23/05/2023
Read Ias's incredible journey of triump over lymphoma and discover the power of resilience and hope.
""I live in this exact moment, so I want to make every second count."
I am Ias Naibaho, a resident of Indonesia, and I have been battling stage 4 lymphoma Hodgkin's cancer since 2017. However, the symptoms and pain started in mid-2016, primarily in my spine.
From 2016 to 2018, life felt like a roller coaster ride, but one that only went downhill. There were fleeting moments of hope, but they quickly turned into deeper despair, akin to being trapped in quicksand. I was plagued by countless suicidal thoughts, with every second filled with excruciating pain. Breathing itself became a painful ordeal. I no longer wished for recovery; all I desired was an end to the suffering. Death seemed like a viable option to escape the unbearable agony. Even painkillers offered little relief; at times, they only made my head spin. I questioned why I was still alive. Walking became a near-impossible task, and the longest distance I could manage was merely a few steps from my bed to the bathroom. It was undoubtedly the most challenging period of my life.
Yet, despite the darkness, I refused to give up entirely. Though I held little hope, I persisted and explored various medical treatments. Even if the odds were low, they were not zero. I cherished myself and mustered every ounce of strength to face this battle. To date, I have undergone 30 rounds of chemotherapy, 55 sessions of radiotherapy, and 35 sessions of immunotherapy—all while enduring the presence of cancer. Additionally, I have ventured into alternative therapies, exploring herbal, traditional, and spiritual approaches.
Today, I find myself in a much better place. I feel significantly improved, even though I am uncertain about what lies ahead. I can now lift weights at the gym, work in the office, and spend quality time with my loved ones. Life has taken on a new meaning, and I value every moment. I no longer take anything for granted.
To those reading this, cancer may seem like a gateway to death, but it might not be. The most crucial aspect lies in how we face it. Regardless of the outcome, let us give our best, live in every moment, and embrace life to the fullest."
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