Thaindian News

Shimla, Oct 24 (IANS) A breast cancer survivor has penned a book narrating her innate struggle and eventual triumph.

The book, “Sunshine: My Encounter with Cancer”, by Shimla-based writer Minakshi Chaudhry was released by Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal here Monday.

This is the author’s 10th book.

“I had breast cancer and my treatment is now over. I may have it again, who knows? The future is not ours to see. Yet now I feel a strange kind of tranquility. The worst fear — that of something terrible happening — has become a thing of the past. The dark clouds have passed, letting sunshine in,” she said in the preface.

“It’s a deeply personal account of my struggle that captures the intense experience of my journey to recovery. I crawled back from the abyss into a brighter world filled with sunshine, with an only objective to make thousands of cancer-affected women aware of a hope at end of the protracted and cumbersome medical treatment and emotional distress,” journalist-turned-writer Minakshi, 41, said at the book release.

She said: “What would your first reaction if when your doctor hesitatingly tells you that you have cancer and also soberly tries to boost your morale? I am sure the reaction will really be disastrous for anyone. But, this is also a moment to build-up courage and accept the challenge rather than hiding in the darkness or considering your fate sealed.”

Minakshi has already announced that the proceeds from the 200-page book will be used for the cause of preventing and curing cancer, adding: “The dark clouds have passed now let the sunshine in.”

Her books include “Ghost Stories of Shimla Hills”, “Love Stories of Shimla Hills” and “Whispering Deodars: Writings from Shimla Hills”.

Local prominent book store Minerva Book House has announced that it will donate Rs.50 from the sale of every book to the cause of cancer care in the state.