A little about Ajit’s Cancer journey:
How life can change overnight is something we experienced this January...
With Ajit being in remission for 5 years in July 2023, we thought we had left cancer in the past and moved on from that chapter. But little did we know what life had in store.
Fun fact #1: Ajit’s birthday and remission day/ 2nd-birthday are the same day
Just 6 months later, we got back from a nice warm relaxing vacation on January 28th, with Ajit scheduled to travel for work in a week and for the first time in years we made plans for the year. But the very next day Ajit noticed a lump on his neck, which was his primary symptom in 2018, and we were at the doctors office at Princess Margaret Hospital the day after. Just for them to confirm a relapse - after a typical relapse timeframe of 5 years. And we haven’t looked back since.
It was a big shock to say the least. However, we thought we knew what we were getting into this time since we had already gone through it for over 2 years in the past. But oh, were we wrong! The doctors had a different plan this time, which included intense chemo to get to remission and then a stem cell transplant as just chemo clearly wouldn’t work.
To say it’s been rough would be an understatement. Not only is this physically taxing on him, but it’s also been a very hard mental and emotional battle to go through this with more intensity, for a 2nd time!
After 2 rounds of intense chemo, 2 surgeries, 2 hospital stays & a delayed transplant, all in a span of 5 months, he was back at the hospital for an Allogenic Stem Cell Transplant in July 2024 and was in hospital for over a month.
Shoutout to the unknown volunteer donor for taking the time to register as a potential stem cell donor, and making good on the commitment, we are beyond grateful. You've given Ajit another chance at life.
After such a turbulent few months, the journey is far from over, and the path to recovery is a long and challenging one (there's already been a 4th hospital stay).
Ajit’s strength and resilience are commendable, and have enabled him to power through. The only motto at this time has been 'one day at a time' , while wishing for an uneventful recovery ahead, and a healthy cancer-free future.
Fun fact #2: Transplant Day / 3rd Birthday, was 2 days before Ajit’s birthday.
Why LLSC?
LLS provides support for patients and caregivers during this very challenging time and funding of life saving research.
Fun Fact #3: Prior to relapse, Ajit was actually planning to be a part of the organization in some capacity, since you need to be in remission for 5 years to be considered.
Thank You!
Thank you Canada Life team, for taking this very thoughtful initiative to support the blood cancer society, and honoring Ajit in his 2nd fight against blood cancer.
Fun Fact #4: Ajit means invincible.
