Renika faces yet another medical challenge

Renika Ramparsad is a local cancer survivor and “warrior girl” to many…

Having been in remission for two years and four months, she and her husband were unprepared for the devastating news doctors had in store for them in April this year.

It was news she never wanted to hear again. “Mrs Ramparsad, you have a meningioma (brain tumour).”

It breaks her heart that she has to go through it all again… All her darkest fears flashed in front of her eyes.

“I’ve just gone through the ordeal and pain of cancer, and now this has to happen.”

Renika started to suffer from severe headaches and went for a checkup. Scans were done and that’s when the shocking discovery was made.

Now she is on medication to help alleviate the pain.

She still has terrible headaches for days on end, accompanied by blackouts. Since April, she has had to be admitted to hospital several times, kept in isolation and darkness.

Her trusted oncologist decided they needed to treat the tumour with radiotherapy. Renika was terrified of this prospect at first, reading of all the side effects and thinking she was going to die.

Also read: A tough lady who is determined to beat cancer and survive

Also read: Honouring the cancer survivors in Ladysmith

However, medicine has become incredibly advanced and she was assured that this was the way to go. “You have to trust your oncologist and I do wholeheartedly,” says Renika.

On August 21, Renika’s birthday, she woke up terrified and with a heavy heart, as she had to get ready to leave for Hilton Life Hospital. She has the support of her two children and her husband, and nothing is more important to her now than overcoming this trial together with her family.

Renika says she had to wear a specially-made mask over her face and head. “Your body is placed on an icy table with measurement points and then your head, that’s inside this mesh mask, is strapped to the table and there’s this huge machine around you. Lying on the table, I just started praying. I knew that God would get me through this, as He has brought me to this mountain,” says Renika.

“After 45 minutes in there, my doctor said, ‘You did well, Renika. Happy birthday, my darling.”

It’s been a month since radiation and Renika is trying to get back on her feet again. She has had to battle many side effects, but bravely finds ways to cope.

“Life throws us unlimited challenges, but it is we who determine whether we embrace the situation or allow the situation to embrace us,” says Renika. “Life happens, we just need to ride it out and believe that happy days will come soon.

“Never doubt your ability to face a difficult situation. Stand tall and face all your challenges, even if you fail. You will learn lessons and come out stronger,” adds Renika.

Her husband, who is her pillar of strength, has stuck with Renika through thick and thin. Not forgetting her two children, who always support and try their best to make their mummy feel good.

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