Sandhya (name changed) is a 68-year-old woman with the spirit of a teenager. We first met her on a cold winter evening, in the warmth of her home. Her son and daughter-in-law, Kunal and Priya, stood beside her bed, smiling their brightest smiles. We spoke to the family for a few minutes, and then left Sandhya (name changed) to rest. Once out of her presence, the couple let go of their act, and a tear trickled down Kunal’s cheek.

Sandhya (name changed) had been diagnosed with endometrium cancer. The doctor had given her a few weeks, a month or two at most.

We all know that death is inevitable; we know that death is a part of life and someday we’ll lose someone we love to death. It is when an estimated timeframe is attached to this fact, that suddenly the reality of it all starts to hit. The ticking of the clock, the fleeting moments.

The family knew what lay ahead of them, and as hard as it was, they were slowly coming to terms with the illness. But there wasn’t any time to waste. Kunal and Priya were determined to make the last part of the journey smooth sailing for Sandhya (name changed).

They’d contacted CanSupport after the physician at the AIIMS hospital had advised them to do so, and the palliative care team leapt into action. Our specialized palliative care doctor studied Sandhya (name changed)’s documents, and prescribed her pain-relieving medications. The team nurse taught the couple about home care procedures and precautions that would relieve her discomfort. A mattress was also arranged for her to prevent the development of bedsores.

Our counsellor regularly spoke to Sandhya (name changed), and was heartened by her undeterred spirit, and her light-hearted humour. But Sandhya (name changed)’s cancer wasn’t just her own; the battle was being fought by the entire family together. The CanSupport team ensured that Sandhya (name changed) was at ease, but they also had to provide emotional support for the grief that Kunal and Priya felt every single day. Group counselling sessions and interactions were arranged for the couple with others who had travelled the same path, to help them understand and express their pain. They were hesitant to open up at the beginning, but gradually they felt more comfortable and were able to connect and speak to other families.

The fight hasn’t ended yet, and the trio are still marching strong. Together as a family, they look for stars in the dark, and rainbows in the rain. Every new day they wake up feeling blessed; every new day, they strive with courage.