Hello all,
Being a hindu, but a very unconventional one, I have never ever read our "Bible" - "The Bhagvad Gita". The fact is that having been to convent schools, colleges and Universities and having lived in Christan countries, I never bothered to even pick up one, let alone read it. I managed to read a summary of it all and this little bit sums up a lot as far as we are all concerned. Do read it with a lot of thought.

ESSENCE OF BHAGVAD GITA

Whatever has happened, has happened for good.
Whatever is happening, is happening for good.
Whatever is going to happen, it will be for good.
What have you lost for which you cry?
What did you bring with you, which you have lost?
What did you produce, which has destroyed?
You did not bring anything when you were born.
Whatever you have, you have received from Him.
Whatever you will give, you will give to Him.
You came empty handed and you will go the same way.

Whatever is yours today was somebody else's
Yesterday and will be somebody else's tomorrow.

SO WHY WORRY UNNECESSARILY?

Change is the law of the universe
__________________________________

Hello Ananth,

Cant agree with you more. After having a total glossectomy, I was very sad and angry because I lost my tongue along with my career. It was like, there goes my future. However, after doing a lot of soul searching and thinking, I said to myself that things happen for a reason. Being a muslim, I believe that whatever we have in this world belong to god which he lends to us only temporarily. He can take it back anytime. As for me, he took back my tongue. I will have to accept that. So, now I have come to terms with my situation. I am mighty glad that I still have a loving husband and my three wonderful children. They are my source of motivation and inspiration, not to mention the people here in this forum. I am also glad that I can still speak eventhough its not as clear as before.


By the way Ananth, how are u doing? Are u eating well? I remember coming across your posting about a speaking device. When will it come into the market. I am very interested.

Bye, now.

Sharifah
http://hiduplama.blogspot.com
"Life is too short"

We all have stories to tell now. And I hope to help others in the furture going through what I have been through on this site and raising money for MCF.

Love Chloex

Dear Sharifah,
When I was first diagnosed with cancer - it was in its last stage. I even then hardly connected it with life and thought it was like a cold or a cough and would vanish in due time. However, once the treatment began - first with a double dosage of radiation, my continuing with cigarettes, my constant travelling- starting from the day I finished my radiation and chemo had to take its toll and finally it did. It did in a manner that all my dreams, all my achievements ment nothing any more. Everything was shattered - something I had worked so hard for vanishing in a couple of months. It was hard to digest. Then came the other problems and each one worse then the other which finally led to a tracheostomy (for which I created the speech "orator") and the peg tube being inserted. I was told it would be a temprory thing but now its been eight years since I last had a solid meal or even a drink of water orally. My food is all pureed and down it goes through my peg. The surprising part though is that I have not really lost weight and have been mantaining the same for a long time now. I still go to the gym and still go for my run every morning.
When I look back at the way things happened, I imagine two things. The first as they say what bad you do comes back to you and the second is that you were born to take on this pain. In either case it was predestined and nothing you or I could have done anything. However, one thing that was and is in our power is to look at the brighter side of things and am really happy that you have done so. You have really analysed the situation to perfect detail. You could have easily taken the other path where one would keep moaning and groaning and it would be "why me" all the time. Having your husband by your side and standing staunchly along with your children has made you decide what or which path to take and I am really happy, saying it agai, that you have chosen the right path.

Sharifah, its the law of nature - you come empty handed, live with or without hapiness and go away empty. It is written in not just the Koran but also in the Vedas, the Bible etc. As you sign' Life is too short' - I would also add there may or not be a tomorrow.

The "orator" has already started its trial runs in the hospital where I was treated and it seems to be working on some people and a few changes have to be incorporated for others. It should be totally workable and approved in another couple of months time (keeping in view, the red tape we have to go through in India!). The book, however, which I penned is ready and due to release on my birthday -the 28th. of June - when I feel miserable at the thought of turning 50.I find -yes - time is very short and what happened to all the years, I have no idea. I was living it so full that they just went by.

It was really nice hearing from your Sharifah. I have travelled quite often to your lovely country but purely on business and has an opportunity to go around KL just about twice - on holidays. KL would be my transit point for Australia and it also gave me a chance to relax, finish my work there and then fly off to Melbourne. I do miss the travelling - but I have had my fill and now someone else has to take over- thats the way life is- isnt it?

With warm regards,
Ananth

Dearest Chloe,
Yes - we all do have our stories to tell and to be very honest with you, what people have been through on this site is so touching and full of human spirit that it is amazing. I heard a talk the other day by a survivor in th esecond stage and it was made out to be so bad that death seemed the only option. It was such a laugh and I mentioned it in public - that if that was that bad - do go to rdoc. I bet there will be no more talks after this.

Lots of love,xxx and hugs and not to forget the roses.
Ananth

Dearest Ananth:
Reading your posting really keeps me going. I am now on medical leave. Might be up and about in September. Few days ago, some of my students (I am a teacher) came to visit me. They asked me how I am doing. I managed to talk to them. They asked me whether I will be teaching again. I said, yes, why not? They said that I cant speak clearly now. How will I teach? I asked them back whether they understood what I said to them. They said, yes, they could understand almost everything I said. Well, that is good enough. And whatever you dont understand, I can always write it down. Its not the end of the world. So, now, you will have to pay more attention to me and not goof off!! Thats good, isn't it?

By the way Ananth, are you able to talk? Are you using "the Orater" yourself?

Lots of luv,
Sharifah

http://hiduplama.blogspot.com
"Life is too short"
"There may or may not be tomorrow"

Dear Sharifa,
I had already read your profile about being a teacher. I know the kids must have wondered - but what you said was completely correct - and add you dont understand - you fail!!! watch them jump after that.

Your sense of humor is fantastic and I really had a good laugh with all my lungs!!!! Actually, I am in a stage in my life when I really do not care about life. As long as I am alive - I will live it for every minute of the day and mantain my responsibilities towards my family and friends and if its the end - I wont miss anything. Thats one reason you will always find me joking and laughing more then talking about cancer. I get a lot of mails everyday and I do reply to each one of them - but thats because someone needs help and I am willing to give it to them in any which way I can. That is being serious - but besides that never.

Regarding the "Orator" - yes. I use one and have totally normal speech. Unlike the ones you get in the market which make you sound like a robot - this gives you normal speech. You can whistle, sing or anything. However, there is one catch to the whole thing and that is even if you have lost your voice and still have your larynx working (even partially) you can use the same without problems. I usually put and use it all day and remove it only late in the evening once I know there will be no more calls etc. When I go out, I carry two spares just in case but never have had to change the one I am using.The luxury that one gets of using this is - its nice to have your normal speech, it is so cheap to buy that even if you buy six a month and use each for five days each - its not going to cost you more then 1.50$ US. Well six should actually last you a life time! The doctors here at the very best of our hospitals - AIIMS have found it extremely useful and especially since it is comfortable, does not restrict air from breathing in or blowing out and the price factor. If they can be satisfied - then I really do not need any approval from any other hospital. Ask me whatever you want to and I'll give you the details.

With warm regards,
Ananth

Dear Ananth,
Thanks for the prompt reply. I am very impressed in the way you face the facts of life. What you have gone through made me feel embarassed to even talk about my predicament. You have gone through so much.

I am very much interested in the Orater. Will there be any problem for me to get it in Malaysia? The reason I am asking the question is that I read somewhere that there might be some problems with the red tape in India. What about the price? Will it be the same?

If I can't get it from here, I am willing to fly down to India. You are fantastic Ananth for coming up with such product!

With warmest regards,

Sharifah
http://hiduplama.blogspot.com

"Life is too short"