Episode #35: Shrenik Shah's Perspectives on Cancer

Hello, hello everyone, and welcome, welcome in to episode number 35. I can't believe we're at episode number 35 of Showing Up Perspectives on Cancer. Before we get started tonight, guys, I want to encourage you, if you have a pair of earbuds or headphones, uh, you want to grab them tonight. That's just going to make for a better experience for tonight's show. So Make sure to grab those earbuds or headphones if you have them handy, and it's just going to make for a better experience tonight. So guys, this show was created as a safe space where cancer survivors and cancer supporters come together to share their stories and connect, as well as find resources that provide healing, hope, and resilience. My name is Tim Sohn, a 15-plus-year cancer survivor. Host of Showing Up Perspectives on Cancer and a live streaming producer and coach for impact-focused nonprofits, businesses, and entrepreneurs. Thank you so much for joining us tonight. Please let us know where are you tuning in from around the world. We want to know, and what is your connection to cancer? Maybe you're a cancer survivor. Maybe a family member has passed. Maybe you have a cancer survivor in your family. Maybe you're an author, a medical professional, or you have some other perspective or a connection on cancer. We definitely want this to be a conversation for sure. Before I introduce my incredible guest co-host tonight and incredible guest for tonight, I want to share some exciting news with you. The first ever in-person Showing Up Perspectives on Cancer event will be taking place, and we finally firmed this up, on September 10th from 10 AM to 4 PM in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. I will be sharing more information with you, including the agenda and how to sign up, in the next week or two. But I wanted to share this information with you and let you know that we're also looking for sponsors for the event because we want to make the event as affordable To as many people that can show up. The event is for cancer survivors and cancer supporters to do things that we do right here on the show, to show up, to share and gain perspectives, to share your story in person in a safe space. And today we got our very first sponsor for the event, and we'll be sharing more information about that in the coming days. And if you are interested in being a sponsor, the price is just $100 to be a sponsor for the event. So definitely reach out to me if you are interested in sponsoring the Showing Up Perspectives on Cancer in-person event. I also just want to briefly mention there are going to be a few changes coming to Showing Up Perspectives on Cancer. In the coming weeks, starting on August second, which is actually Megan Sohn, my daughter's birthday, there will be a new official co-host for showing up perspectives on cancer, and that person is Erica Campbell. And Erica, I'm so excited to have you as the new official co-host. But definitely shout out to Nancy Barrows and Mark Kageyama, who is the guest co-host for this evening. They have both been doing an amazing job. But also the time of the show will be changing to Tuesdays at 3 PM Eastern time starting on August 2nd. So I just wanted to let you guys know about those few changes coming up. But now I want to introduce our guest co-host for tonight. This evening I will be joined Once again by Mark Kageyama. Mark is a stage four cancer patient with prostate, bone, and lung cancer. He has a YouTube channel called To Be Your Own Hero, and I highly suggest you guys search for it and check it out. He does amazing interviews on that channel, guys, so definitely check it out where he shares his own cancer journey and tries to inspire inspire people to appreciate their health. their beautiful lives and to not sleepwalk through life. Personally, he feels so blessed to be able to open his eyes in the morning to experience a wonderful new day. In addition, Katie Gasperi and future guest on Showing Up, and he runs a Clubhouse room on Thursdays at 9:00 AM Pacific time called Cancer Conquering Community. Mark has also been a previous guest on Showing Up Perspectives on cancer. Now I'm going to bring Mark on to the show. Hello, Mark. Welcome to the show once again.

Thank you so much, Tim. I, I appreciate it. And I am so honored. And I'm so honored because I want to pose a question. Is everyone out there ready to feel inspired? Tonight's guest is Shrenik Shah, a 25-year vocal cord cancer survivor, and he's also a global influencer, inspirational speaker, mentor, counselor, uh, Patient Leader Hero Award winner 2021 in the United States. anchor and moderator of a Facebook Live eHealth series, among his other accomplishments. And I'd like to add something at this time because, you know, growing up, uh, I was introduced to sports at a young age by my father. And, and so growing up, I always revered, you know, great sports stars. But, uh, this is a little different since Since I've gotten cancer, I've come to appreciate many more things. And one of the things that I really, really appreciate is is our guest Shrenik Shah. Basically, if you could picture this, he's like the Yoda or Mr. Miyagi of cancer, and he's so wise and has so many profound things to say. So I would suggest to really focus on what he's saying because he says so many things that are really, really valuable. And my daughter sent my wife a letter, and on it she stuffed this right here, and it says, live a great story.

Hmm.

And this man, Shrenik Shah, lives a great story, but he's not done yet. He's still writing his story. On the back of this, it says, be the hero of your own story. And it really resonates with me because my YouTube channel is called To Be Your Own Hero. So with that, oh, I'd also like to say one, one other thing. And Tim's going, this guy talks too much. Anyway, I just want to thank Nancy Barrows for doing such a great job and for keeping the seat warm. And so what I'd like to do is to introduce our guest, Mr. Shrenik Shah. Welcome to the show, Shrenik, and thank you so much for showing up tonight.

Thank you, thank you, Dave, and thank you, Mark. So, hello friends, good evening America, and we did it, we did it! Happy Independence Day America as well. And once again, hello from London. It's 12 minutes past 1 AM here in London now, but you know, speaking and interacting with our wonderful people, particularly team and Mark, is always fascinating experience. And I mean, I really have no reason to say no to this specific time. So thank you, Tim and Mark. I am truly honored with the wonderful introduction you've given.

Well, thank you, Shrenik. We appreciate you staying up so early or so late, depending with what your perspective is. And we really appreciate you being here to, to share your story. I know just based on the pre-interview that we had, I know that you provide me so much hope and you're such an inspiration. But before we get started with our conversation, I just want to go to the comments and see who's here to support you and each other tonight. And guys, I have a little bit different of a setup tonight. I rearranged my studio, so I'm going to look to the side to show the comments. So I'm— I'm not being rude. I'm just going over here for a moment, just so you know. So Stefan is here tonight from New Jersey. He says, always here to support my B fam. By the way, that means brother from another mother. He's my good friend Stefan, and he's all— he's often here showing up to support our guests and each other. So thank you for being here, Stefan. We really appreciate it. We have Al Baruni says good job, sir.

Ivan is from Bangladesh.

Oh, okay. Ivan is here. He says hello, Tim, and everyone else. Thank you for being here. Uh, hello from Brazil. Thank you for being here. Nikita says hello from Alabama. Welcome. Tim McDonald is here. Tim was just on Peter Clark's show earlier today. Uh, he— Tim is in need of a liver donor. Uh, so, uh, so great to have you here tonight, Tim McDonald. Wasn't expecting to see you, but so grateful to have you here tonight. He's a previous guest on the show here. Lance is here. He says, live a great story. That is a great message. Thank you for sharing such an inspirational story. Melody is here. She says, hi, Stefan Kaplan. Good to see you twice today.

Yes.

Stefan is giving me feedback on my lighting. Yes, I know my lighting needs help. This is my first attempt at this new studio. So thank you all that I see your comments. We appreciate you all for being here for sure. We're going to dive in with the conversation. Definitely as we go through the conversation, guys, let us know where you're tuning in from around the world. What is your connection to cancer as well as what questions do you have for Shrenik? I'm sure he'd be He'd be happy to answer them. So, Shrenik, you were diagnosed with vocal cord cancer 25 years ago. Can you take us back in time to maybe just before that time? What was life and work for you before cancer? Like, for before cancer?

Well, let me admit one thing, Mark. And team, the Life 2.0. I mean, before I speak about Life 1.0, you know, I would like to speak for a minute about Life 2.0. This Life 2.0 is fabulous, fascinating, amazing, awesome. I mean, I can, I can spell out or rather I can narrate another 50 words, but you know, time will not be enough. So that is all about life 2.0.

And well, yeah, we can talk about life 2.0, but could we just start with just a little bit before cancer, just so people have a little bit of context? Would that be okay?

Sure, sure. So during my life 1.0, I was known as a cow boy. The reason is I was traveling the world over. I had more than 200 overseas trips because I was into international business and marketing. So I would say 85% of my life was at 37,000 feet because I was commuting between India and US, South America, Europe, Africa, and so on. And believe me, I was 100% businessman and family man and totally introvert. That means, you know, I was not speaking much except my business or having conversation with my customers. So that is life 1.0. And well, I was into business and running factory. I mean, my— it was a family business. Worked in a factory for 11 years and then another 15 years as an international traveler for international business.

Shrenik, how were you able to overcome the thought that you would be losing your voice that you had had your whole life? In exchange for something so different?

Mark, uh, I would like you to repeat your question, please.

How were you able to overcome the thought that you would be losing the voice that you were born with, that you had your whole life, in exchange For something so completely different.

Mark, actually, for me, it was all about a question of survival and then not about, you know, losing my natural speaking ability that was back in 1997. Because when I was sick, I had no habit of tobacco, never smoked. I'm strictly vegetarian, non-alcoholic, and so on. But somehow I got diagnosed with the cancer, and even I was not suspecting cancer at all. So by the time, uh, my family friend or other physician is now in Washington, DC, Dr. Tripathi, you know, he guided me to सी दी कैंसर सर्जन ऑन अर्जेंट बेसिस आई हैड सीवियर ब्रेथिंग प्रॉब्लम क्यूमर वाज़ ब्लॉकिंग दी ओपनिंग ऑफ माय ट्रैकिया एंड मार्चेजेशन वाज़ क्रेजी आई वुड से आई हैड निर्णय डेथ एक्सपीरियंस एंड आई हैड टू अंडरगो दी मैसिव सर्जरी बट बट बट डॉक्टर Told me that, you know, you want me, you want to speak for all your life. Naturally, for me, the important aspect was accepting the situation and on top of that surviving from the cancer. Because I mean, if I cannot survive, I mean, whether you have a voice or you don't have a voice, it, it hardly matters. So I mean, I am glad. I'm, I'm blessed by Lord Krishna that, uh, I could accept the unbelievable challenge of losing the voice forever. And imagine, yeah, being an internet businessman, a marketer, and you know, in those times, particularly in 1997, there was no internet, there was no mobile phone, and communication was Definitely only a woman. I'm not you. I don't keep on talking, and I lost my natural speaking ability. So I realized that I'm not made. I really don't have any choice, and I must, I must continue my life, and that is only possible after survival.

So, Shrenik, could you take us back in time to when when you found out that you were diagnosed? How did how did you find out that you had that you had cancer? And um and did you have to have surgery or any other treatments? And and also, how are you doing now?

Well, in your day, you know. It was— I was 44 at that time, and my normal voice started changing from normal to the hoarseness and to the whispering. And then I started losing my weight by 15 kilos, and the worst situation was I was unable to breathe. Uh, all the time I was feeling like I am at the bottom of the swimming pool and I was just trying hard to get out of the situation. And then, you know, one morning I started bleeding in my calf and I do see my physician, family physician friend, and he guided me to see the orthopedic surgeon. And well, So, and when, when it was— when I was diagnosed or when scoping was done, uh, it was indeed a terrible situation. I was told like, you really don't have much of the time unless you undergo the massive surgery and vocal cords are removed.

I want to I want everybody to think about this situation right here.

Yeah.

This is 25 years ago, and in terms of cancer, that's like ancient history. That's why I consider Shrenik just a true pioneer in this, in this field. I mean, he, he is, he's a trailblazer. I mean, he's been there before us. I mean, we all think that we're all going through, you know, tough things, and, and we, you know, a lot of us are.

Yeah.

But this was ancient history 25 years ago as far as, as cancer goes, and they didn't have the answers and they didn't know. And this man was staring at— he Losing his voice that he was born with. Can you imagine that? Think about that. Put yourself in his shoes. Think about what that would mean to you. I, I can't even imagine that. So the question I have for you, Shrenik, is this: was giving up an option for you?

Absolutely not. And Mark, let me— I mean, what, what you said in last few minutes, let me ask a very simple question to both of you and audience as well. Like, you know, you, you want to speak and your natural voice is not coming out. You have to deliver a lecture or you, you are appearing, you are appearing for a job interview. And you want to speak and, you know, your natural voice is not coming out. What will be the anger? What will be the frustration? What will be the depression? And that is the life I am living for the last 25 years. I mean, I mean, without this device, I can do nothing. And I would like to show one poster. I mean, today, as on 5th of July, this is my 9070th day since I lost my natural speaking ability. I do have a voice drop, I mean, which has been 3 months old because I could not take out the morning But I will show you one person.

Yes, yes.

Wow.

Wow, that's a long time. You're such an inspiration, Shrenik, for all of us.

And, uh, answering your question, Mark, Again, I would like to show you another poster, and that will illustrate everything to what I am today. I'm— I would say I'm about to say what I am today.

Let me see if I can make that bigger for everyone. There we go. Can you explain this, Shrenik? What's, what's in this poster?

Yeah, sure. So I mean, this is one of the very important yoga postures, and this posture illustrates 100% flexibility. And when, when, when you are talking about flexibility, you know, the shape of the body, turning the body, etc. So it is a combination of acceptance Confidence, courage, confidence, dedication, gratitude, everything together in the one word, that is flexibility. So once you have flexibility, I mean, nothing can stop you. Believe me, nothing can stop you at any point of time. Absolutely no. And I'm able to say that's what I am As of now, and it is God's grace. And yes, I am 360-degree well-wished by 50,000, 50,000 countless, 50,000+ individuals globally without any discrimination. So this is all Almighty's grace, no doubt about it.

Wow. Before we continue the conversation, Shrenik, I just want to go to the comments for a minute. So many people are putting in beautiful comments for you. Lagia, who tunes in from Costa Rica, she says, a great story. We should follow this example, Shrenik. Here's another comment here from Lance. He says, live a great story. That is a great message. Thank you for sharing such An inspirational story. Um, I'm trying to grab the— there's so many comments, I can't keep up with them. You're so popular, Shrenik. Mark says, uh, thanks for your insight to your story. Sorry, I need to go to a meeting. That's okay, Mark. There's always the replay. You can always catch the rest of the conversation.

Actually, Mark is the one who introduced me to you, Tim.

Oh, really?

Yes.

Oh, that's right, that's right. Thank you, Mark.

Thank you, Mark.

You're both Marks. Uh, thank you, Nikita. Mary Wells, who was just on the show last week with, uh, me and, uh, Nancy Barrows, is saying hello to, to Carl Shawn Watkins. So thank you for being here. Uh, yeah, we so appreciate you all being here. Oh, Lagia says you have always inspired me, my friend Shrenik.

Thank you, uh, Tim. Yes, just give me a minute, uh, I would like to say a few things.

Yes, go ahead.

You know, Tim, in this 35th show, we, we are wondering, or you know why there are 3 different citizens from 3 different countries— American, Japanese, and Indian. That is number one. And probably, uh, I would be the first, or rather I am the first on your show with this, uh, unique voice. So—

Yes, that's true.

Thank you so much for having this honor and inviting me on your show. Let's continue.

Yes, thank you. Thank you for, for saying yes to be on the show. Appreciate that. Um, oh, I think this is a question. Stefan says, Shrenik, what types of new tech technology have been of the most help to you in your 2.0 life? You are pure inspiration, sir.

Simple acceptance, courage, and this device. You know, believe me, this device is my originally— this device is my originally second mouth because, you know, if I want to speak, I cannot speak without the device. I would be wounded.

Thank you for sharing that, Shrenik. So, Shrenik, you were talking a little bit about your device. What was it like going from having your natural voice to having to use the device? And, and now you're a speaker and an influencer and so many other things. What was that transition like for you?

On my needs ringing. I am grateful to all those individuals back in December 1997. Currently, you know, in US there are 72,000, 72,000+ speech-language therapists, SLP. In those time There was no ASL available in India, and you know, I had to practice standing in front of the mirror for a big time, and that's how I have learned all by myself. But whatever it is, when I started speaking in public, people were scared, people were running away because They have never heard such type of voice before.

Hmm.

And believe me, I am grateful to all those individuals. My— and I, I would love to bow down, bow down, joining my 2 hands. That before, because of those individuals who ran away and who were scared, that, that was Uh, change maker situation. And I realized that, you know, if I don't survive, I must continue speaking. And so far as if I am audible myself, then, you know, people will be able to understand me. And I was the only donor in my family, my cousins माउंटिंग के लिए कि देवर 20 एंड 18 इयर्स माय वाइफ अमन 2 इयर्स यंगर तू मी एंड शी वाज़ हाउसवाइफ एट दैट टाइम ऑफ़ कोर्स नाउ शी इज़ इन बिजनेस सो आई मीन इट वाज़ मोर लाइक चैलेंजेस मोर लाइक चैलेंजेस यू नो व्हाट टीम या व्हेन व्हेन वी आर टॉकिंग अबाउट चैलेंजेस य with the US Open tennis. And that could be the world vault, that could be views, etc. But what is important at the end of the day? Winning the game, winning the set, and winning or grabbing an award like US Champion. And that's what I have learned, and that's what I am every day. implementing. And I must tell you, you know, I would like to show you my twins and the reason I tell you why.

Yeah, I think it's just so incredible that, you know, the way you've blazed this trail for all of us. And so thank you For just persevering and overcoming this unbelievable situation. I mean, I can't even— I don't have words to commend you enough, Shrenik. And, you know, we were talking in the pre-interview about how cancer is such a mental endeavor. And I don't think that that is, you know, talked about enough because cancer is so complicated and it takes the physical body, but it also takes the mental fortitude, which, which you have. So what do you attribute your mental fortitude to and how did this come about? Because it doesn't happen by accident. I mean, your attitude is because of you. So how can you explain that? Because I am just so excited to hear about this.

Sure, Mark. Wonderful question. Let's understand one point. You, me, and everybody on this Planet. There are technologists, there are oncologists, medical professionals. They are training you, but they are not going to live with you 24/7, right? That, that they are, they are qualified, they are skilled enough to train you very well. And, you know, and believe me, I mean, fortunately I know 500 plus, 500 plus cancer specialists on one-to-one basis worldwide. And so, so all these oncologists, you know, they treat you as a newborn baby and they deliver to the best. But at the same time, once you are out of the treatment or out of the hospital, you are on your own. And when you are on your own, you have to be yourself. And let me give you another example to what you mentioned, another what you asked. Mark, imagine you have been gifted a wonderful car, Aston Martin. Aston Martin car gifted to you. What will you be doing? Would you be keeping in the garage or would you be driving out? I mean, driving at 150 miles an hour. And that we would say that, Mark, as Aston Martin, life is exactly similar to Aston Martin. It, it all depends on you, how you drive your life. Either, either you keep it or not on the jet. Either you keep it in your garage and do nothing, and one day you will go away. My Aston Martin will stay in your garage, and that's it. Life is exactly similar to Aston Martin. Use it to the best. And I must add one more thing here, and say, I mean, we really, we really, we are aware But you know, we hardly bother about it. See, I believe in one thing, that do everything when you are alive. The day your life is over, your photograph, your photograph will stay in your home, but not your body. Because you know, in no time you will be sent to crematorium. So everything is possible when you are alive. Otherwise, you, you can't, you can't do anything at all. So, so it's all, all about acceptance, all about courage, all about confidence, dedication, and deliverable. And, you know, during so many of my lectures, Mark, I am I am telling that we need to change the format of alphabet. Forget about A for apple and B for baby. Now A for acceptance, B for bravery, C for courage, D for deliverable, and so on, so on. So we need to change the entire alphabet, and that's what we are supposed to teach to our new generation or newborn babies so that, you know, they, they won't, they won't find life difficult or, or not frustrating.

Well, you have certainly been courageous in your journey, Shrenik. And so I want to ask you about support. How important has— I know support has been important for me as a more than 15-year cancer survivor, leukemia survivor. How important has support been, whether it's from family or friends, or I don't know if you've received support from any cancer-related organizations. Can you talk a little bit about that in terms of your cancer journey?

Well, uh, I would say in my case it was kind of one, one-man show or one-man journey, but family support, support from my wife From my both sons, daughter-in-laws is incredible, and I must admit, and I must acknowledge, and I admire the presence of every single caregiver. Every single caregiver without their presence, without their presence, the life of cancer survivor or Or any patient is incomplete. And—

Yes.

Once again, I would like to join my hands and I'd like to bow down to all caregivers in the world for their incredible support. By default, you know, there is no explanation from the caregiver that, okay, you know, there is no bottle, there is no bread. Between caregiver and patient. And so they are doing a wonderful job. And for all caregivers, I must tell you that, you know, for caring caregivers, they did not have to go to temple or church or even mosque. I mean, whatever, whatever they are doing, that is absolutely beyond imagination.

Yeah, I would love if there's anybody watching the show right now, if you are a caregiver or if you've been a caregiver, and if you're sharing that, definitely share it in the comments. Definitely shout out to all caregivers because that's such, such an important role. And I so appreciate all of you who are doing that or who have done that. Right, Mark?

Absolutely. It's— it is basically A cancer journey, particularly stage 3 and stage 4, uh, it's a team effort, and it takes people surrounding that cancer patient. I mean, I am so beyond grateful for my family and friends, and, uh, because without them, I wouldn't be here. I mean, bottom line, I mean, they helped to save my life, and I'm Forever grateful to my daughters, my wife, my mom, my sister. I mean, there's just been so many people that I am so grateful for. So thank you for bringing that up, Shrenik, because caretakers— and it's a very difficult job being a caretaker for cancer patients because there's so many needs depending on the situation. So I, I just want to commend you, Shrenik, for being such an incredible, amazing representative for cancer. And at what point did you realize that you were going to be a representative of cancer?

Well, this is 2022. So well, I have been into this counseling, coaching, and so on since 2011. And believe me, Mark, oncologists, they are doing their best. But you know, you know what? Their priorities Are absolutely treating the patients, you know, counseling, etcetera. Is I mean they they really don't have so much of time because you know I mean in that day if they will be doing counseling work, they cannot concentrate on their skills and providing treatments. So in 2011, my surgeon called me up and one patient was. There in the hospital, and I was asked to counsel him. And well, I had about 45 minutes session with the patient. He was convinced for undergoing massive surgery and so on. So that one single incident, you know, encouraged me to get into this counseling. or watching interviews, and that's how. And as I told earlier, I am having a privilege to counsel 50,000+ individuals globally.

Wow.

I mean, and these social media platforms. So I mean, I would say practically unknown faces, and that is no discrimination that I would do this. I will end my The doors are open 24/7 for cancer patients. No, I mean, no, I, I never— I cannot say no. I cannot do it now. I mean, family, you get in touch, and that's it. And, uh, one more thing I would like to add here, you know, I mean, I had shown my 2 hands. In my words, when I start my day, it is not written, but you know, it is virtually written, the Invictus poem, the 2 lines of Invictus poem. I am, I am the master of my fate and I am captain of my soul. And I believe in that and I stick to that. All the time. I mean, my day never starts. My day never starts without these two lines of my poem, and that's what keeping me moving on and on, now adding momentum like anything.

Can you say that again, Shrinik?

They and that's now again, uh, join my two palms.

You said, I am captain of my—

Yeah, uh, I am, I am, I am master of my fate and captain of my soul. That is the 2 lines of, uh, Invictus poem. So that is what—

Love that.

Can make you invictus. I mean, you, you are not, you are not born to give up. I mean, save the life Given to us by the Almighty is a free gift, and free gift with a smile. So now you cannot give up your life, you cannot give up your smile either, because that is the best prayer to the Almighty.

Wow, wow, you're just providing us so much hope and inspiration tonight, Shrenik, and the mic drop moments and the quotes. Uh, but Shrenik, something that we, something that we all share is that we, we all share our, our cancer journeys publicly, myself and you and, and Mark. So I'm curious, when did you start sharing your cancer journey publicly and And why?

Twenty twenty eleven. I mean, it is as I said earlier, it is never ending journey, never ending journey. Because see, let me tell you that if you can change or if you can support even one single life through your storytelling, you are making a million. Immersion difference in life of someone else. See, I mean, as an individual, I may not be— I may not be aware like what I've done, but you know, whoever, whoever is suffering or whoever is able to get out of the problem, you know, he and she knows better the, the, the approach and attitude. And when I'm talking about attitude, you know, I believe that opportunities are much, much, much larger than attitude. I mean, if someone is reaching out for getting counsel and if you say no, that means you are showing attitude. No, you cannot do that. I mean, your, your network share, your experience, your network share, your experience. And look, uh, this experience and this experience, you cannot browse on a, on a Google or any platform because, you know, these are inbuilt. You are talking your heart out, and when you are talking your heart out, there is no manipulation. And believe me, you you might be aware about our God Lord Krishna. So whenever I am into counseling or whenever I am into speaking, I feel like I am in Vrindavan. That is Lord's Lord Krishna's home. And when it is there, I am fully supported. My Lord Krishna, like anything. So everything is just coming out. I'm a spontaneous speaker. I never prepare myself for giving interview or speaking out at the event.

I'm curious, Mark, Mark, what inspired you to share your cancer story and when did you start sharing yours?

That's a great question. Now, I, I think what inspired me was I, I started my YouTube channel when I was at my very weakest, and I, I was just thinking how many stage 4 cancer patients would be willing to get on camera and share their journey. And, uh, And my initial goal was to just help people, and, and I wanted to just help one person. And I felt that if I were to help one person, then, then it's all worth it. And, uh, what was amazing about my YouTube channel was I started with zero subscribers. I started from ground zero. I, I asked my daughter, hey, can you help me? set up a YouTube channel, which she did.

Yeah, and, uh, shout out to your daughter.

Pardon me?

Shout out to your daughter.

Yes, yes. In fact, she's in Alaska right now, sent me some beautiful pictures. And, uh, yeah, she and her husband traveled the United States by RV. So, uh, hi Lisa. Anyway, but I also wanted to, uh, chronicle my journey for, for my my family and my kids. So that I didn't know if I was going to be around, so I wanted to share my thoughts and inspire people. And it's just been such a fabulous, fabulous journey, and I'm so, so thankful. So thanks, thanks for that question, Tim. I appreciate that.

Yeah, of course.

Shrenik, What advice would you give to a newly diagnosed cancer patient?

Wonderful, wonderful question, Mark. You know, when you are diagnosed with the cancer. Believe me, cancer is like a stallion. Cancer is like a stallion. Either you ride on a stallion, else stallion is going to ride on you by default. So it is, it is all your choice. It is all your choice whether you want to ride on stallion or not, because otherwise And look, uh, the cancer has only one ability, that is to spread around your body, right? But then you have too many resources. You have oncologists, technologists, mindset, support from family, everything. So make use of each and everything. Each and everything. No. Not to give up. I mean, be be a fighter, and I must tell you that okay web browsers web browsers are full of information like encyclopedia about cancer, all type of cancer treatments, etc. But if you are not qualified. That is a medical professional. Let your cancer specialist look after you and don't get involved or don't follow those, uh, details as it's mentioned, uh, on web browser because, you know, the treatment protocols for each and every patient, each and every cancer Each and every cancer type of cancer, the treatment protocols are different. And I mean, there cannot be a thumb rule that okay, if he or she is given this, same is to be given to you. And unnecessarily, you are spoiling your age for no reason because you get into so much of mental disturbance. That you can hardly get out of the situation. And one of the words here is survival. So I mean, don't, don't die. Don't die for the sake of, you know, reading stuff on internet. And let your oncologist or cancer specialist look after you in a proper manner and believe them, trust them. And I must tell you, my environment— let me give you my example of my own case. Had I not been performed tracheostomy, that is a hole in the middle of my throat, Mark, I would have not survived. And that is the best skill, best skill I admire for each and every medical professional. I am grateful to my cancer surgeon, Dr. Patel, back in India. I mean, I mean, at that time he was thirty-five and he performed meticulous surgery, and I am the outcome of his skill as of now.

Thank you, Srenik. As we begin to wind down the show, Shrenik, is there, is there anything else that you want to— first of all, where can people connect with you to continue the conversation, to find out more about you? Do you have anything coming up that's exciting in your world?

Well, um, I mean, um, anybody can reach out to me through social media like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter. LinkedIn and so on. And I have my own website, uh, I, I just shared with you in a private chat. I will appreciate sharing it with the audience. And look, I will, uh, I would like to show not 1, 2, but 3 posters. Probably this, this will give enough, enough fuel, enough Mark to the audience and me who are going to who are going to listen to this video at the end of speech, and I will start with the first puzzle.

I'm in suspense. I'm in suspense, Shrenik. I'm sure the audience is too. Are you in suspense, Mark?

Yes, I am.

I knew you would be. Let me make it bigger so everybody could see it better. Oh wait, that's the wrong way. Let me do this again. Here we go. There is a beautiful life even after cancer. I love that.

Yeah, and, uh, this was for the year 2015 and 5 years down the line after delivering countless Talks and counseling activities. In 2020, I made another one.

Okay, let's see.

Maximize. Here we go. It's thrilling life even after cancer.

Yes.

And now the last one. This is definitely going to be eye-opener and will create a thoughtful situation for entire audience, and everybody will be watching this song even later on. And definitely, this is going to give terrible spark. I will show you right away.

Oh yes. Can life after cancer be wholesome? Yes. Is there a way to live every moment to the fullest? And this is the book about you, right?

Yeah, I'm in love.

Yes, I'll have to put the link in the comments to that as well.

Thank you.

I will do that.

Thank you.

Definitely.

So I believe this is all, and still, I mean, for me, I mean, endless for me. I'm not willing to stop at any point of night. So if you want any more questions or anything from audience, I will be more than happy to talk.

Well, we appreciate all the time that you've already spent with us. We have about 3 minutes left in the show, Mark. So Mark, do you have any, any final words for Shrenik and our audience?

Of course I do, Tim.

I knew you would. I knew you would.

I just want to say thank you, Shrenik, for being, as I mentioned at the top of the show, being a true pioneer for all of us and to be an example and a shining light because you are proof that people can overcome this dreaded disease. And it gives us All so much inspiration. And, you know, I likened you to Mr. Miyagi from The Karate Kid. Do you— have you seen Karate Kid, Shrenik, the movie?

No.

Oh, okay. The Karate Kid is a famous movie from back in the '70s that many, many people in America have seen. And, and it's about a story of, uh, of a David and Goliath kind of a story where David wins. And, and his mentor is a gentleman named Mr. Miyagi. And, and so we liken you to that mentor, the trailblazer. And, uh, you know, I'll, I'll leave the, uh, wax on, wax off and, you know, paint the fence and all that kind of stuff to Tim. But thank you so much for being an example and courageous and just leading the way for all of us. So from the bottom of my heart, I really appreciate you and what you do and what you are continuing to do for, for our community.

Thank you.

our cancer community.

Thank you, Mark. I have just one request for both of you. If you can find me a wonderful producer and director, I would love to have a documentary film made on me because, you know, yes, I will keep it— I will be keeping on speaking all the time, but, you know, if I want to put it— and it is Believe me, it is my relentless search to touch millions of lives globally. So I think I will be able to do it much better through documentary film. I will appreciate if you can support me and if you can find— if you can help me to find out a wonderful female from Hollywood or wherever.

Yes. Well, thank you so much for being on the show, Shrenik. We have to wrap up the show now, but we really appreciate you sharing your story with us. You are truly an inspiration, and we really appreciate you being on the show.

Thank you. Thank you, Shrenik.

Wow, Mark, what a, what a story, don't you think?

Oh, unbelievable. Absolutely unbelievable. And, and I'm so honored for the opportunity. Thank you, Tim, for, for asking me to share this interview with, with you. It's been amazing.

Anytime, my friend. Anytime. And I'm just honored that, that all, all of our guests, including Shrenik, that they, they feel safe in this space here to, to come and share their stories here with us. And I'm grateful for all of you who tune in every week, whether you're here live with us or on the replay. Uh, to share your stories or come and show up in the comments and share your connections and perspectives on cancer. We're grateful for, for all of you as well. Just a reminder that we're always looking for guests to come on the show to share your connections and perspectives on cancer, whether you are a cancer survivor or maybe you're a family member of someone who has cancer or has passed of cancer, or maybe you're a medical professional or an author or. You have some other connection or perspective on cancer, we would love to have you on the show. Or maybe you are a part of a cancer nonprofit. We would love to get some cancer nonprofits on the show as well. So if you're interested in being on the show, please send me a direct message and I'd love to have a conversation with you and, and have you on the show so you can share, share your story and receive the love and support that our guests receive on this show. Mark, who is our guest on Showing Up Perspectives on Cancer next week?

Here, our guest next week is Jamie Washington. Jamie is a wife, a mom, a daughter, sibling, friend, entrepreneur, CEO, and breast cancer survivor. Let's all show up next week support Jamie and each other. And I'd like to say this right now.

Yeah.

I'm so thankful for this community that you've created, Tim. Thank you so much. It's an amazing, amazing community. And, you know, if, if we all— if the whole world were like this community, wouldn't this world be a better place? I think it would. And so, you know, let's, let's go beyond showing up and, you know, spread the love throughout the world. And, and this world is in such need of more love and more compassion and more gratitude, things that we talk about on this, on this, uh, channel.

So Absolutely.

Thank you so much, everyone, for your support, continued support, and for supporting all of us. And I really appreciate it. I am so honored, Tim. Thank you so much.

Thank you for those super kind words, Mark. I even got the puffs out because I almost needed them. And like I was saying earlier, I rearranged the office today. I may have to do a little more rearranging, but I didn't have the puffs handy, which when you do a cancer show, guys, you have to have the puffs handy just in case you're planning on doing a cancer show. I don't know the likelihood of that, but if you're doing one, have puffs handy. Um, but I, I really appreciate those kind words, Mark. And you too have put together an amazing community with your, your YouTube channel, uh, and as well as your Clubhouse room that you do each week. So, uh, definitely make sure to put the information for your YouTube channel and, and your cancer community in the comments if you haven't already, because I want, I want everybody to know about the amazing work that you're doing in those places as well.

Thank you so much, Tim.

Of course. Of course. And also, I just want to say a brief word about Jamie. I know we're 4 minutes over. I really try to get these shows into an hour, but it's so hard. Jamie and I connected on a virtual summit. She invited me to speak at a virtual summit. right toward the beginning of COVID And we really connected because Jamie is a breast cancer survivor and she was going through breast cancer when she invited me to the summit. And I had— what I was gonna talk about was the power of personal content and sharing your personal story and how it relates you to other people. And here we are talking about cancer. Like, this is how we related, and this is what I'm talking about at the summit. So anyway, I'm really excited to have Jamie on the show next week to, to share her story, um, besides, uh, her cancer journey, but, you know, who she is as a person as well. So thank you all for showing up tonight. Thank you again, Mark. Thank you everyone for showing up for another episode of Showing Up Perspectives on Cancer. We are going to go out the same way that we come in every week, and maybe we'll be dancing behind the scenes. Maybe you'll want to do a little dance as we're going out. I know Shrenik's going to be dancing in the green room. I could see him back there. Here we go, let's dance!