Coping with Cancer: A survivor’s journey of humor, hope

Hyderabad:When Ramendra Kumar was diagnosed with stage II colon cancer in November 2021, his world seemed to come to a standstill. The writer, known for his engaging storytelling, now faced a battle he never saw coming and was never prepared for. However, instead of succumbing to despair, he chose humor, resilience and an unbreakable spirit to battle the toughest time of his life.

On Saturday, at the Guruswamy Centre in Secunderabad, Kumar launched his latest book, Coping with Cancer: Hands-on Strategies for Managing the Big C, a deeply personal yet practical guide for cancer patients. The book was unveiled by classical dancer and Padma Shri awardee Ananda Shankar Jayant. "The best way of facing any challenge is with a tough mind and a resilient spirit. Coping with Cancer is a compelling, emotional and pragmatic account stitched together by strands of humour," she said.

The book blends personal anecdotes with research-based coping mechanisms, offering readers guidance on resilience, mindfulness and the power of optimism.

For Kumar, the journey was far from easy. Multiple surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation drained him physically, but he refused to let cancer define him. Even in the midst of treatment, he continued storytelling, finding strength in creativity. Just two days after a radiation session, he danced with his daughter, recording a video that would later garner over 2.3 lakh views on Instagram.

“Life is unpredictable, but even in the worst times, the best in you can emerge,” Kumar told the audience. He credited his family’s unwavering support for keeping him grounded, saying their positivity became his anchor in the storm.