In this heartfelt blog post, we have the privilege of sitting down
with a remarkable individual, my Baba (dad), who valiantly fought a
battle with a brain tumor. During this candid conversation, Baba
will share his experiences and the challenges he faced during this
trying time. To provide more context about brain tumors, let's start
with some information about their prevalence, effects on the body,
diagnosis, symptoms, and mortality rates.
Brain tumors are abnormal growths of cells in the brain. Statistics
show they can be benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous).
The occurrence of brain tumors is relatively rare, accounting for
around 1.4% of all cancer diagnoses. However, they can significantly
impact a person's health and life.
The effects of a brain tumor can vary depending on its location,
size, and type. Common symptoms may include headaches, seizures,
changes in vision or hearing, cognitive difficulties, and motor
function impairments.
Diagnosing brain tumors typically involves a combination of imaging
tests, such as MRI and CT scans, and a neurological examination. A
biopsy, a test where a small tumor tissue sample is taken for
analysis, may also be performed to determine its nature and plan
appropriate treatment.
The mortality rate for brain tumors can be relatively high,
especially in cases of malignant tumors. Treatment options include
surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy to remove or reduce the
tumor's size and manage symptoms.
Now, let's continue the interview with Baba.
The Interview
Q: Baba, can you share with us when you were diagnosed with the
brain tumor?
A: It was a few years back, in mid 2019, when I received the
life-altering diagnosis.
Q: What were you doing during that time in your life - job,
family, life plans, etc?
A: At that time of the year, I was not really well; however, I
still focused on my business. We had plans and dreams for the
future. We also just had a family trip to Turkey.
Q: How did the brain tumor affect you, and what was the treatment
journey like?
A: The brain tumor was a tremendous challenge, both physically
and emotionally. The treatment journey was tough, back and forth to
the hospital, MRI tests and CT scans, but the support from family
and friends made it more bearable.
Q: How did the disease impact our family, social circle, and our
life plans as a family?
A: It was undoubtedly a difficult time for all of us. Our
family (my brothers) came together with unwavering support, and our
social life took a backseat as we focused on fighting the battle
together. It was definitely a tougher time for my children and wife,
yet we had our hopes high.
Q: How did your life change during this period, and what are some
memories you cherish from that time?
A: During that period, life became more focused on health and
well-being. It helped us realize how short and unpredictable life
can be. Anything that we run after in our temporary life seems
worthless when our health is deteriorating. You start valuing your
life and the people close to you more.
Q: Can you share some valuable lessons you learned through this
battle with the brain tumor?
A: This battle taught me the importance of cherishing every
moment and the value of family and relationships. It showed me that
life can be unpredictable, but love and support can help us overcome
the toughest challenges. We will go back to eternal homes one day,
so living every day as a traveler will lessen our worldly desires.
Q: Has going through this disease helped you realize anything
about something people take for granted?
A: Yes, definitely! It has to be your valuable time you get to
spend with your loved ones in this world, and your health which is
one of the precious gifts of God.
Q: How are you doing now, and what message would you like to
share with others who may be facing a similar battle?
A: I am doing my best, seeing life from a different
perspective now that I have been relieved from it. For those facing
a similar battle, I would say: stay strong, lean on your loved ones,
and never lose hope. Life is a precious gift from God, and it's
worth fighting for. You will return back one day, nevertheless, so
sit back and trust God.
Conclusion
In this heartfelt conversation with Baba, we gained valuable
insights into his battle with a brain tumor and his strength
throughout this journey. While this blog is not based on an actual
event, because Baba passed away due to a brain tumor in 2019, it
serves as a tribute to the resilience and courage of all those who
have faced similar challenges.
Thank you for joining us on this emotional journey. May we all be
inspired by the spirit of those who have been through brain tumors
and find strength in the face of adversity. Until next time, let's
cherish our loved ones and embrace every moment life offers us.