Homage to a great lady…

Today my aunt (my mom’s brother’s wife) died. She died of cancer. She was diagnosed with cancer in 2000. By the time it got diagnosed the cancer had reached the secondary stage and had spread to almost all parts of her body. She underwent chemotherapy, radiation therapy and all sorts of treatment available.

She started her career as a lecturer at the Trivandrum Dental College where her husband (my uncle) also was teaching. She moved up her career, slowly, but steadily–became a Professor, Head of the Department, and then became the principal of Kozhikode Dental College. She retired as the Joint Director of Medical Education. My uncle in the meantime had resigned from the Dental College and had joined the Regional Cancer Center (RCC), Trivandrum and was the Head of the department of Community Oncology. After retirement both of them started teaching at the Ragas Dental College, Madras and a few years back moved back to Kerala where my aunt became the Principal of Azeezia College of Dental Sciences and Research near Kollam.

While undergoing the cancer treatment, she used to attend the college and perform her duties without a complaint. Even though, doctors had given maximum of 6 months in 2000 for her, by sheer will power, determination, and care, love, and support from her husband she made mockery of the predictions for the last 6 years. For the last one year she was undergoing palliative chemotherapy. I can’t imagine the amount of mental and physical trauma she must have undergone in the past 6 years by the effects and side effects of the various medicines and treatments. But she never complained and took everything stoically.

I salute this great lady for her courage and mental strength. Rest in peace dear lady, and good bye aunty…

21 Comments

  1. Jo said,

    March 23, 2006 at 2:59 pm

    She was a brave lady, it seems. May her soul rest in peace…

  2. Anita said,

    March 23, 2006 at 3:51 pm

    People who battle cancer must really be having great courage. Firstly they have to fight the disease, pain and the feeling of being diagnoised as a cancer patient. Secondly, they need to put up a brave face to show their dear-ones that they are doing fine and coping up with the struggle. I wonder whom they could confide in when they feel their hopes of survival being shattered. 2 of my mom’s siblings were also victims of cancer and put up a brave fight till they passed away. finally its a loss, but then all os us arecontent that we all atleast tried tour best to help them survive.

    Frankly, if the same situation was for me, I still can’t decide if I would dare to fight for my life. :((

    Your aunt must have been an amazing professional, she will be remembered.

  3. flyaway mind said,

    March 23, 2006 at 5:23 pm

    this is a real tribute to your brave aunt…

  4. Quills said,

    March 23, 2006 at 6:58 pm

    Your aunt was definitely a remarkable lady to have stayed so positive and beat the odds. My sincere condolences and prayers for your family.

  5. anu said,

    March 23, 2006 at 7:48 pm

    hmmm.. sad.. at least now the suffering is over and there is peace…

  6. silverine said,

    March 23, 2006 at 9:29 pm

    Really sorry for your loss. May her soul rest in peace. She seemed to be a very courageous lady!

  7. James Bright said,

    March 23, 2006 at 9:36 pm

    I am very sorry to hear this bad news.
    My prayers and thoughts are there with this amazing Lady.
    Let her soul rest in peace.

  8. thanu said,

    March 23, 2006 at 10:47 pm

    May she rest in peace. I have seen a lot of cancer survivors/patients they do have immense courage.

  9. venus said,

    March 24, 2006 at 12:53 am

    my sympathy with you and your family. i was (exaggeratedly) thinking at one stage i might have cancer last year. i then started reading of people who had been through post cancer diagnosis. Only braves survive, I had figured. She surely survived because of her determination and willpower.

    May she rest in peace.

  10. Kesi said,

    March 24, 2006 at 12:53 am

    Individuals who elect to fulfill the responsibilities and obligations that they have undertaken in this world even till their last breath regardless of their circumstances always amaze me. I admire your aunt’s courage, resilience, strength, and the legacy that she has left for her family and friends.
    Kesi

  11. maya cassis said,

    March 24, 2006 at 1:12 am

    Sorry for your loss.I salute your aunt for the courage she showed and the strength she found within herself to beat the odds

  12. pophabhi said,

    March 24, 2006 at 9:39 am

    Hearty Condolences. Its a terrible disease, and the will power of the suffering to overcome the trauma is really commendable.

    May her soul rest in peace.

  13. Deepa said,

    March 24, 2006 at 9:50 am

    Hi
    🙂
    I have lost a couple of relatives to cancer too …. it really worries me thinking what if it is hereditary and the stuff !!

    May her soul R.I.P

    By the way , i think i too wanna read the Opal Mehta waala book.

  14. Deepa said,

    March 24, 2006 at 9:52 am

    beautiful rose that u have put up .. wish i could see it in reality …

    btw , abt coincidences , what i meant was that incident would have taken place yrs ago , and probably on just one particular day …. isnt it weird thinking that we both experienced it the same day … we would prob have even seen each other … but never know who the other was

  15. Alexis Leon said,

    March 24, 2006 at 10:36 am

    To all: Thank you for your wishes and prayers.

    Deepa: So true. May be we did…

  16. Suji said,

    March 24, 2006 at 8:36 pm

    Your aunt was a very brave lady. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

  17. Mind Curry said,

    March 25, 2006 at 11:30 pm

    I am really sorry Al. Cannot say more.

  18. Roopa said,

    March 27, 2006 at 1:25 am

    I’m sorry for your loss. I do wish you and your family strength at this difficult time.

  19. Geo said,

    March 27, 2006 at 9:23 am

    condolences

  20. chackochan said,

    March 27, 2006 at 5:53 pm

    Alexis i dont know wether u have read Taruns blog

    its http://tarunjacob.blogspot.com/

    Taruns Blog

  21. Alexis Leon said,

    March 27, 2006 at 10:00 pm

    Suji, Mind Curry, Roopa, and Geo: Thank you for your wishes and prayers.

    Chackochen: I hadn’t read Tarun’s blog till you gave me the URL. But now I have. Truly amazing.