Let us FACE Cancer, Not FIGHT It

My beloved family and friends...
I have always called myself a conqueror...
Not a fighter, nor a warrior, nor a survivor...
And there is a story behind this...
Way back in 1998, when I was first diagnosed with cancer, on Friday the 13th February, I went to my father and told him :
"Papa, I'm going to fight cancer."
My father, Cdr. Benoy Bhushan, was a highly respected officer from the Indian Navy of the Indian Armed Forces...
He was awarded with a Mention in Despatches in the 1971 war...
He turned to me and he said :
"Beta, why are you using the word  "Fight" ?
"Fight" is a negative word...
Why don't you use the word  "Face" instead ?
"Hum hon ge kamyaab !"
"We shall overcome !"
Since that day, his words have resonated with me completely and have been deeply imprinted on my psyche...
I have narrated this to thousands of my patients and his words have moved and given courage to many...
If you hear anyone say  "Face cancer, don't Fight it"  you know where these words have originated from...
Keep rocking, my beloved friends...
Love, prayers and blessings always...
God is Great....

- Neerja Malik