At 86 years old, he describes himself as someone who had always been active and
healthy. He enjoyed running, maintained a healthy weight, and never imagined that
severe illness would suddenly enter his life.
In October 2021, everything changed.
What first appeared to be ordinary back pain slowly became something far more
serious. Medications did not help, and after further evaluation and an MRI, doctors
discovered tumors in his lower back in two places. He underwent surgery to address the
affected area before beginning further cancer treatment.
“At first they thought it was sciatica,” he recalled. “Then the surgeon looked at the scans
and said there was cancer sitting in my low back.”
Around the same time, doctors also discovered cancer in his left kidney. Initially, they
decided to monitor it because it did not appear aggressive. But his journey was only
beginning.
He spent months in and out of the hospital undergoing intensive chemotherapy. His
treatment schedule involved five days of chemotherapy in the hospital followed by three
weeks at home before repeating the cycle again for several months.
Later, he began immunotherapy treatment, including Keytruda, while continuing regular
imaging to monitor his condition.
“They inject medicine and put you in the machine,” he explained. “The places where the
cancer is will light up.”
The physical battle was difficult, but the mental toll became just as overwhelming.
During one phase of treatment, he experienced significant confusion, memory
difficulties, and loss of control over his thoughts.
“For six or seven months, I was not recognizing people,” he shared. “I would fight with
nurses, run at night, and lose control of my mind.”
Despite these challenges, he slowly recovered through 2022. As he regained strength,
doctors revisited the kidney cancer and eventually removed his left kidney in 2023.
Soon after, another challenge emerged when cancer was found in his lungs. He
underwent radiation therapy aimed at targeting cancer cells. More recently, additional
cancerous cells were identified in his neck and shoulders that were considered difficult
to remove surgically, and he continues treatment today.
Through every setback, one thing remained constant: faith.
There were moments when he felt exhausted and emotionally defeated.
“There was a moment when I thought, ‘I want to die now,’” he admitted.
But he says his Sikh faith carried him forward. Coming from the lineage connected to
Goindwal Sahib and Guru Amar Das Ji, he leaned deeply into Gurbani and prayers
during his darkest moments.
Every morning, he wakes up at 5 a.m., listens to hymns from our Holy Scriptures (Sri
Guru Granth Sahib ji), practices Waheguru Simran (meditation), and spends time
reading translations of our Holy Scriptures (Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji).
“Faith is important,” he said. “That boosts you up.”
His family also became an essential source of strength. He describes them as
supportive throughout the entire journey. Despite ongoing weakness in his legs and
needing a cane to walk, he continues driving and maintaining as much independence as
possible.
“I fall sometimes while walking,” he shared honestly. “Standing up is hard. But I keep
going.”
One blessing, he says, was financial stability and insurance coverage. He recognizes
that many older adults facing cancer may not have the same support.
“Health Insurance for seniors is very important,” he emphasized.
Reflecting on his experience, he wishes his condition had been identified sooner. He
also does not recall his healthcare providers discussing clinical research opportunities
with him.
His story is one of resilience, survival, and chardi kala, the Sikh spirit of remaining in
high spirits despite hardship. Even while navigating multiple cancer diagnoses,
surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and ongoing treatment, he continues moving
forward with faith, gratitude, and hope.
His message to others is very powerful
“Faith keeps you going.”
~Ekta Grewal
Founder, Sikhs in Clinical Research
