CancerAwakens.com examines and supports what it takes to live through cancer: first as a survivor, then as a thriver.
We (Vijay and Nilima Bhat) are Bangalore-based Cancer coaches, keen to share our learnings and perspectives gained over the last 9 years, both during our personal cancer journey as well as our work with other people who have experienced cancer.
Unfortunately in India, awareness of and access to effective, high-quality cancer support is sorely lacking, even in our biggest cities. So while we believe this site’s offering is relevant to people around the world (cancer is a global problem!), we specifically dedicate it for the benefit of cancer patients, care-givers and experts who live in India.
In 2001, our lives were turned upside down by my (Vijay’s) colon-cancer diagnosis. Facing this most difficult challenge, I looked at the statistics for cancer survival. They painted a gloomy picture. Not wanting to become one of the ‘statistics’, Nilima and I began to study the ‘anecdotes’ i.e. those rare individuals who have successfully lived beyond cancer. As we went deeper and deeper into all the material that was available, it became increasingly clear that psychological, social and spiritual factors play a critical role in healing, just as they do in illness.
Early into my treatment, we took the unconventional decision to include holistic therapies to complement mainstream medical (Allopathic) care – a real turning point and a decision we believe, which gave our family a second chance to live life differently.
Through this site, we hope to share the empowering lessons, tools and resources that helped us and which can help other families faced with the difficult cancer journey.
However, we’d like to underline that this site is as much yours as it is ours. Its true value will emerge only when you participate in this dialogue. We invite you to comment, ask questions, share your own experiences and get involved. This way, we will all learn from and support each other’s healing.
May we all awaken to the prospect of transcending cancer. We owe it to ourselves and to the world!
To read more of Vijay and Nilima’s story, click here
Essential Reading on CancerAwakens.com
- A different look at how illness is caused; click here
- Holistic & integrated medicine: An introduction; click here
Dear Vijay,
Delighted to see how this initiative has grown, and look forward to many
more updates from you.
You have been a great inspiration for me (and many others I am sure!), and I
wish you the very best.
Just a thought, you should consider writing a book, a place where you
capture your musings, rich life experiences and growth. I for one, would
love to read it!
An update from my end, after over 6yrs with Ogilvy, I’ve recently moved to
San Diego to join my husband who works here. Starting from scratch in a way,
since its a new market, new network to connect with.
Taking baby steps for now..
Wish you the best!
Warm Regards,
Nitya
Excellent! Thank you for ‘Hope’.
Love.
Naozar.
PS Did I ever mention that my sister passed away a few years ago after what
was a very successful cancer surgery, but she succumbed to the post
operation chemo. cest la vie.
Thanks so much for sharing these important articles
Thanks for ur information
Dear Nilima and Vijay,
Thanks for your updates. I am not cancer surviour but have learnt to thrive.
My treatment for colo-rectal cancer began in May 2008. I have now six
monthly follow ups at Tata Memorial Hospital Mumbai. There are discomforts
but I am happy and continue to live my normal peaceful life.
Thanks.
Aruna Burte
Thanks Nilima & Vijay…..much appreciate your efforts.
Nice to have received your eml/. Very interesting.
I have been counseling cancer patients for last 17 yrs at TMH.
Pl let me know ,is this for any commercial purpose or Voluntary efforts to
make people AWARE and empower them to FACE the challenge.
Even otherwise ,nice to b in touch.
Hi Nilima & Vijay,
Congratulations!! May this guide millions to good health. All our love =
and blessings are with you both.
Hi, I am curious where have you got my reference / e-mail id? I am a =
cancer survivor (or thriver, as you put it so well) myself, and would =
definitely like to share my experiences with you and your readers.
Dear One ,
We are also getting very good response in reversing the Cancer of various types even at very advance stages, to have a look log on http://nighantuayurveda.com to know about areas of specialization in ayurveda .
Kudos to you and your husband for such fabulous work that you have =
painstakingly put together ….. God bless you and may your great work =
continue …
Dear Nilima and Vijay,
I received the youtube link via Jagdish and saw some of the links. Indeed, it will be very helpful to people who are struck by the disease. I wish you the best for your journey ahead.
BTW, both of you are looking great!!
Hi Vijay,
The reach to people is so much stronger with you tube. I love what you are doing with making cancer an easily spoken about subjuect, like taking the bull by the horns instead of living a painful ostrich existence….keep up the good work!
All the best,
Dear Nilima and Vijay
I greatly appreciate the pioneering work you are doing in this field. You may want to present a workshop at our International TA conference next august in Chennai. Please send in your proposal onine at http://www.itaaconference.com
Hi Vijay & Nilima,
Isn’t it amazing it is 10 years already but more importantly, you are well!
Thank you for making a difference in peoples life! You both are living a very purposeful life!
Hi NIlima,
This is Padma from Connect to Heal another cancer support group working out
of Bangalore. Congratulations on your freuent information posted and we look
forward to getting better educated about this ‘disease’. Hope we can meet
and learn from you.
Regards, Padma
Dear Vijay & nilima,
Hearty congrats.keep up the good work–i am a fan of yours.wishing you the very best .
best wishes.
sonali
Hi Nilima & Vijay,
Congratulations! Wow it is already 1 year!!
All the very best and may this movement grow and envelop folks all over =
the world.
Congrats!
So happy for you both, and surely the world and so many affected by cancer are better for your contributions.