A Cancer odyssey: Nothing short of a miracle

Dr Tsusennaro shares how her battle with cancer unleashed a new purpose to life and career

Morung Express News
Dimapur | January 30  

Dr Tsusennaro has gone through a roller coaster in her 15-year challenge with Nasopharynx cancer or nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NCP). Beating cancer after undergoing a grueling and painful treatment of chemotherapy and radiation at the age of 16 put her on the mountain top.  

After passing the MBBS entrance exam and qualifying to be a doctor in the midst of an ongoing battle against cancer makes her achievement more than extraordinary.  

Every cancer survivor’s story is unique and special. This is Dr Tsusennaro’s story, which, she says is nothing short of a miracle.  

In December 2002 when Dr Tsusennaro (also called Dr Naro Imchen), then only 16 years, was diagnosed with cancer, and doctors silently gave here four years to live as her parent sat white knuckled at the doctor’s office. Armed with an indomitable spirit and the will to live - she utterly proved the doctors wrong and successfully survived the battle.   Currently pursuing post-graduate degree in Community Medicine in King George Medical College, Lucknow after completing her MBBS, she recently celebrated her 30th birthday on December 28, 2015 with her family in fully recovered health.  

The occasion was a time of tearful reflection. Understandably, because at one point of time no one actually thought she would survive - above all her parents.  

“We never expected her to survive the chemo and radiation treatment. She was all skin and bones, all her hair was gone, she had lost her voice, couldn’t eat or drink anything,” an emotional Imtiyala, mother of Dr Tsusennaro recalled of their tormenting experience.  

According to her father retired engineer KT Wapang, “It was a heart wrenching experience to see her-our daughter- dying in front of us and not being able to do anything. 

Yet there she was, comforting us, telling us that everything will be alright. It was as if God gave her miraculous will power and determination.”  

Cancer is not an end to life

Some consider cancer to be the end of life. Dr Tsusennaro chose to fight it out. 

“During my treatment at AIIMS, Delhi, it seemed like the longest 3 months. I became all bones and skin that I would look in the mirror and think to myself- how could someone become so thin…? She recalled of her suffering.  

“Yet despite my failing health, I never envisioned I was going to die. Even though I was almost dead, whenever the doctor asked how I was, I would always reply I am fine,” she said. To her, the stage to recovery was the most agonizing period she faced, far worse than the initial period of treatment.

Career at time of recovery

Before her diagnosis, Dr Tsusennaro wanted to be an engineer - just like her father. The experience with cancer changed her perspective on the value of life and career. 

“I realized God has given me this second chance to live for a purpose. I decided to pursue career in the medical stream so that I can be useful to him and try to help people in my own small ways,” she explained.  

Besides her current post-graduate studies in Community Medicine, Dr Tsusennaro has clinched another prestigious achievement. She is one of the selected doctors at the recently declared results of the 2015 Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Combined Medical Services examination (CMS).

Lessons

Cancer is always a teaching experience. Dr Tsusennaro shares some important lessons she gained. “Never underestimate the power of prayer- there is so much power in prayer than we can imagine. Learn to appreciate the simple things in life, never forget to tell your loved ones you love and care for them and always be thankful to God,” she sums up.