Aparna Suri, a 50-year-old woman from Singapore, has faced cancer three times in her life, each time with resilience and strength. After surviving Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1996 and thyroid cancer in 2015, she was diagnosed with stage 1 triple-negative breast cancer in September 2023. Despite the challenges cancer has thrown her way, Suri has found solace and joy in the small things around her – a snail crossing the road, the vibrant colors of a sunset, or the satisfaction of trying out a new recipe. These moments, along with the unwavering support of her family and friends, have become her anchors, helping her navigate the constant uncertainty that comes with living through multiple cancer diagnoses.
Suri’s journey with cancer began at age 21, just 10 months into her marriage, when her husband discovered a lump on her collarbone. A CAT scan revealed that the lump was Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer that affects the lymph nodes. “My first thoughts were ‘How can this be possible? I am too young to get cancer. Why me? Will I be able to have children?’” she recalls. Those early days were filled with fear and uncertainty, but her determination to push forward became her guiding force.
She reflects on how cancer has shaped her life, saying, “You don’t have a choice when you have cancer. Being brave is the only way forward. You push through your fear.” Each battle with cancer has been met with an indomitable spirit, allowing Suri to continue living with hope despite the recurring challenges.
Through her experiences, she has learned to appreciate the simple pleasures of life, which often go unnoticed in the rush of daily routines. The support of her loved ones and her ability to find peace in small moments have been key to her resilience. Suri’s story is not just about surviving cancer, but about thriving despite it, finding meaning in life’s simple joys, and showing strength in the face of adversity.
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