It took a lot of courage for me to write this, but I wanted to be a source of support for anyone going through a difficult health journey. 2025 has been an very tough year for my family and me, and one key lesson I’ve learned is that money can’t buy life. While money is essential for getting good treatment, some things are beyond our control. However, what we can do is stay cautious, informed, and prioritize our health. 

I am sharing the three months of 2025 that shook me and will stay with me forever. I hope you stay connected till the end, especially if you or someone close to you is battling a life-threatening condition like cancer.

The Beginning of an Unimaginable Journey

In December 2024, my mother started complaining of pain on the right side of her stomach. When we took her to the doctor, he diagnosed it as gallbladder stones and recommended gallbladder removal. We agreed without hesitation. However, after a scan, the doctor noticed some swelling and decided to put her on a 10-day medication course to reduce it before operating. This seemed reasonable, and we followed his advice.

But just two days later, her pain became unbearable. We rushed back to the doctor, who then suggested an advanced scan. The results left him uncertain, so he advised us to consult another specialist. My brothers immediately sought a second opinion from another doctor in town, but instead of guidance, he left us stressed with his words.

Anxious and desperate for clarity, my father woke my brother up at 5 AM the next morning, asking what the doctor had said. Since even my brother wasn’t sure, my father decided to take my mother to Ahmedabad for further consultation from more experienced doctors. At that point, we had no idea which doctor to see. However, after speaking to several family friends, one of them strongly recommended an oncologist, Dr. Nitin Singhal. At that time, we were still unaware of the severity of the condition, but we trusted their advice and went to see him.

The Diagnosis That Changed Everything

Dr. Nitin Singhal met my parents and immediately suggested some tests and scans. Within hours, he had a clear diagnosis — my mother had a gallbladder tumor. The real concern was whether it had spread. Understanding the urgency, he decided to operate her the very next day, despite his already packed schedule.

The Longest Day of Our Lives

I arrived late at night, traveling directly from Gurgaon to Ahmedabad. I could barely process what was happening. Our mother, the heart of our home, the one who always ensured we had good food, happiness, and love, was now facing something we never imagined.

Trying to hold myself together, I reassured everyone, “She will be fine,” and even cracked a few jokes to lighten the mood. But when the time came for the surgery, reality hit hard. What was supposed to be a four-hour operation stretched into twelve long hours. We were shivering, lying on the hospital floor, praying, and desperately waiting for any update.

Finally, at around 11:30 PM, the doctor came out and told us, She is fine. The surgery went well, and we are moving her to the ICU. Despite his exhaustion, he showed immense empathy and told us to get some rest, assuring us that he would check on her the next morning.

With tears in our eyes and prayers in our hearts, we spent the night hoping for her recovery.

The Road to Recovery

We spent 10–12 days in the hospital. Her recovery has been slow, but she is fighting with all her strength and determination. Her chemotherapy has started, and while the medication is helping, there are days when the pain is unbearable for her. Seeing her in discomfort, sometimes frustrated and angry, is heartbreaking, but we know we must stay strong for her.

To anyone going through a difficult time, I want to remind you: Ye waqt bhi beet jaayega. Life is a cycle — after sorrow comes joy, and after hardship comes ease.

A Note of Gratitude

Although I wish I had never needed to meet an oncologist in my life, I am incredibly grateful that when the time came, we found Dr. Nitin Singhal. He is the best doctor I have ever met — compassionate, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to his patients.

I still remember when we were stressed, seeing her in pain after OT, and anxiously questioning Dr. Nitin for an update on her health. His words were incredibly comforting: “As long as I’m here, nothing will happen to her. And if fate has something written, then there’s nothing I can do to change it.” I mean we truly need more doctors like him.

If you or someone you know is in need of the best oncologist or cancer surgeon, I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Nitin Singhal.

Stay strong, stay hopeful, and take care of your loved ones.