Dear All, In today's "The Hindu" newspaper Chennai edition I read this interesting article. Mrs. Ramamani Ravi is a Chartered Accountant and a member of the other Institutes as well. She was an academic topper when life threw challenges at her. Her husband is Mr.K.Ravi, a leading lawyer and former chairman of SIRC of ICAI. Please read the article: In fact, my quality of life has turned better after treatment'' :News of noted cricketer Yuvraj Singh being diagnosed with cancer comes as a shock to his fans. While almost all cases of cancer evoke responses of shock and fear, people who have fought a successful battle against it tell us that it is completely curable. Sharing their reassuring stories of recovery, cancer survivors in the city explain how they never let memories of the disease cast a shadow on the normal lives they lead. On February 9, it will be 14 years since she underwent surgery for breast cancer. “After the surgery I remember asking my doctor how soon I can drive, and she said I could drive back home. At that time I could hardly move my hand. Though I started driving only after three months, the kind of confidence Dr. Shanta gave me was amazing,” says Ramamani Ravi. Now completely cured, she leads a very busy life with little memory of the ailment or the tough times it gave her. Mother of a person with special needs, she says cancer did not seem big to her. “I have no time to think of that because there are bigger things in life. If you have a formula to cure a problem in six months, then it's no problem at all. My quality of life is, in fact, better after treatment. I remember the annual check-ups only when it is close to the dates,” says Ms. Ravi, currently involved in activities of the Muscular Dystrophy Association of India. Once a year, she undergoes ultrasound scan, ECG, X-ray, mammogram and physical examination to rule out recurrence or the possibility of it spreading to other parts. Emphasising the importance of family support during treatment, she recalls how she was worried about her son Niranjan. “I asked my doctor how long I should be away from regular daily work. My son was 12 then. However, Dr. Shanta said I could continue with whatever I was doing. My mother, mother-in-law and her mother were there to support me. They would take care of my son. I could eat only in limited quantities but the food had to be high in nutrition. They took care of that as well. More than just offering support, they radiated positive energy and kept my morale high,” recalls Ms. Ravi. Family members vividly remember the challenging years. Her mother-in-law Jayalakshmi Kannan says: “At that time, she went on her own to meet the doctor. My mother, who was in her 80s then and I were so scared because it was something new to us. We could only pray and think positively that she would come out of it. And she did.” I salute her...
Persons like Mrs. Ramamani lend us the right perspective to view the great drama of life. As a race, we are all stupid people. Yesterday in the train I was given the upper berth. It's hell to climb up and climb down. And that problem occupied most of my mind. A few months ago when a two wheeler hit my car and made a dent, I was upset. All those things now appear quite silly besides Ramamani's life. Thanks Sasi for telling us about a great woman and her great crusade. A doctor whom I regularly visit has two nurses. One of them looks irritated all the time. She will be discourteous, harsh in her language and won't be considerate. The other lady will always smile, be kind and have a soothing word for her patients. The Doctor is my friend and we used to discuss a lot of things apart from my health. One day he asked me "Sridhar, one of my nurses is fighting breast cancer. Can you guess who?" "You don't require an Einstein for that, Doc. The rough one. I am sure her disease has given her that attitude. Now that you have told me I'll be more sympathetic towards her." "You are wrong, Writer Sir. It's the other one. Let's not blame our conditions for our attitude." I was dumb. With all these things under her belt I am surprised at her positive attitude. Hats off to Mrs. Ramamani. love, sridhar
Respected Sir, Thank you for your wonderful FB. In 2009 she came and spoke about her journey. If I'm a good singer I will sing "Enna Thavam Seidhanai " to Mrs.Ramamani Ravi's Mom. I can also sing the song to Mrs.Ramamani, because her son is recipient of honor from Dr.APJ. Abdul kalam.
Dear savvy, That was an interesting piece..... People who fight these kind of battles always emerge out more stronger. I know a gentleman who was diagnosed with blood cancer in a very advanced stage and his wife was carrying their first child for 3 month. They were just devastated....they were also economically weak. we all pooled our resources... after a long battle he has been cured now with the birth of a boy. Seeing him is always a pleasure to us as it shows the winner after a long battle... Thanks for bringing this to us ....
Amazing post, Savvyheal! I nominated your post for the finest posts of february. Please find the nomination here... http://www.indusladies.com/forums/f...nest-posts-nominations-february-2012-a-2.html
savyheal came to know about this thread through the nomination column where SSC has brought your thread to our eyes. My aunt also underwent similar surgery 3 years back and all the relative were there for her which helped her for a nice recovery. The support of family members is very important for a complete cure. Mrs. Ravi & my aunt are very lucky that way as not many has this bonding during much needed times. Nice motivating article you have shared. best wishes.
Dear LS, This is a very great news. We are talking about "Corporate social Responsibilty", even as Individuals we have responsibilty and we have to payback to the society which has raised us. Definitely by helping that family, you have lit a lamp.
Dear SSC, Thanks a lot for nominating this thread. Mrs.Ramamani is a great woman in my sight. She is a role model to many. Thank you once again.
Dear Mira, Thanks for visiting the thread and your FB. Yes all they need is a good support from the family. I know one more woman achiever Mrs.Roopa Venkatesh, Bangalore. She is CA, a HR expert and she is a Director in a MNC in Bengaluru. She is a cancer survivor. She has written a book, "Cancer is a comma and not a fullstop". They are God in disguise, verily.
Adversity makes people stronger and grave illnesses make us realise how precious life is and how carelessly we treat it with all our stupid, negative attitudes. I salute this great woman for what she has taught us.
