At just 19, Ayush* was building a life filled with possibilities. A college student and an only child of his parents, he enjoyed spending time with his friends and sharing the carefree moments that are an important part of young adulthood. But a diagnosis of epithelioid sarcoma changed the course of his life. While his treatment continues at the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, the illness has brought challenges that extend far beyond the physical.
Ayush lives with his mother in an Army cantonment, while his father, a Colonel in the Indian Army, is currently posted in Jammu and Kashmir. Despite having the security of a supportive family, Ayush found himself struggling to cope with the uncertainty of his illness. The swelling in his feet became severe enough to make walking difficult, leaving him dependent on others for many everyday activities. He was also unable to sleep lying down because of the pain and had to sleep sitting up in bed.
For a young person who had once been closely connected with his friends and college life, the sudden loss of independence was especially difficult. Ayush began experiencing sadness, fear and anxiety about what lay ahead. He missed his old life deeply; the conversations, outings and laughter he once shared with his peers. Gradually, he withdrew from them and isolated himself. Books and video games became ways of keeping himself occupied and escaping, even briefly, from the emotional weight of his situation.
When the CanSupport team met Ayush, they recognised that his pain could not be addressed through medical care alone. The counsellor created a safe and empathetic space where he could speak openly about the emotions he had been holding inside. Slowly, he began to express his fears, sadness and sense of loss. Regular individual counselling sessions followed, while his family was also supported in understanding his emotional needs and how best to be there for him.
The doctor, nurse, counsellor, and physiotherapist worked together to support Ayush’s physical comfort, emotional well-being and independence. The team encouraged him to remain active and engaged within the limits of his condition, helping him discover ways to participate in daily life without placing undue strain on himself.
With continued encouragement, something began to change. Ayush gradually started accepting his circumstances and, more importantly, found the courage to express emotions that he had long kept suppressed. As he felt heard and understood, his outlook began to shift. The loneliness that had once felt overwhelming slowly eased, making room for greater confidence, connection and acceptance.
Ayush’s journey is a reminder that for a young person living with cancer, care must go beyond treating the disease. It must also address the fear, isolation, loss of independence and uncertainty that can accompany it. With compassionate support from his family and the CanSupport team, Ayush is finding ways to live with greater dignity, purpose and hope, one day at a time.
Disclaimer:
The patient’s name and identifying details have been changed/withheld to protect their privacy and safeguard the dignity, confidentiality and interests of the patient and their family. The story is shared solely to highlight the importance and impact of compassionate palliative care.
