The Testimony of a Human Rights Activist – Ranjan Solomon.
Diagnosis
It was June 2019. I went to my dentist for a routine checkup. I was puzzled when the doctors exchanged glances amongst themselves with regular frequency and asked me to show my cheek. After a short while, a senior ‘gum specialist’ (didn’t know that gums were a specialty in dentistry) walked in, and remarked rather casually: “I think you have some pre-cancerous lesions in your mouth”. It was so casual that I dismissed it as a ‘pre’ thing and went home.
My next appointment was two days away. The ‘pre-cancer’ must have got stuck in my mind because when I saw the “gum specialist”, I immediately asked her: “Doctor, did you say I have pre-cancerous lesions?” “Well,” she said, ‘it is in the initial phase and it can be cured. We advise you to go to a hospital and get yourself checked.’
I did that and was asked to do a biopsy. When the results came in, I was told that I had some rather unusual growth in my mouth and must opt for treatment.
My Feelings
It was only then, that the enormity of the situation hit me. It set me thinking. I have traces of cancer in me. Unbelievable! For the first week, I was reduced to silence. Besides, I also realized that the lesions were minimal, but sufficient to take away my capacity for spicy food. They ordered a change of diet – rather drastic. No spice. Mostly boiled!
When I reported this development to my regular doctor, I must have looked anxious and depressed. She took one look at me and consoled me, “This is not dangerous at this stage, and if you diligently take your medication and follow your diet restrictions, you could cure completely or, at the least, learn to manage it”.
I’m 71 now and I have just one thought on my mind – pain. Someday, I will have to go away, but I can’t handle pain- at all!
How Do I Cope?
So, how do I cope? Even though my cancer was at an initial phase, I understood that this will take me away. I began thinking about it until I woke up one day and decided: “I’m fighting back! This is no life, sitting and worrying about myself. There are umpteen things to do and far greater suffering in the world than my mini-cancer.”
My medication began and I diligently followed instructions. I never missed even a dose of medication and the creams I had to rub over my lesions.
Bouncing Back
Before discovering my cancer, I was a hardcore human rights activist and rarely had a moment to myself. I went back to the activities, and promised myself: “Even if you go, go down doing the right things in”. And that’s when I gave cancer a back seat!
I erased cancer firmly from my memory, except when I had to go in for the periodic check-ups. For the first six months, it was static. No worse. But no better either. And then my visits to the doctors began to be less frequent because they told me to come back only when I felt uncomfortable. But if I did feel uncomfortable, it had to be real quick. That happened just twice and more because of discomfort.
Positive News
However, in recent days, all the three doctors who check me up regularly have told me that I seem okay! Nevertheless, there is one precondition. “NO STRESS”. I would laugh and say: “You can’t do human rights without getting stressed out. It’s part of the package.” I even joked to my doctor, ‘it would be like asking you to take away your various needles and stethoscopes, etc”.
It’s been 15 months… I’m able to eat a bit of spice and I have no discomfort in my cheeks for the most part! I think, a great deal of this relief comes from investing my time in working for others, who have bigger issues to deal with. It comes from fighting for the human rights of oppressed people.
There’s no time to think about myself. When I reach levels of hypertension, I just go and rest – a useful option especially for a freelancer like me. Then I’m ok.
My Faith
I guess the most important part of my healing comes from my faith. I am not overly-religious. But I believe that God is the ultimate authority in my life. My life and work are what I learn about being a worthy Christian believer. Walking worthy of God is being unified with our brothers and sisters who are oppressed, and to make a difference in their life! It is the things we do, how we do, and our consideration of others. It is also how I must conduct my life in the church.
I have to combine spirituality with my work. A human that does not serve God has lost something about life. To serve is not a choice. It is an obligation. And service can be in any form. But I don’t preach down to people.
Doctor's Advice
My doctors have always asserted that your recovery comes first from the prayers of your family, friends, and well-wishers. The medicines support the prayers, and the work you do completes the cure.
My wife supports me but does not allow me to be over-conscious of my condition. Her calmness and her unwavering support about my condition have been a pillar of strength for me. She is the one who has kept me confident, and hopeful and cared for.
By God’s Grace, even at my age, I have the level of energy to work at least 10-12 hours a day. I also find time to relax with my family, just talking and laughing, or watching a movie or game.
Cancer may still be hanging around within me, but it’s not on my mind in the sense that it’s like having a cough or cold!
Ranjan Solomon,
Human Right’s Activist.
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