Sheila Nirmala's Race for Life At Home

Here is my story. No, I do not have cancer, but in 2007 I was diagnosed with ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura). Before I was diagnosed, the doctors assumed that I have leukaemia,to determine that, a bone marrow test was conducted. The test was done after I was given various treatment which includes intravenous infusion of IVIG, platelet, and red blood and of course other orally taken medication which includes prednisolone steroids. However, it was not conclusive as to why I became a living zombie. So, back to whilst I was waiting for my lab result, I was transferred from the ICU to the cancer ward with 3 other patients. These ladies were bald and were all having their chemotherapy. They told me if you were transferred to this ward, there is a probability of 99% that I have cancer. They started telling me their life stories and it was so sad that 99% of their time is spent in hospital wards and having treatments. There is no cure for cancer! Only treatments. I was mortified I was only 28 years old, and I have not even lived my life!! But the good news is the test came back negative and confirmed that I do not have leukaemia. And I said to myself then I will make the most of my life thereafter. But that did not last long when I had my ITP relapse in 2012, however this was managed and treated well. For those of you that do not what ITP is, it is an immune disorder and again there is no cure only treatment, and it is all about lifestyle management. But this is not relevant, as I had another cancer scare again in 2013, when I felt a little lump on my right breast. I had to get a breast examination done, a mammogram test, and get a biopsy done. Waiting for the result was a torture. One of my closest friend’s mum had breast cancer and had mastectomy done just few years before. Through my friend, she told me not to worry. But it is impossible to not to worry, I was only 33 years old, there is so much more I wanted to do in life! I wanted to travel the world, have the best job, buy my home, have a family, and live a fun healthy life till I was at least 70 years old! I did not have the courage to go to the hospital anymore to get my results, I had another of my closest friend (aka a big sister) to go with me. I wanted her to receive the results from the doctors and tell me, because I was not ready to face reality. I thought my life has ended. Yet again, the universe has fooled me, and I am grateful, it was just a benign cyst. The thought of having cancer alone, made me think my life has ended, can you imagine for those that are living their life with this illness, for those that have lost their lives, and for those that have lost their loved ones to cancer. My heart goes out to them and I hope your heart goes out to them too. Let us give back to the community and let us raise for Race for Life at Home. Join me in this worthy cause. Feel free to join me to run as well on the day! We can create a team. Originally, I have pledged to raise £100, but I'm blown away by all of your generosity, I've now raised my target to £500 and I am sure we can do more. And to support me my beloved friend Snejana is running with me on the day whilst supporting this great cause :) After a year where vital cancer trials have been delayed, the Race for Life is more important than ever. That's why I'll be taking part in the Race for Life at Home. Every pound you can donate will go towards Cancer Research UK’s ground-breaking work, so please sponsor me today! If you’d like to join the Race for Life at Home community, then sign up at raceforlife.org/race-for-life-at-home