Saumya Gupta

June 2024 – A month that changed my life forever. Until then, I had been leading a healthy life—daily yoga, a balanced medical nutrition therapy, everything in check. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would hear the words: Cholangiocarcinoma and Gallbladder Cancer. It felt surreal, like time had come to a standstill. The uncertainty, the fear, the sheer disbelief—it was overwhelming. But there was no choice; I had to fight. Soon, I underwent a grueling 15-hour surgery. The road ahead was unclear. Would I make it? Would my body be strong enough? The questions haunted me, but I held on, drawing strength from my loved ones. Post-surgery, I was advised to be on a high-protein medical nutrition therapy. However, my body resisted—I was struggling with severe constipation, unable to eat the very food meant to aid my recovery. It was during this time that I turned to Echha. While the hospital emphasized high-protein intake, she understood the importance of balance. She didn’t just focus on one aspect but ensured my overall well-being. From a nourishing kala chana soup in the mornings to fiber-rich meals throughout the day, and a warm bowl of pumpkin, carrot, and drumstick soup in the evenings—each meal was designed to heal me from within. My medical nutrition therapy was adjusted weekly based on my blood reports, ensuring I was receiving exactly what my body needed. Slowly, I began to regain strength.Just as I thought I had overcome the hardest part, chemotherapy began—a phase that tested every ounce of my willpower. The fatigue, the nausea, the pain—it was relentless. But through it all, Echha ensured my medical nutrition therapy was meticulously planned to sustain my energy and aid my recovery. There were days when eating felt like a task, but her unwavering support kept me going. As months passed, I saw the transformation—both physically and emotionally. I wasn’t just surviving; I was healing. And it wasn’t just the medical treatments; it was the nourishment, the care, the small yet significant choices that made all the difference. Now, as I reflect on the journey from June to December 2024, I am filled with gratitude. Gratitude for the resilience I never knew I had, for the unwavering support from my family and friends, and for Echha, who became my guiding light in the darkest of times.