With Faith, Endurance and Resilience, Tea Planter Survived Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma—Twice, And How!

‘To ensure the cancer was completely eradicated, I underwent the full six cycles of chemotherapy,’ said Vishal

Tea planter Vishal Mahindra was twice diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of blood cancer that develops in the lymphatic system. However, his resilience, faith, and endurance helped him overcome the dreaded disease, which he says has been the biggest battle of his life. Read on to know the story of this real-life cancer survivor.

For 46-year-old Vishal Mahindra, the biggest battle of his life was fought twice and he emerged victorious both times.

A tea planter by profession, Vishal brushed the initial signs of his non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma as a minor sprain—common among those working in the rugged terrains of Assam and North Bengal. However, when his swelling, pain, and rashes deteriorated, he travelled from Guwahati to Kolkata to finally Gurugram, where, after a series of detailed investigations, which included several biopsies, MRIs, and other tests, until his diagnosis came through.

Thereafter was another story—his never-ending treatment.

“The first course of chemotherapy consisted of four cycles. Determined not to let the disease disrupt my life, I took each dose and then went back to my tea estate, carrying on with work as if everything were normal. But deep down, I knew I was walking a fine line,” he told Times Now.

Vishal underwent aggressive chemotherapy cycles

He underwent aggressive chemotherapy (R-CHOP), the standard treatment for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. “The first two cycles of R-CHOP were brutal, but when the next PET scan results came in, the news was nothing short of miraculous—the tumour had completely dissolved. It was a victory, but the war wasn’t over yet,” said Vishal. “To ensure the cancer was completely eradicated, I underwent the full six cycles of chemotherapy. And then, finally, I heard the words I had been desperately waiting for—I was in remission,” he said.

But that was not the end, as something more sinister was waiting for him. Three years after he was first diagnosed, Vishal, who comfortably settled back to his work on a routine check-up, got another shock!

The doctors suggested a PET scan as a precautionary step. “When the results came in, my heart sank; the lymphoma had returned. The tumour had crept back into the very same spot, a cruel and familiar adversary daring me to fight once again,” he said.

The doctor began another round of chemotherapy but with a more serious approach, which included an autologous stem cell transplant. “It was my best shot at long-term remission, and I agreed without a second thought,” he said.

The battle ahead was brutal with a second diagnosis

After two rounds of chemotherapy, doctors began the BEAM therapy, which includes a high-dose chemotherapy regimen designed to wipe out every last trace of cancer before the transplant. “But the toll it took on my body was unlike anything I had experienced before. I was completely drained, physically and mentally. As if that weren’t enough, a new complication emerged—deep vein thrombosis in my left leg,” he said.

A stem cell transplant proved to be a crucial step toward rebuilding Vishal’s immune system. Following a few days of isolation, he began recovery and since then has been cancer-free.

Vishal is a nature lover and has found solace in all things green and wild. An avid photographer, he loves capturing animals, trees, and jungles through his camera, his way of appreciating life, which he believes he got to live fully. “The road to recovery was long, but I walked it with the knowledge that I was surrounded by love, resilience, and unwavering support. Once again, I had faced the storm and emerged on the other side,” he signed off.