Director of the UCSD Clinical Research Biomarker Laboratory, Director of research for the Deepak Chopra Foundation.

“Dr. Trivedi was given the shocking diagnosis of aggressive oesophageal cancer. We experience the monumental challenges of an awful diagnosis, the gut-wrenching treatment and long recovery through her eyes. She poignantly relays her journey with a no-holds-bar honesty and vulnerability that leaves you speechless. Daksha audaciously shares her innermost thoughts, insecurities and fears and channels these to cultivate wisdom, compassion and courage with surprising serenity. When the life she knew comes to a halt and her reality suspended - she embraces the emptiness and openness imputed of meaning and lives for the NOW. Her disease serves as a catalyst for her spiritual metamorphosis, a seed for her awakening.”

- Falguni Bhatt, Social care, policy and planning, University of Columbia, Masters in Social Work, Maharaja Sayajirao University, India. Licensed Certified Social Worker, Counsellor and Psychotherapist, University of State of New York; Reiki Practitioner

“A remarkable, deeply moving and inspiring account of Dr Trivedi’s cancer journey. When faced with a life- threatening diagnosis, Daksha found the strength to rise above the shock, fear and uncertainty, which always accompanies a serious cancer diagnosis. She eloquently details her story from diagnosis, through surgery and its unpleasant aftereffects, to rebuilding her life with renewed vigour. Lovingly supported by her husband and mum - this is an inspirational book which will resonate with every cancer patient. Together Against Cancer supports people at any stage of cancer journey, ‘Now Living the Dream’ will definitely be in our library.”

- Stephen Gamble, Education and Wellness Manager, Together Against Cancer, UK; Naturopathic nutritionist PDNN; Gerson Therapy Practitioner (Gerson Institute, UK)

“In “Now Living the Dream” Dr Trivedi has provided us with a riveting account of her physical cancer journey. We follow her progress, and those of her estimable husband and mother, through an emotional roller-coaster of clinical appointments and procedures. However, into this narrative she has woven most moving insights into her spiritual journey, informed as it is by her own cultural and spiritual background. This well-written and highly accessible book is an indispensable read for anyone (or their friends and relatives) who is on their own cancer journey and is above all a great testimony to the power of faith. She truly is a remarkable lady!”

- Eddie Thompson, BA LLB; Retired paralegal and teacher; Fellow Oesophageal cancer patient

“From a world of academia, Daksha was plunged into a tumultuous cancer journey two years ago. I have known her since childhood in Kenya, always eager, self-motivated and determined, excelling in everything she did. I am therefore not surprised that she became a brave warrior against the barrage of challenges including a totally life changing surgical intervention. In her book, the author eloquently depicts her strength, self- belief, love for life, deep faith, and unconditional love and support from her husband and her dear mother.

As a general practitioner, I find that Daksha’s convincing experience supports the notion that those who believe in the body’s innate ability to heal can often have a better outcome. She blends science, medicine and spirituality and offers practical strategies that helped her. I encourage everyone to read this powerfully inspiring book for we never know where our paths will take us. Thank you, Dr Trivedi for sharing your soul stirring journey with us.”

- Dr Rashmi Mehta, MBBS, MRCS, LRCP, special interest in holistic health and functional medicine

“Now Living the Dream” is a classic example of the manifestation of the power of love, the living force within us which heals. It has a purpose, a dream and fulfilment even more so when illnesses are so prevalent, especially at this time of unpredictable effects of the pandemic which the whole world is facing today. Through faith, belief, hope, courage and determination, Daksha has proved that no matter how far your condition has advanced, if you choose or desire to restore your health into wellness, you actually give birth to a new desire and that is when “ the power of wellness emerges”. A must read not only for cancer patients but for every human being who walks on the face of the Earth.”

- Lim Cheng Hoe, Former International Badminton Coach to Sweden, Iceland and Zambia; former representative of the Malaysian Badminton Team; Retired Teacher and Trustee for mainstream Education, UK; Currently an International Reiki Master, Trainer & Tai-Chi Practitioner, UK

“This is a brave book about an inner and outer journey after being diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus. The physical implications of this diagnosis and subsequent surgery and treatment were devastating, but what is so compelling about this testament is the author’s willingness to share how she reflected on and rigorously examined the daily challenges which threatened her existence. Life as experienced before surgery would never be the same again but the new life, which continues to unfold, is one with rich spiritual meaning, tremendous gratitude for each moment and deep compassion for all beings. This book is a great inspiration and encouragement for all who wish to live life fully with joy, healing and appreciation of the present moment.”

- Judith Berry, Retired Primary School Headteacher, T.C. Alexander Teachers’ College Sydney Australia; Member of the Findhorn Foundation Community Scotland; Actively involved in the Care Sector of the Community and Conservation Charities.

“As a Barrister and a Professor of Law, I rarely find myself struggling to find the right words to pen or to say. This, however, is one such occasion. Having known Dr Trivedi not only through her dedicated work in promoting health and wellbeing including the activities of Sathya Sai International Organisation, UK, but also personally, I was somewhat shocked to learn of her ‘health’ condition as conveyed to me by her husband. Based on my spiritual beliefs, I was inspired to pray for her or as one would say send her ‘mantra induced vibrational energy’. What Daksha has accomplished through this book is nothing short of offering solace and hope for the multitude who are in a similar position by recounting her trials and tribulations as well as her experiences. The wonderful and sincere accounts speak volumes of her, and I can only say that even in this state, she is living the expression: ‘Service to Man is Service to God’. I hope that all who read ‘Now Living the Dream’ will learn to empower themselves when faced with dilemmas just as Daksha has conveyed in her courageous journey of survival.”

- Dr Vickneswaren Krishnan, Barrister (Middle Temple) & Visiting Professor of International Law (Botswana), Hindu Chaplain, University of Cambridge

“Dr Daksha Trivedi writes a passionate and meticulous description of her personal journey with cancer. She has captured the role of body, mind, spirit and emotions that play an integral part in recovery and healing. Daksha has acknowledged and honored spirituality, culture, family, friends and health care providers as key elements to her victory over cancer. Her acceptance of the diagnosis, treatment and support helps her to survive cancer and results in “Now Living the Dream”, a great message that inspires us all. “

- Dr Ranee Thayala Richards, MBBS, MPM, FRANZCP; Consultant Psychiatrist, Dandenong Hospital, Monash Health, Victoria, Australia

“As someone who went through the same Oesophageal cancer as Daksha did, albeit eleven years ago, I found this to be an inspirational story. The way that she and her family went through the ordeal supported by each other’s love and unwavering faith will be a source of hope and inspiration to all who read this book.”

- Dave Simpson, former Oesophageal cancer patient

“Sometimes we cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel, this is because there are always twists and turns in life. Daksha’s book teaches us to keep walking and eventually despite the many deviations we must not give up, and we will see the light again. This book will be useful to support people who have cancer and are beginning that journey, down that long tunnel. She covers the shock of diagnosis, the fear, the hope of recovery, the many trials and tribulations, and eventual cure. She clearly describes her journey providing numerous ideas that people will find helpful in overcoming their own anxieties and fears. She provides practical advice and a touching honesty about her own experiences. Reading it was a privilege.

- Professor Mike Kirby, MBBS, LRCP, MRCS, FRCP; Clinician & Academic; Prostate Cancer Charity Research Advisory Group, The Prostate Centre, London. Member of UK Department of Health Prostate Cancer Risk Management Working Party & several National Health Service advisory boards.

“Daksha is an epidemiologist and a scientist; a woman of great faith who is supported by family and friends who share faiths; and someone who is able to tell the story of her journey through oesophageal cancer from beginning to recovery, sparing no detail and with no emotional holds barred. This book is her story interwoven with interesting science and discussions of aspects of faith and emotional support (helping those of ‘no faith’ to appreciate positive mindset and self- empowerment); accompanied by quotations from classical and modern literature and personal photographs; but also containing much practical advice. We all think we know what ‘holistic care’ means, but most do not fully understand what it is unless we have experienced it or read this book.”

- Dr Paul Siklos, MA (Cantab), BSc, MBBS, FRCP; Consultant Physician (retired), West Suffolk Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, UK;Associate Clinical Dean (retired),University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine; Life Fellow, Hughes Hall, Cambridge;Winner of the Pilkington Prize 2005 award in recognition of teaching excellence.

“Dr Daksha Trivedi has written a profoundly inspiring account of her unforeseen but an aggressive cancer diagnosis. She narrates openly her vulnerability laced with deep anxieties, emotions, trials and tribulations in the face of great uncertainty. The disease is one which requires a number of diagnostic modalities, some of them done repeatedly. She went through all of them with grit and determination, factors which greatly help the treating doctors and aid the healing process. Throughout her treatment journey, I monitored her closely and her understanding of the problem, which she was able to face with courage and determination. Her book gifts us with practical ways to overcome adversity and to embrace such a journey with courage and faith. A professional and a patient, Daksha speaks of hope, love and gratitude, reminding us of what really matters in life. She delicately brings together science, medicine and spirituality, understanding the difficulties. Dr Trivedi brings remarkable insight and wisdom which will no doubt touch the hearts of many. It is my wish that every medical professional and every patient going through this journey reads the book and I am sure it will help them greatly surmount the steep challenges. This book deserves a wide circulation for all.”

- Dr K Narasimhan, MBBS, MNAMS (Medicine) Director of Sri Sathya Sai (SSS) Mobile Hospital, Medical Superintendent of SSS General Hospital, Puttaparthi, South India; Winner of the CNBC-TV 18 Healthcare Award, India

Contents

Foreword by David Chuter, Chairman, Oesophageal Patients Association; Supported by David Kirby, OBE

Introduction: The greatest gift

One: Life will never be the same

Two: Making sense of “It”

Three: Coping with uncertainty

Four: Eye of the cancer storm

Five: From fear to hope

Six: Thinking about cancer

Seven: Take a deep breath

Eight: Healing embraced

Nine: Every thought counts

Ten: Preparing to meet my fate

Eleven: It’s time to get fit

Twelve: My life in their hands

Thirteen: In the cradle of care

Fourteen: The waiting game

Fifteen: Everybody needs somebody

Sixteen: The home coming

Seventeen: Who cares for carers?

Eighteen: Beyond myself

Nineteen: Life is a onetime offer

Twenty: Learning to talk about cancer

Epilogue

Foreword

In writing a foreword for this book about a cancer journey, I wondered how I would word it. Three simple words “You have cancer” finds the darkest place in your heart and hits those loved ones around you. In a moment, your life is thrown into a huge chasm staring into the void.

In reading this tale of surviving cancer, I looked back and could relate to my own oesophageal cancer journey. Daksha’s powerful narrative reflects this in a way that is as personal as can be but is also true for all cancer patients to relate to their journey. Her journey echoes the emotions, the fears and the knowledge of how fragile life is, sadly for many, the diagnosis is too late. This transformative story gives hope and happiness we wish on everyone with cancer and their families who silently suffer along the way.

Daksha’s cancer pathway shows how important those around us all are, our loved ones and friends to support us, our many varied beliefs of someone watching over us, the fantastic National Health Service (NHS UK) with the skills of treatment and compassion and the medical researchers who give us the hope and life we all deserve. In addition, Daksha shares some of her helpful strategies for overcoming both physical and emotional difficulties discovering what truly matters in life. Though she charts her deeply personal experience, the book has a universal reach through her perspective both as a patient and an academic.

My pathway from diagnosis has taken me on a road of discovery into patient support, research for patients to understand the many trials they are invited to join and to Chairing the Oesophageal Patients Association (OPA), all things totally alien to my world of printing! The OPA was founded some 35 years ago as a charity by David Kirby, OBE to support Oesophageal cancer patients. His meritorious effort in promoting patient to patient support was the key in helping patients living beyond cancer. It is encouraging to read that Daksha has addressed the need to support cancer patients and their families, particularly those living in rural areas.

Cancer will not go away but we can reduce the toll on life by awareness, early diagnosis, research, treatment and support right from the start to patients by patients, not forgetting that belief in hope is a big part of the healing.

This remarkable book is a testament to Dr Trivedi’s tremendous courage and faith as she unravels the complexities of this triumphant human journey.

By David Chuter, Chairman OPA; supported by David Kirby, OBE; Founder & Life President, OPA

David Chuter, Chairperson, Guildford Surrey UK Support Group; Representative on The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), contributing to NICE guidance for improving health and social care; Patient Ambassador: National Cancer Research Institute Consumer Liaison Group; World Cancer Research Fund; Cancer Research UK; Governor, NHS Royal Surrey Hospital Foundation Trust; Advisor to patient support groups across Europe for gastrointestinal cancers.

Introduction

The greatest gift

God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well

- Voltaire

My heart sank upon hearing three words “You have cancer”. Every day in the UK, around one thousand people hear these frightening words, and I never envisaged that I would be one of them. Life as we know it can vanish in a heartbeat and the unthinkable can happen in a moment. My twin brother whose face I remember so vividly, drained of hope and with pleading tearful eyes had uttered “please pray for me”. It was like his spirit was stolen from an unseen injury. I cried a river for my beloved brother’s plight. Sadly, he died of advanced stomach cancer within the year given to him. It beggars belief that only after six months I could face the same predicament. The shock and disbelief were hard to bear, and the overwhelming numbness incapacitated my family. We were gripped into a spiral of recurring thoughts about cancer and its unpredictable outcome.