Man writes about his entrepreneur wife's battle with cancer on LinkedIn. Internet is in tears

LinkedIn user Babar Shaikh shared a post about his wife’s cancer battle. The post is not just about his wife's struggle but it is dedicated to all those who have been a support system during these trying periods.

LinkedIn user Babar Shaikh shared a story about his wife’s cancer battle which has left the internet teary-eyed. Babar’s wife Zahara has been diagnosed with Stage 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, a highly malignant breast cancer. Babar dedicated this post not just to his wife’s brave battle with cancer, but to all those who have been a support system for them both during these trying times. There were a few lessons learnt during the process and he shared a few snippets from their journey along with his long note.

“6th Jan 2022, we found a lump on my wife's chest. 2 weeks, countless hours of waiting in hospital lobbies, meeting numerous oncologists and breast surgeons and a million scans later, our world turned upside down. Zahra had stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma, highly malignant breast cancer that was fast growing. More than a sense of dread, there was anxiety and confusion before we internalised the fact that the battle was yet to come. But this was also when we made a decision-one where we would not let cancer run the narrative,” Babar wrote in his post.

“This post is more than just about cancer. Zahra had a full-time job, a budding business and I was transitioning into a new job. In the midst of this, we were caught in the eye of the storm. The treatment regimen would lead to severe changes mentally and physically for both of us. From vacating our home, and moving in with my in-laws (owing to the extra care she would need during her fight with the disease) to proactively getting our scans and appointments done. Diet, sleep and self-nourishment became important like never before,” he added.

The diagnosis did not mar Zahara’s spirit in any way. Though there were a few hiccups, but cancer never stopped her from continuing her cheesecake business or doing her job. “The lesson here, though, is this; she didn't allow her reality to change her life. She kept her job (despite first taking a sabbatical), she kept adding value to brands the way she's always done day in and day out. She grew her cheesecake business manifold. Her social media presence increased 4x, sales went through the roof and she made a brand that has become a “household name” in many quarters - all from the confines of her bed. A lesson in fighting with grace, if there was ever one,” he said.

The battle becomes way easier when you have supportive family and friends at work who are ever ready to step in during any emergency. “Another lesson here is of support. Our families, our friends and our teams at work. We found an overflow of kindness, from close ones as well as people we were barely acquainted with. A humbling reminder that there is so much good in this world. Her boss at work told her to come back in whatever capacity she could so she could continue working, giving her every flexibility there could possibly ever be. The office created an environment where she didn't feel pressurized to work. What kept her going were kind words and appreciation of all she was doing by her colleagues,” he added.

See the post here:

Zahara and Babar’s journey gave strength to many. The internet gave them support and wished for her speedy recovery. They also lauded their grit, strength and positivity. “Very well stated and a sincere congratulations to you both and your supportive families for your successful battle,” a user wrote.