Vaidya - Holy Cancer: How A Cow Saved My Life

First published, 2015

Text Amit Vaidya

Inlet Photographs Amit Vaidya

All rights reserved.

ISBN 978-81-7742-147-7

Published by Healing Vaidya & Aditya Prakashan,
2/18, Ansari Road, New Delhi - 110 002.

email:
website: www.adityaprakashan.com

Printed at

This book is my attempt to share my truth to the best ability of my memory. Some names, locations, dialogues and identifying details have been changed to respect the privacy of the people involved.

To cancer. Youve been there even when no one else was. And youre still with me even when I have everything. Thank you for giving me a legacy.

Chapters

A story about living just wouldnt be possible without the rest of the world contributing. I would like to thank every single person who has featured in my life, in any and every light.

We are the sum of our experiences and while I could wish that things were differentI have accepted it and realized that my life and this moment would not have been possible had even one thing gone differently.

The two people most responsible for my ability to survive and to live in happiness are my parents. Dad was my biggest advocate and his unconditional support is still something that echoes in my ear when I need it most. Even more than a decade later, his selfless love for me is stronger than anyone in my life. On the other hand, Mom was simply the greatest friend I could have had. Her ability to share, give and put others needs ahead of hers, I try my best to live by that example. But her greatest gift to me was the lesson she shared with me towards the end of her lifethat no matter what adversity we face in life, end the day living it to the fullest, going to sleep at night thankful for that day and literally being at peace if that were to be the last day of my life.

In all my travels Ive met such extraordinary people and to name them all would be next to impossible. Ive also lost so many amazing souls along this shared journey and I dedicate this book to all of them.

Melixa: My sister, my friend, my cancer soulmate. I miss you and I shine a little brighter because of your undying love and optimism.

Mahima: I tried to help you and Im sorry that as your brother, I failed you. You deserved a much longer life and I hope you forgive me for not pushing you more.

Ravi: I saw myself in you. I so wish I could have taken your place, as your familys neverending support was like I was watching a home movie. Im still not sure I understand why, but you reminded me that despite what I didnt have, I was still very lucky.

Flavia: Life isnt as serious as we make it out to be and you taught me that even in the height of pain, finding a way to laugh always made things a little bit easier.

Ansuya Massi: Even in such a short time, you were more of a mother to me than the many women who should have filled Moms shoes, at least partially... thank you.

Bill: The greatest gift you gave me was an amazing friend in Peggy. I feel so lucky to have someone who knows and understands my journey like no other.

Melinda: Sometimes seeing you and Karl together reminded me of my parents but to imagine both of you fighting the same disease simultaneously, its a cruel and sometimes senseless world. Your kindness and loving nature lives on in Christy and Im truly grateful to have her in my life.

Harry: You were the rock of your family and your family was there for me in my darkest hour. It is your character and humanity that housed me good fortune at a point in time when I was feeling most alone.

Jean: Every time I dare even ask the question why, I think of you. You were Gods gift in that you led your life with positivity and despite what transpired you shed that light with whomever you came in contact.

Vinay: I was meant to be there with you and your family at the end. I feel very honoured that you gave me your blessings for this book.

Bapuji: I never had the privilege of meeting you Bapuji but throughout my life I was compared to you many many times... of course minus the cigarette habit. While we know what caused your cancer, you became the trailblazer for the disease in our family and Im proud to be your grandson and to carry that label as well.

Ba: your age was mostly responsible for the cancer but Im still thankful that you were there for me. No one should have to suffer the loss of a child and I know how broken youd become after Dad died. You consoled Mom when I got sick and Im so grateful that despite whatever health issues, you best exemplified that life goes on.

Id like to thank the hundreds of doctors, nurses, aides and support staff around the world at this point who made each hospital feel like a second home (and sometimes first home!) for me. Singling anyone out feels like any one component is more important than the other but the truth is that without any one of youmy story would not be the same.

With that said, my list of friends, relations, strangers and spirits whove met me on this journey in my life, the list could go on endlessly and continue to expand with each given day. Im incredibly grateful to have had so many who stood by me at any given moment in time. As we continue to live, our lives will perhaps intersect again enabling me room for my thankfulness to grow and evolve.

To my editor, Shalini, thank you for getting into my head and stylizing me intomaking sense.

Im truly appreciative of everything that has come my way and know even when I stand aloneI am standing high because of the support of all of you.

This is a story about positivity, overcoming obstacles and finding peace and happiness in lifeno matter what. Because of that, I have deliberately attempted to refrain from focusing on the negative aspects of my journey. This book could be dedicated entirely to those who didnt provide support, who didnt offer help, who said no when I needed them to say yes, the emotional toll it took on me and how much more challenging they made my life but instead Id like to acknowledge those that were there for me.

From the relatives to the friends to the strangers who became friends and then turned into family, I have been incredibly lucky to have such wonderful people in my life. They have taught me to let go of expectations because when you dont expect, life throws you special surprises in the best kind of way.

I feel privileged to have had the luxury of meeting new souls along the way to compensate for the absences I felt in my life whether they were by my choice or theirs.

If there is one thing I know in the last ten years that I did rightit was that I always put my health first. Everything, I mean everything, was second to that. Many disagreed with my priorities; I lost a lot of support along my journey because of this. When your priority is money or work or appearance within society, its a different story and a completely different journey.

I dont have the right to judge others, but it pains me that as a society we judge those who are fighting such challenging battles and expect them to not only beat whatever battle quickly but also assimilate back into society, without acknowledging the changes that have occurred both internally and externally.

It has been a long and winding road and Im happy that the journey continues... and the volumes of my life keep adding.

With that said, this is not a how-to-cure book nor is it a blank endorsement to any particular form or type of treatment out there. This book attempts to chronicle and highlight my individual road. It is my intent and my goal to open options and opportunities on exploring other possibilities for healing. Knowledge is what gives us choice and I hope this starts a dialogue of self-discovery for othersmore so a guide and not a playbook.