How Kanishka Atal Fought Her Way Through Brain Tumour Challenges

Kanishka Atal has always been a curious person. It was her urge to learn more than what she came across that led her to not just get her brain tumour diagnosed but also get timely treatment.  

In conversation with SheThePeople, Kanishka Atal talks about her brain tumour diagnosis, how she researched about her condition and made timely decisions, the challenges she faced, and why she only focuses on the present.  

Kanishka Atal Interview

Her narrative: "My tumour wasn't a standard diagnosis. In July 2022, while cleaning, I came across an old report from 16 years ago. It said I could have Lhermitte-Duclos disease. I googled it; from what I could understand, it was a Brain tumour. I had symptoms for a few years but didn't think to get them checked. I casually mentioned what I had found to a friend, who pushed me to see a doctor. I consulted a doctor who suggested scans.

The tumour was in my cerebellum. Post multiple consultations with neurosurgeons; we couldn't conclude as doctors were unsure if it was growing. So, if it wasn't growing & they tried removing it, it could cause more harm.
After a few months, scans showed there was little tumour growth. At this point, I knew there was no other cure.

So, I pushed for surgery. I did my research. I knew a lot of hair would be shaved off, my head would be drilled into, and my brain would be cut open. I knew there was a risk of losing some function. The thought was scary, but I tried to keep myself strong.

I had surgery in Feb 2023. Doctors said it would take months for me to regain the normal function of my limbs. I couldn't see much for a few days, my balance was way off, and I needed support to even go to the bathroom. It was frustrating at times, not being able to do the most essential things myself. Hospitals and medical treatments can be traumatic in the long run. Taking care of mental health was challenging. There were times I felt low, didn't want to get out of bed, and had no motivation to eat or exercise. It was exhausting not being able to walk, sit, go out or even talk to people. There were times I felt alone. No one could understand what was going on inside my head, figuratively and literally."

How did you and your family come together to surpass such a challenging phase?

My family was terrified. I have a big family. My parents, siblings, and even my friends were scared. They all just wanted me to be okay. Having a strong support system gives you a lot of strength. I wanted to be okay for them. 

After the surgery, everyone just wanted to make sure I was doing fine. They did everything they had to to make me comfortable. From getting me to eat to supporting me in walking, my family stood by me. I am grateful that I had so many people to look after me. I feel relieved knowing that in the worst of times, there are people who will have my back.

Hospitals and medical treatments can be traumatic in the long run too. How did you manage to take care of your mental health amidst it all?

Yes, there were times I felt so low I didn't want to get out of bed. I had no motivation to eat or exercise. At the same time, it was exhausting not being able to walk, sit, go out or even talk to people. There were times I felt alone. No one could understand what was going on inside my head, figuratively and literally. But honestly, I had faith in myself. I knew I was strong enough to handle anything. I knew that no matter how difficult it got, if anyone could get through it, I could. 

A few times, I broke down when it got too much to handle. I had a friend with me throughout. He picked me up and gave me the courage. He kept me going. And I'm very thankful to have that in my life.

What are you currently pursuing,g and what is it that gives you the utmost joy at this point in life?

At this point, I just want to get better. I want to be physically independent. That is my prime focus. One thing I have learned through this is how important it is to be physically fit. So, I want to become healthy, physically and mentally, so that I can give others the same support I got. 

What gives me the utmost joy would have to be my dog, hands down. I found the strength to play with him when I could barely walk on my own. After the surgery, what motivated me to get better was the fact that I wanted to get back home to him as soon as possible. Just the thought of being with him brought me so much happiness that I made it through every day.

Yours is a story of courage. Drawing from your experience, is there anything you would want to advise people your age that can help them face adversity?

I would just say to have faith in something; it could be a deity, the universe, or whatever you believe in. Just have faith. It gives you hope. It makes you strong enough to withstand any adversity in life. Understand that not everything is in your control. So stop worrying about the results. Just let go and know that whatever happens is what's best for you. And know that it is okay to turn to anyone or anything to draw strength from. You don't have to do it all on your own. Tell yourself, "The pain is temporary; it will pass".

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