World Lymphoma Awareness Day: 25-year-old Tanisha Mahanta on how lymphoma taught her to value life
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Life often throws good and bad surprises in ways we least expect. For many, the word lymphoma brings a sense of dread. For 25-year-old, Tanisha Mahanta, it became a chapter of her life that tested her strength, courage and resilience. At that age, when girls go about their lives, enjoy college, make friends and have fun, Tanisha got diagnosed with a rare kind of stage 3 blood cancer, lymphoma.
According to the National Cancer Institute of the United States, lymphoma is a broad term for cancer that begins in the cells of the lymph system. The American Cancer Society states that the overall 5-year relative survival rate for people with non-Hodgkin lymphoma is 74 percent. Still, it is important to note that the survival rates can vary depending on the types and stages.
World Lymphoma Awareness Day, celebrated every year on September 15, aims to increase understanding about this cancer, including its symptoms and diagnosis. On World Lymphoma Awareness Day 2024, Health Shots shares the story of Mumbai-based Tanisha Mahanta, who faced this challenging diagnosis with unwavering hope. She was only 21 years old when she discovered that she had stage 3 blood cancer. But her determination and faith in Buddhism gave her the courage to overcome the disease bravely.
What is lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that develops in the lymphatic system. It begins when healthy cells in the lymphatic symptoms change and grow out of control. The lymphatic system includes lymph nodes, tonsils, bone marrow and spleen. There are many types of lymphoma, including Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. According to the American Society of Hematology, about half of the blood cancers that occur every year are lymphomas or cancer of the lymphatic system. Several factors increase the risk of developing this disease, including older age, HIV/AIDS, autoimmune disease, exposure to certain pesticides, Caucasians and a diet high in meats and fats. Some common symptoms of lymphoma include swollen lymph nodes in the neck, groin or armpits, fever, weight loss, fatigue, sweating, itchy skin, rashes or difficulty breathing. While the main cause of lymphoma remains unknown, making it difficult to prevent, being aware of the risk factors may help with early diagnosis and treatment.
Excerpts from Tanisha Mahanta’s interview on her lymphoma diagnosis and battle
Q. From the initial diagnosis of lymphoma (blood cancer) to coping with the other health issues that came along, tell us about your journey.
Tanisha Mahanta: I was diagnosed in 2020 at the age of 21. It was blood cancer stage 3, lymphoma. The journey was undeniably challenging. The hardest part was the uncertainty because the doctors couldn't diagnose my condition accurately. This lack of a clear diagnosis was very distressing. Chemotherapy followed. It was physically draining, but less upsetting compared to the frustration of not knowing what was wrong. When I was finally diagnosed with cancer, I felt relief that we had a clear answer. So I didn’t cry. I faced the diagnosis with strength, though there were times when it was hard to stay strong due to the overwhelming circumstances. Along with cancer, I had other conditions including SVC syndrome and a tumour in my chest, which made the situation more complex.
Q. Dealing with hair shedding can be challenging for many cancer patients. How did you personally navigate this aspect of your treatment and find the courage to embrace your bald look?
Tanisha Mahanta: Initially, my mother noticed that my hair was shedding. She saw them on the pillow every morning and observed my hairline thinning. I was in the hospital for five to seven days at a time, undergoing chemotherapy, which required continuous monitoring due to its intensity. My hair began to fall out quickly, and my mom chose not to mention it to avoid upsetting me. I didn’t cry during most of the process, but there were two moments when I broke down. One such moment was when I asked my mom to comb my hair despite the bald patches. As she combed, half of my hair fell out in her hand, which was devastating for me. I had curly hair and losing it felt like losing a part of myself. On that day, I cried. But my mom reminded me that I had been prepared for this and that it was a part of the journey. After that, we joked about it, and I stopped trying to hide my baldness. I embraced it with confidence, choosing not to wear wigs or bandanas. I always used to complain about my curly hair but the experience made me appreciate it. Embracing my bald head became a way to accept and love myself, and it taught me to value the hair I had once taken for granted.
Q. What was your coping mechanism to face the physical changes brought on by your illness?
Tanisha Mahanta: One thing that kept me going was the life philosophy I follow. It is rooted in Buddhism. It teaches that hardships have a purpose and that enduring them can lead to something better. When doctors told me they were unsure of how long the treatment would take—whether it would be six, eight, or twelve cycles—I felt a strong determination to overcome the disease.
I decided to do everything in my power. I prayed, maintained faith, followed the treatment routine closely, took extra precautions, and ate healthily. I aimed to be an example for others, especially for those diagnosed with cancer at a young age. My fighting spirit came from this philosophy and the guidance I found in the books I read.
Q. How did your friends and family support you throughout your journey?
Tanisha Mahanta: I was diagnosed during the Covid pandemic because of which I couldn't have many people around me. Only one person was allowed to stay with me in the hospital, and that was my mom. She managed everything - home, my sister and me, on her own. Her support was crucial. Also, I kept my diagnosis private and posted old pictures on Instagram. Almost a year later, after I was cured, I shared a “fuck cancer” post to mark the end of my cancer journey. Only a few close friends knew about my situation, and their encouragement was a great source of strength. Their belief in me and the prayers from those who shared my philosophy provided much-needed support.
The experience revealed the true nature of the people around me. I found recovery to be even more challenging than the treatment itself. I had been confident about handling the treatment, but was unprepared for the difficulties of recovery. Adapting to the new reality, including hormonal changes, side effects, depression, anxiety and struggles was mentally exhausting. I learned that while many can offer sympathy, true empathy is rare. I am grateful for those who supported and prayed for me, and even for those who were not there, as it revealed their true character.
Q. Did you engage in any specific activities or practices, such as meditation or creative outlets, to help you find inner strength during your treatment?
Tanisha Mahanta: I follow a life philosophy that involves daily chanting. I chanted "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo" every day, sometimes for hours. I also explored creative activities like drawing but chanting remained my primary focus. My dad recommended pranayama, and I made an effort to overcome my hesitation and laziness to practice it every morning. I maintained a healthy lifestyle, including taking herbal supplements like tulsi and nimbati, and incorporating various detox methods. Additionally, I was undergoing psychotherapy to manage my situation.
Q. Looking back on your experience, what advice would you give to other individuals facing similar health challenges?
Tanisha Mahanta: I would advise them to hold on to hope, as it is incredibly powerful. It is important to maintain faith and inner strength as how you see the disease mentally can make a big difference. Becoming spiritually strong can also help and it doesn’t necessarily mean worshipping God, instead, it is about approaching the situation as a challenge and seeking support, and therapy.
Q. How has your perspective on life and adversity changed as a result of your battle with cancer and other illnesses?
Tanisha Mahanta: My life has changed completely. While chemotherapy cured me, it also brought many side effects and additional health issues like osteoporosis, arthritis, and persistent pain. My vision remains blurry, and I often experience discomfort that limits what I can do compared to others my age. This has shifted my perspective on life significantly. I now see life differently and value it deeply because I feel I have been given a second chance. Embracing my body and life has become a priority, though it can be challenging. I have learned the true meaning of empathy and recognize that I still need to work on fully accepting and valuing myself. I have come to appreciate the importance of maintaining my health, including regular check-ups and not missing oncology appointments. I have also learned that therapy and mental health are crucial. Those who haven’t experienced cancer may not fully understand the changes you go through. I feel, ultimately, it is only you, who completely understand your journey, so try and learn to love yourself, which even I am working on.
Q. What is your future ambition and how are you working to achieve your goals?
Tanisha Mahanta: I turned 25 this year, and currently, I work as a content writer and editor for a Public Relations agency. However, I aspire to become an artiste and actor. I also want to work with organizations that support cancer patients and focus on the mental health challenges faced by survivors. Additionally, I have a passion for animals, especially dogs, and I hope to make a positive impact on people's lives. Even if I can make a difference for just one person, that would be meaningful to me. Ultimately, I aim to become a better person, and I am actively working towards that goal.
