Wanted to share some of the exciting events happening in my life these days 🙂 .
Me and my siblings  performed Dad’s 75th birthday a few days ago , in a traditional way. The event is called ”Sahasra Nakshatra Shanti”
Mom and Dad performed “Homan” followed by “Mangala Snanam” in the temple and then there was a “Lakshmi Narayana” puja at home too. All of us including the kids enjoyed the homam which started at 5 am . Â We had just a few days to do all the shopping for clothes, puja items, flowers , fruits etc . It all happened with a short notice. So glad that we were able to perform this event for our parents.
Temple where the Homam was performed .
Lakshmi Naraya Puja at home with 1000 Lotus flowers.
An important activity at work currently is the migration to the new GST( Goods  and Services Tax)  regime imposed by the Government of India. This project is keeping me busy with several back to back meetings with other Departments to incorporate the new changes in our business processes , testing the new scenarios , preparation of cutover data which includes downloading and uploading of data to the Database , testing the monthly Return formats etc . All organisations have to migrate to the new Taxation on 1 July 2017.
Projects on IIOT too are in the pipeline and I am very excited to get them implemented.
I am also due for a promotion to a higher grade at work. I will be facing an interview and I think I am cool and confident 🙂 . Have been busy preparing for the interview too.
My niece’s (BIL’s daughter) wedding is coming up and I am looking forward to all the fun and dressing up for the various events. The wedding is a 5 day event and I may have to travel a lot from one end of the city to the other side as they live across the city. Will be fun helping and watching the proceedings up close.
Was tough getting my clothes ready for the event. Been shopping all through May. Had to do all my shopping after I got back home from work. All my favourite clothes stores are far from home and farther away from where I work and hence I was getting home late on most days. Thanks to mom for helping me select some good stuff. I love her choices.  I always enjoy shopping with Mom. She knows what looks good on me and I always get compliments 🙂
So glad to be busy with all these activities. Never been this busy in all my life 🙂 . Too many events happening simultaneously.
The GST and IIOT projects will keep me very busy for a few more months.
I also have to take an appointment with my Oncologist as I am due for a Bone Marrow Test in a couple of weeks from now.
This time we drove South towards Shadnagar .The town is on the right side of NH7 while going towards Bangalore from Hyderabad. We took a left turn as soon as we reached the town. After driving straight for a couple of kilometers we took a detour just after a village named Buchigudem.
Very soon we came across a tomato farm. Several men and women were busy harvesting ripe tomatoes in the farm.
As usual I was excited and hoped to get hold of some tomatoes.
Despite the hot summer there were a few fields here and there.
We moved closer to the labourers and asked if they would sell the produce to us. They told us to ask the owner who was sitting close by.
The owner agreed and we managed to dump 10kilos in the rear of our car.
He agreed to give 10kilos for just Rs 100. Whereas these were being sold for three times the price in the city.
I spotted goru chikkudu kaayalu or Cluster beans stored in plastic bags near the heap of tomatoes and we picked a few kilos .
Felt good that we got some farm fresh veggies :))
The fresh air and gentle breeze was invigorating.
Love spending time away from the city once in a while. I have this wish and always dream of having a small house at the edge of a village adjacent to a farm 🙂
It was teatime . On our way back we stopped at a roadside restaurant named ‘Aashiana’ , adjacent to the highway , in Shadnagar. We ordered Mirchi bajjis. They were some of the best Mirchi bajjis I ever had . A waiter served the items while we waited in the car.
NH7 is a busy highway which connects Hyderabad and Bangalore.
Wish to go there again just to eat those Mirchi bajjis 🙂 and also pick up fresh veggies.
Summer brings its own set of woes and sweet pleasures each year.
Rather than crib about the heat , one should enjoy the yummy stuff that nature provides during this season . Yes , its the fruits 🙂 .
Mangoes and Watermelons make a grand entry during the month of February and exit in June. These are the Summer months.
During Summer , in Hyderabad, Jackfruit , Seema Chintakaaya / Jungle Jilebi , Figs and Palmyra fruit also make an entry. Unlike Mangoes and watermelons which are sold in almost every street corner , these are usually spotted only at the bigger farmer’s markets.
I make it a point to regularly visit the farmers markets , locally known as ‘Rythu bazaar’ , to get my fix 🙂
There was a time when the city dwellers could lay their hands on the Palmyra fruit only if they visited their parents / grandparents who lived in villages and towns , far from the city. That’s where the Palmyra trees grow. These trees almost grow wild. They are hardy and don’t require any special care. I too would get to eat this Palmyra fruit when I visited my Grandparents village during peak summer.
There were times when I used to spot a hawker selling these in the city, but they would be the more mature ones which are hard ,rubbery and bland instead of the tender , sweet and juicy ones. The hard ones can upset the tummy.
This tender ,jelly like fruit has a cooling effect on the body , does some good for the digestive system and has several vitamins and minerals.
Since past few years I have been coming across vendors selling whole bunches of the fruit in the city. We can pick the fruit of our choice and they would cut it for us. One can buy the whole fruit or get the pods removed.
These are whole bunches of the fruits.
This is how the fruit appears when the top part is carefully removed using a sharp sickle.
Each fruit has three pods.
The pods have a creamy brownish layer.
Remove the outer creamy brownish layer to reveal the translucent fleshy fruit.
Trying to remove the pods out of the fruit is tricky and not advisable as the fruit is easily bruised and the sweet juice is lost.
Hence it is preferable to eat these directly from the whole fruit by using the thumb and digging into the tender juicy fruit .This is an art :))
This method ensures that the juice is intact.
I have fond memories of eating these sitting under the Palmyra trees in Granny’s village . We would reach the fields by 5pm, a guy nimbly glides up the tree along with a sickle and cuts off a few Bunches. They fall from a height of 15-20m with a thud.
He then expertly cuts them open revealing the white translucent fleshy pods.
Time to hold the fruit in the left hand and dig into the pulp using the thumb of the right hand and squeeze out the jelly along with the juice and quickly suck up the juicy pulp with the mouth :)) . I know , it does sound gross :))
There is an easier method to dig into the tender fruit. Using a spoon to scoop out the pulp and the juice is quite simple and requires no mastery 🙂
Grab these if and when you come across them and enjoy the delicious fruit !!
Multiple Myeloma is a condition when Plasma cells in the blood start misbehaving. These cells form antibodies , which fight infections. When these plasma cells undergo mutation in the DNA, they develop into antibodies which do not perform their job well and on top of that they do not die. They are supposed to die after doing their job well. This is called apoptosis. Every cell in the body dies after doing its job. When they don”t die and start accumulating in the blood  and inside the Bone marrow the condition is called Multiple Myeloma.
Low immunity
Anemia
Back pain
Pain in the feet and legs in general
Pain in the lower ribs and also just below the lowest part of the ribs on either side of the body
Feeling weak and lethargic
Always feeling sleepy or wanting to rest . Waking up early is difficult.
Suffering from frequent infections in the throat, stomach etc
These are the usual symptoms and were my symptoms as well , before I was detected with MM.
I always felt very weak. I would find it very difficult to wake up and get out of bed. I always wanted to sleep. I kept dragging myself to work . I was unable to stand for more than 10 minutes while I cooked. My feet would begin to ache and I had to sit down every 10 mins. I met several physicians in the last few decades. I also went for a complete health check up too. All of them recommended Iron supplements for my perennially low Hb count. I always took the course and felt good for a while and soon my symptoms were back. The cycle would repeat.
I frequently suffered from throat infections since I was a child and had to pop in a lot of antibiotics too. I also suffered from bronchitis as I am allergic to dust. This too could be due to low immunity. I kept telling my doctors that I frequently fall ill but none of them suggested any further investigations.
Many times I would be told to get a chest X-ray done as they suspected TB, but the result was always -ve.
I had also met an Ayurvedic doctor who checked my pulse . It is called ‘Nadi pariksha’. He prescribed a lot of medications too and said I was highly stressed and that I should do pranayama and meditate regularly.
My actual problem went undetected for decades.
I suffered a lot when I had my periods. They would always arrive early. Severe cramps ensured that I take a pain killer and was unable to go to work. I hated myself for being a girl :((
One day in 2011 , I slipped on the stairs and had an L5 compression fracture in my spine. My bones had become very weak. A normal healthy individual would not have been affected by that kind of a fall. Don’t know how and why the Orthopedic doctor did not suspect that something else could be wrong. He could have at least told me to get a test for calcium and Vitamin D done. I was told to use a cross shaped device for 3 months to heal my fracture.
Just after I recovered from my fracture , I collapsed and fell sick . I suffered from viral fever, throat and stomach infection simultaneously , started experiencing chills with fever in the evenings. A physician who had a clinic where we lived suggested I get blood transfusion as my Hb was 6 . We then decided to go to Apollo and get a second opinion. The Physician there suspected MM after a few preliminary tests.
A few tests like LFT, RFT and CBP can help in pointing towards MM.
A high ESR because of inflammation in the body. CBC Report gives the ESR value.
A high Serum Creatinine in RFT report.
Serum Globulin in LFT would also be beyond the limit.
Hb would also be low as per CBC report.
These are some of the parameters that can give away MM to a discerning physician.
Further tests including Bome marrow tests Electrophoresis will be done to confirm.
Thanks to Allopathy and Alternative treatments for giving me a second chance. I am actually living a healthier , productive and happier life after my Stem Cell Transplant followed by Ayurvedic treatment and proper diet.
So glad I got a second chance to tread this beautiful planet.
Amla is Indian Gooseberry. This fruit is one of the richest sources of Vitamin C. This Vitamin increases immunity in the body, thereby protecting the body from infections. There are several medicinal properties of Amla.
I always knew this fact but didn’t know how to incorporate fresh/raw Amla in my diet.
The only knew that people usually ate Amla is in the form of Amla pickle and Amla candy. These two recipes ensure that Amla can be preserved and hence can be relished throughout the year. Amla is a major ingredient in Chyawanprash.
The trees bear fruits during  October, November and December months in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh in India. Most vegetable stores would be selling them during these three months. I always came across these but never gave them a second look.
Amla pickle is usually made at home or can also be bought at Indian grocery stores . I don’t prefer eating Amla pickle as it has a lot of oil and salt . I like Amla Candy and always keep a stock . But I was bored of eating the candy .
One day at the Organic grocery store , that I visit regularly, I saw these fresh , round , light green Amla’s.  I was tempted to  buy . I wanted to make my own candy but was not confident about the recipe. I thought lemme try eating them raw. But a raw berry has a typical taste and not very appealing. It  is soury – astringent with a sweet aftertaste .
I picked a few in my hand and asked the store keeper ‘what can I do with these ?’ and she immediately answered ‘Usirikaya pulihora ‘ (Amla rice ) . I asked her for the recipe and she immediately recited the recipe.
I was like wowww and felt so happy :)) . I usually make lemon, tamarind and mango rice but this was news to me… I was so excited that I tried it the next morning and it was yummilicious.
Since then I have made this dish  several times. I now buy these whenever I see them. I have seen these recently and learnt that they are brought from Tamil Nadu where they yield fruit during February/March.
The Gooseberry tree is revered by Hindus. There was a time , long ago, when I found it silly that my mom was worshipping  a branch of this tree during ‘vanabhojanaalu’ in the park adjacent to Gandipet lake.
‘Vanabhojanalu’ is a get together/community lunch held under the trees/park/forest along with some fun activities.
It was much later that I learnt about the potency of this fruit and then realised why the tree is worshipped.
During the month of Karthika (Telugu calendar) , people meet for Vanabhojanaalu. This is a popular event in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. ‘Vana’ is forest and ‘Bhojanalu’ is lunch. Â Karthika usually occurs in the months of Oct-Nov . This tree begins to bear fruit during these months. Vanabhojanalu is associated with this tree , when people form groups , cook and have lunch in a farm/nursery/forest where a Gooseberry tree is usually found. If there is no Gooseberry tree in the vicinity , a small branch of this tree is placed nearby and worshipped , followed by lunch.This is an event for get togethers along with some fun. The branches of this tree are sold in markets during Kaarthika month .
Most of the customs and traditions of Hindus are in some way connected to health , hygiene , discipline and also have a philosophical touch . They are not superstitions as they are made out to be.
The ignorant may not be able to appreciate the benefits of this fruit and hence these customs were incorporated.
Here is the recipe for Amla Rice !!
Ingredients (for 3 servings) –
Mustard seeds – half tsp
Jeera – half tsp
Urad Dal – 1 tbsp
Chana dal – 1tbsp
Cashews – 3tbsp
Asafoetida – one pinch
Curry leaves -2 sprigs
Coriander leaves – 2 sprigs
One cup raw rice . Boil the rice and keep it aside. Make sure it is not mushy. Spead the cooked rice in a wide pan so it cools and it would be easier to mix all the ingredients.
Ground nut oil – 3tbsp
turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp
salt – as per your taste
Amla – 5
Green chillies -3
Juice of one Lemon
Prepare Amla for the recipe by cutting them into pieces (throw away the seed) and grind it coarsely.
For Tadka :
Add oil in a pan . Add mustard, jeera and wait till they splutter. Add urad dal, chana dal , groundnuts and cashew nuts .Â
Stir till they turn golden brown and then add turmericÂ
Add  the slit green chillies, curry leaves and Amla paste and stir for a minute.
Add the above mixture to the boiled rice and mix all the ingredients slowly and thoroughly..Add the salt too.
Add lemon juice at the end and stir well.
Amla Rice is ready to be served !!
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I started googling for other Amla recipes and found recipes for chutneys , sweet , rasam and juices.
Everyone should incorporate Amla in their diet , in whatever form they prefer , for a healthier body.
Turmeric is a root/rhizome, a golden-colored spice that belongs to the ginger family . Widely used in India for different purposes. The words Turmeric and Curcumin are usually used interchangeably but Curcumin is an extract from Turmeric root, which gives the yellow color to the spice and has several healing properties. Different methods are used to extract Curcumin from Turmeric. Turmeric contains various ”curcuminoids” and Curcumin is one of them. Curcumin is a whole Pharmacy in itself and is used to treat several health conditions. Extensive research is being carried out on Curcumin in the western world for its healing properties..
This spice has always been revered in India since thousands of years. But ,it is very unfortunate that the healing properties are unknown to majority of the current generation and the knowledge is slowly getting lost. Hopefully the research that is being carried out in the western world will bring to light the potency of Turmeric and thereby heal the world.
Here is an attempt to describe how Turmeric has been in use since centuries in Indian Customs and traditions.
Hindu Customs and Traditions :
A few drops of water is added to Turmeric powder which is then shaped into a small solid cone . During Hindu festivals this form is worshiped as ”Lord Ganesha” , the remover of all obstacles. It is a fact that none of us  wish to face any obstacles in whatever activity we do/take up. This is a method of reinforcing our will power and also to invoke the blessings of the almighty.
During Fridays, festivals and other auspicious events, Turmeric paste is applied on the threshold of the main entry door of the house and all other doors that lead outside the house. This ensures that insects and ants do not enter the house. Now a days this is done away with by using paints. Beautiful designs of flowers and leaves are drawn using colourful paints.
A married woman gives Turmeric root/powder along with ‘kumkum’ to other married women  (neighbors, relatives , friends etc), during festivals after inviting them into their homes. This is done as a blessing and good wishes for the long life of the woman and her husband .
Turmeric during weddings :
Wedding preparations start with the making of Turmeric powder at home. An auspicious day and time is chosen for the event. A few women (relatives, friends neighbors) gather and use a mortar and thistle to crush the dry Turmeric root and symbolically prepare Turmeric powder.
A lot of Turmeric powder is used during Hindu weddings. There are a minimum of  5 rituals, spread over a few days , which require the use of Turmeric powder.
Haldi Ceremony is a very important part of a Hindu wedding. The bride and groom are smeared with a paste made by mixing Turmeric powder , sandalwood paste and rose-water, in their respective homes , couple of days before the wedding. Relatives friends and neighbors gather and make it a fun event.The Bride and Groom get a beautiful glow on their skin 🙂 . . This is repeated three times on three consecutive days. A natural beauty treatment instead of going to a beauty parlour or a Spa.
The bride and groom wear clothes that have been dipped in water that is mixed with turmeric powder . The cloth then gets dyed with a light yellow color.
Turmeric powder is mixed with rice which is then called ‘Akshintalu / Akshatalu ‘. These Akshintalu are used during puja and also used to bless others by sprinkling a little on top of the head of the one taking blessings who bows down and touches the elders feet.
In South Indian weddings , this rice is taken with cupped  hands by the bride and groom and  is poured on top of each others head during the wedding ceremony.
A long thread is smeared with Turmeric paste and a Turmeric root is tied at the center of this thread. During the wedding ceremony the groom ties this thread around the neck of the bride with three knots.
Health and Healing :
An Indian kitchen is incomplete without Turmeric powder in its spice box. Almost all Indian recipes contain Turmeric powder.Thus ensuring that turmeric is taken everyday in our diet. Turmeric also enhances the color of the dish. The anti bacterial properties of turmeric prevents food from decaying quickly.
Turmeric powder is Mixed in milk and consumed in order to treat coughs and colds.
Turmeric is supposed to be good for the Liver and digestion.
Turmeric is applied to bruises as it is an antiseptic.
Small balls are made with wet Turmeric powder. A few of these are consumed in order to reduce menstrual cramps .
Turmeric is a blood thinner and reduces cholesterol. Helps in controlling Blood Pressure.
It is anti-inflammatory. Inflammation is the major reason for most of the chronic diseases including Diabetes , Cardiovascular diseases , Arthritis , Cancer etc.
Curcumin induces apoptosis in tumours . It induces cell death in cancerous cells thereby stopping the multiplication of these cells. Â A lot of research is being carried out and there is sufficient proof that this property of Curcumin can treat almost all types of Cancers.
Beauty Treatments :
Many South Indian women apply turmeric paste to their feet every Friday and during festivals and other religious events. Being an antiseptic it protects the feet from infections and cracked feet.
Turmeric paste mixed with other items like milk, chickpea flour etc is applied as a face mask to get rid of acne, pimples and other skin problems . It is also an excellent exfoliant and gives a glow to the skin.
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No wonder Turmeric has always been given a lot of importance in Hindu customs, traditions and rituals since a long time and is treated with piety and respect.
It is highly recommended that everyone include more Turmeric in their diet. It is also advised to prepare your own Turmeric powder instead of using the store-bought powder which is usually adulterated.
I have been using Curcumin every day since Jan 2014 , to fight Multiple Myeloma. Currently not using any other drug. Hope to manage my condition as long as I can.
~Yad Bhaavam Tad Bhavathi  : You become what you think ~
Been to Goa a few days ago , from 1 Apr to 4 Apr 2017.
This is not the right time of the year to visit Goa. Summer has just begun . However , I didn’t find it too humid. Loved the weather , except for some discomfort during midday.
We drove through this small residential area called Fontainhas, which has some of the most beautiful Goan houses ….or rather Portuguese styled houses…very colourful and well maintained .. Felt as though we were transported to Portugal itself 🙂
Mum’s Kitchen is one of the best Goan Restaurants. Went there for lunch one day. Great food !!.Tasted ‘Goan Port wine’ for the first time. Supposed to be a short form of ‘Portugese wine’ as it has Portugese influence. I don’t drink but I wanted to taste this one. It is a Red wine and was very sweet. I think I liked it :). My Ayurvedic doctor says I can have little bit of Red wine once or twice a week.
Visited St Francis church.
Also went to see Aguada fort.
I love Goan food . Been there once before. Nothing like fresh seafood … something that I yearn for, while I am in Hyderabad. Goan flavours are too good ..the combination of coconut and Kokum in fish and prawn curries is yummm 🙂
‘Saturday Night Market in Arpora’ is an exciting experience.
Lots of stalls selling Junk Jewellery, casual clothes and local handicrafts. There’s a live band playing in the center of the market , surrounded by food stalls. Bought some junk stuff too …too tempting not to buy 🙂
Went to Calangute beach one evening, for water sports. Took the Scooter ride. My first such ride. The guy was too fast .It is a 30 second ride . The waves were rough. Each time I tell myself that I will not do any more rides but I invariably end up doing a new one each time 🙂
Had lunch at Brittos , one of the best Beach Shacks in Goa. This one is on Baga Beach.Food was tooo good.
We also had dinner at one of the less crowded shacks…at Mama Cecilias Shack on Candolim beach…
We were staying in Candolim and hence preferred to walk down to the beach…which is 500m away…in fact ,there were very few folks here….unlike the beaches at calangute or Baga which are too crowded because of water sports…spent a lot of time on this beach … watched the Sun set …. watched the moon rise …. had dinner at the shack . It is a different experience altogether. The laziest time I have ever spent…. feels as though you own the beach…almost like a private beach with just the sand ,the sea …Watching the sun set and then the stars …Feeling the breeze… Having dinner with the sounds from the sea as background music… loved the experience.
Something about the sea makes you live in the present moment…And time stands still
I get to talk/chat with caregivers/patients with Multiple Myeloma . Each one of them has a different set of queries.
One such patient, who was advised to go for a BMT by my Oncologist , was preparing to get admitted to the hospital and called me a few days ago.
I Â first met him when he was just diagnosed and wanted to know about my condition in general.He was not ready to go for the BMT then. My Oncologist had suggested he speak to me and gave him my phone number.
The second time , he called me and he was more specific and wanted to know what to expect during the BMT ,while he is in the sterile ward .During the BMT process the patient is in a sterile and isolated room for approximately 15 days. This is a must as the patients immunity would be at the lowest and hence prone to infections.
He was worried whether there would be unbearable pains in the body, severe burning sensation in the stomach , whether he would be able to walk and other details.
This post is specifically to provide details as to what actually happens during the two weeks in the sterile room and precautions to be taken after the patient is discharged.
After the Stem cells of the patient are harvested from the patient (for an autologous transplant), the patient is moved to the sterile room. A high dose of chemo is administered to the patient via the ‘Chemo port’. All parameters are monitored every morning, which includes blood tests. For a few days the patient feels very normal and is given normal food. Around 4th day they start experiencing tingling sensations in the legs. The feet feel heavy , numb and restless. These are the symptoms of ‘Neuropathy’ (The fine nerve endings in body are affected, a side effect of chemo ). The mouth begins to feel dry and there is a mild sore feeling in the mouth. The patient is unable to eat spicy food. The digestive system gets affected as the lining in the esophagus  ,stomach and intestines become sore due to the chemo dose. Medications are given to soothe the digestive system.
During the first week , the patient’s blood counts go on  reducing , the WBC count becomes zero. Meanwhile the patient is given platelets and blood transfusions as the body is not yet in a position to generate its own cells. The patients own harvested stem cells ( our very own fresh and healthy new babies ) are given back to the patient via the port. These cells reach the Bone marrow and divide to form all the various other blood cells like Red blood cells, White Blood cells,  Platelets , Neutrophills etc .
During this period the patient is unable to eat any solid food. Food is given in the form of Fluids. A dietitian visits almost every day and based on the patients condition/feedback the diet is changed.
Around the 7th or 8th day the patient’s own WBC count begins to increase. This is an indication that the Stem cells have started doing their job.By the end of the second week , the counts of all other blood cells like platelets, RBC , Neutrophils etc increase and reach almost normal levels.
The patient will begin to experience loose watery stools, nausea and vomiting.
Not to worry much.Go with the flow :))
There were times when I would be frustrated and irritated with the nurses for no fault of theirs. When they took longer time to retrieve by blood samples or did not attend to me immediately when IÂ give a buzz etc . At one point the Air Conditioning was faulty and I created a big scene and informed that I wanted to meet the Hospital Admin staff. But they kept calm and handled me well :))
Patient feels weak and may not be able to move around the room without the help of a nurse.
It is advised to get out of the bed and walk around the room as often as possible with the help of nursing staff.
At the end of two weeks , once all counts get back to normal the patient would be able to walk on their own without any help.
A day starts with blood samples being drawn. The patient is given a bath ,dried , moisturizing cream is applied to the body and dressed. Allow the nursing staff to do whatever they would like to do. Just hand over your body to them and cooperate.They treat you like a baby. Enjoy the pampering :))
Breakfast is served . Time for medication. All medications are given through the chemo port. Lunch is served. One can watch TV. The cleaning staff do their job. Time for a visit by the doctors . Depending on the patients condition, several doctors will visit and at times they might disturb your precious sleep :).  A dietician does a followup. Watch more TV. The patient may puke a few times and visits the washroom a few times 🙂 Watch all your favourite programs and channels during these days .
I would watch Travel shows, Discovery channel , National Geographic, Cookery shows on various channels ,Bhakti channels , NDTV Goodtimes. I was least interested in knowing what was happening around the world wrt current news. There will be short naps now and then. My Oncologist said that I could use my smartphone/tablet/laptop but I had no interest in being in touch with anyone. Most of the time an IV bottle is connected and hence difficult to move.
At times I would request the nurses to stay with me and we would chat and watch TV together.There were 6 nurses in shifts and we would share our stories. I frequently wanted my feet to be massaged and the nurses would gladly do it.
The skin colour becomes darker by a few shades due to the chemo. This is when we realize that being alive is more important than the colour of the skin or the appearance :))
There was a huuuge window in my room on the 3rd floor which overlooked the entrance to the hospital. The window covered  3/4th of the wall. I would watch people go by and wonder why the world is so complex when all that matters is to be alive. Being alive itself is a reason for celebration and happiness , and everything else is a bonus :)) .
You are permitted to talk to your near and dear ones on the phone. They may be allowed to visit once or twice.
On one of the days I was allowed to  see them through a small window in the nursing station once my counts began to increase.
My family would be waiting outside the Main door of the isolated ward most of the time during the day . They would be busy arranging blood donors from family , friends and colleagues and eagerly look forward to listen to what the doctors had to say on my progress.
Every day they would see my plate of food arriving and going back without being eaten. I would feel like eating different stuff but when it was brought I was unable to take even a few bites . There is no saliva in the mouth and it becomes very difficult to chew/swallow.
I would be worried that I was unable to eat. How would my cells multiple if I dont eat ??!!
But they do , so don’t worry about it :)) . Relax 🙂
There are no pains because of the Chemo nor any other burning sensation in any part of the body.
When you are ready to be moved out the sterile ward , you can actually walk out on your own but do sit down in the wheelchair and enjoy the ride to a normal ward . It is a great feeling to be finally out in the world  :).
You will be in the normal ward for a couple of days. These few days seem like ages :)). Every hour seems like eternity. Finally it is time to go home … the sweetest place on earth 🙂
The next one month is going to be difficult when it comes to eating food. The nausea and vomiting continues . You will be given medication to reduce nausea. Continue to take fluids and protein supplements prescribed by the dietician. Ensure you meet the dietician before you are discharged.
Have patience ..a lot of patience is expected from the patient as well as the caregivers.
The patient feels very weak . The bones are very tender and some effort is required to even turn your body on the bed. But that’s okay . Things will improve . Do a few exercises while lying on the bed. A physiotherapist will guide you during your stay in the hospital.
Take all your medications without fail. Feel free to talk to your doctor as and when you experience any problem or have a doubt.
Drink lots of water.
Do not venture out of your house for a couple of months. Since the patients immunity is low they will be susceptible to infections. Need not worry even if there are any infections. Just go ahead and get the medications. Stomach , throat , eye , respiratory , skin infections are some of the common issues that one might face.
Have patience . This too shall pass !!
In a few weeks you would want to eat all kinds of stuff , but go slow as the digestive system is not yet strong .
In a few months you will be back to normal and you can go back to doing whatever you were doing.
This is also the right time to look up for information on alternative therapies on the Internet. Do you own research and you will definitely find a way to stay healthy and beat the BIG C forever.
Suddenly there was this wish to visit a Temple which is located far from maddening crowds and one that has few visitors.
Meanwhile planned a visit Tirumala and made all the arrangements.
Before we actually left for to Tirumala , I was casually scanning the Internet for other sightseeing places located in and around Tirumala. Places that we could visit during half a day.
Came across several interesting places including Akasaganga, Paapanasam, Srivaari Paadalu, Natural Arch formation , Museum etc. We had visited all these places several times during our previous visits. This time I was curious about this temple named ‘Jabali/Japali Theertham’ ,which we had never visited . I might have overlooked this in my previous scans . The place is around 3km by road, from the main temple.It is said that a sage named Jabali meditated here and had the vision of Lord Hanuman.
We had half a day at our disposal and decided to go there.
Reached the entrance to the Temple in a car in less than 10min. Driving through the winding road on the hills with the windows drawn and breathing in fresh cool air blowing through the trees all around was fun. Very soon our driver stopped at this arch .
The temple was not in sight but we saw a lot of stairs .We began walking up the stairs barefoot. Thankfully the steps were not steep :). Â After some 50 long steps and no temple in sight , we asked a lady selling raw mangoes and cucumbers , ‘How far before we reach the temple ?’. She replied ‘Around 100 steps up and 100 steps down’.
We took a deep breath and continued till we reached the top and from here we were able to see the steps going down. The walkway is neat and clean and smooth. Appeared as though the concrete path was laid recently. Very comfortable walk and enjoyable for those who are young and healthy. A bit difficult if you get tired easily. Take long breaks all along the path and go move on 🙂
We saw huge wild squirrels , wild hens , monkeys . It was 4pm. Came across very old and tall trees as we got closer to the temple. It was a beautiful sight. We were actually in a valley .
The Golden coloured Temple is ensconced in a little valley , surrounded by lush greenery with a pond (Theertham) in front of it. This pond supposedly receives a continuous trickle of water from a lake situated behind the temple.
There were a few shops and hardly 20 people in and around the temple.
After Darshan of Lord Hanuman , we sat on the steps and that is when I realized that my wish had come true. To visit a Temple which is located far from the crowds 🙂
It was a strange feeling . Woww , my wish was fulfilled so quickly.
The place gives a glimpse of life in a jungle where Rishis and sadhus would have lived and meditated. The feeling is indescribable and ethereal.
We bought a few souvenirs from the few shops nearby. It was 6pm and we started walking back. The sun was setting and there was a golden hue all around above the trees. We walked back with background music from chirping birds settling in their homes ,while eating raw mango and cucumber pieces dipped in salt and red chilli powder 🙂
Loved the whole experience .
As I close my eyes I see myself sitting on the stairs in front of the temple and can vividly visualize that I am surrounded by tall trees, the pond, the temple and chirping birds .
It is these places and experiences which get etched in our memories and make life beautiful.
It is 3 months since I had my Bone marrow test .My results were -ve , No M-spike was seen.However , my Oncologist wanted me to be back with my CBP , LFT and RPT reports after 3 months. I actually expected he would say  I can come back after one year 🙂 but he didn’t want to take any risk. So I complied. I remember him saying that after 5 years of having the Transplant (Bone marrow Transplant) , I will have to take the Bone Marrow Test once every year. For the past 5 years I have been doing the test every 6 months .
My Hb touched 11 for the first time in decades. The range for a healthy woman as per my report is 11-14. This is an achievement !! A record break !!
Yayyyy !!
My Globulin Serum too is 34 which is well within the range. A bigger achievement !!
He was very happy on seeing the reports 🙂  and exclaimed ‘you are off all medication isn’t it ?!!’.
I said “Yes Doctor, but I am continuing to take Curcumin and I am sure it is helping me “.
It is one year since I stopped chemo and taking only Ayurvedic medication.
He then asked me , “Do you think  people should go for a Bone Marrow Transplant”.
I was confused.
I immediately said “yes, Â there is no other option “.
I then reminded him about the advise he gave me , after my Bone Marrow Transplant (in Jan 2011) Â , about using “Tinaspora Cordifolia” , to improve my immunity. Later on , it was this advise that motivated me to look for alternative treatments and I finally found the way.
Having started using Curcumin 2 years ago ,followed by good results , I had been very eager to push Curcumin  and I wanted my Oncologist to prescribe Curcumin along with Tinaspora Cordifolia to all his other patients.In fact, I started using Curcumin, two years ago, just when I was advised to go for a second Bone marrow transplant .
The right time had arrived and I blurted out ” Doctor , you can also recommend Curcumin to other patients. I have read a lot on the Internet and it prevents and treats all types of cancers.My ayurvedic doctor gives me Tinaspora Cordifolia too ,along with Curcumin and some other herbs”
He nodded and  I felt relieved that I finally said what I wanted to say :))
It is a delicate situation wherein a patient suggests an Allopathic Doctor to prescribe Ayurvedic Medication to his other patients . I am so glad that my Oncologist is open to try out other forms of treatment and encourages his patients.
Hopefully more patients will benefit and will be encouraged to try ayurveda , the way I did.
My sincere thanks to Dr Kochar, Ayurveda and Dr Suresh , Oncologist.
