Riding the Subway For Twenty-Five Days

To me, it was a revealing experience…
                That I could be that strong in face of adversity!
                               It came as a sudden shock..
                        There was no indication beforehand!
                               My health seemed fine…   
                   I was totally engrossed in my teaching job..
                                    But it happened!

                   after a few days of intense physical exercise
                              I found my right leg swollen …
                      I blamed myself for being over-active!

              swelling did not go away even after resting for a week.
        had to see the doctor, who felt something hard and suspicious... 
                           series of tests...ultra-sound, MRI..      
                    inconclusive test-results...more investigation..             
                            more specialized physicians ..
              ultimately it was determined that I had a rare disease..                                                           Sarcoma!

             out of the blue...it happened!                           no clue

                    perhaps because I was ignorant of the disease,                    
                         I was not afraid...my reaction was - 
                             I had an almost blissful life,      
                       At some point, everybody has to suffer..           
                                God has been kind to me,      
                      my children are grown-up, settled, and        
                          I am proud of their achievements.                 
                                  my duties are done, 
                       probably it's time for me to fade away!

              I had no idea I would survive this dreaded disease,     
                   my daughter slept beside me on that night,
            she held my hands, and said - everything will be alright.            
                            I  completely believed her. 

              I was through radiation - calmly attended the sessions,          
                            by myself for twenty-five days,        
                  took the subway to the hospital downtown -        
                   read an art history book while travelling. 

                  had a surgery, the tumour was taken out...        
                    the most renowned surgeon in Canada       
                operated, and there were no after-complications. 
 
             ten years have passed... many visits to the hospital           
                   for check-up. every time a bit of stress..                  
                             butterflies in my stomach,    
               but I am alright ...as my daughter convinced me - 
                                        I will be.   


                                      May 15, 2022  
How You Live Or Have Been Healed From A Difficult And Challenging Health Condition Poetry Contest  
                               Sponsor:  Angela Tune   

I wrote a poem "Ride In The Subway For Twenty-Five Days" in the beginning of my poetic journey. It Is posted on Page 4.

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Paula Goldsmith

Date: 6/11/2022 1:06:00 PM

A beautiful write and life. Thanks be to God for your health. Have a great/blessed day writing away..................

Paul Callus

Date: 5/21/2022 2:06:00 AM

You are a woman of strength, Mala! Many crumble at the mere mention of 'cancer', but you showed courage. As we get older, we learn to appreciate the gifts we've had in life, and embrace acceptance. May God watch over you, my friend. ~ Warm regards // paul ...ps: this goes to my favs

Malabika Ray Choudhury
Date: 5/22/2022 6:30:00 PM

Dear Paul, I have learned to accept all the good things in life, also not the good things. My daughter, who is an Oncologist now, is a pillar of strength for me. Thank you for including this poem in your faves. Your support and your kindness are truly appreciated. Warm wishes ~ Mala