From Stage 4 Cancer to Two Years in Remission: Alok’s Inspiring Journey

Khela Hobe: Aloke’s Inspiring Journey from Stage 4 Cancer to Two Years in Remission

By Team Luke NB Cancer remission, from fear to faith, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (Cancer) Stage 4., stage 4 cancer, success story 0 Comments

“For me, it was a regular day—5th February 2022. I was out playing tennis, something I did regularly. But that day, I felt an unbearable pain in my ribs. It wasn’t the first time I’d dealt with an injury while playing sports, so I brushed it off, thinking it would pass.”

Aloke, aged 49, who had always been active and fit, never imagined that this pain would lead to life-altering news – stage 4 cancer.

The events that unfolded since and the journey more than two years later are nothing short of a miracle.

Alok and his wife with Luke

This is his story.

How it All Began: First Signs to Diagnosis

What seemed like a minor injury from tennis turned into something concerning. After the initial rib pain, he got an X-ray, chest ultrasound, and blood tests, but nothing alarming was reported. Aloke was advised to take painkillers and multivitamins and tried to continue his routine.

But the discomfort lingered, making daily activities uneasy. When he discussed it with a close doctor friend, he was advised to go for further tests.

“I discussed my rib pain which was still there with him. On his advice, I got an HRCT done. Reports suggested some lesions, and he asked me to immediately get a PET scan done along with a biopsy. It was all very scary.”

The results came back, and the reality hit hard – Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (Cancer) Stage 4.

“It came as an absolute shocker to me and my family as at the age of 49 I was still quite fit, regularly playing sports, a teetotaler, non-smoker, and early to bed and early to rise person.”

Khela Hobe: From Diagnosis to Resilience

“Hell broke loose for me as there were many things incomplete. No one to look after my business, my only son was in his all-important Grade 12, my parents were old while struggling with age-related issues, and my wife was engaged in taking care of all of them.”

A Stage 4 cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming for anyone.

But instead of succumbing to the uncertainty, Aloke decided to choose faith over fear and summoned his inner strength.

“It took me a while to come to terms with this new development, but I soon collected myself. I told myself, ‘Khela Hobe—The game is on’. I prepared myself to face the challenges of this journey just like any other sport.”

Physical Symptoms, Side Effects, and Emotional Turmoil

When chemotherapy began for Aloke, along with it came side effects like weakness, loss of appetite, mouth ulcers, dehydration, and constipation, among others.

During this time, several intense physical symptoms followed:

Weakness and severe pain due to the chemotherapy treatments
Low platelet count
Compromised immune system
Fever and infections
Fatigue that affected his energy and daily activities
Loss of appetite and weight loss
Emotional turmoil marked by shock, fear, and anxiety

At a time when Aloke and his family were struggling to make sense of his diagnosis and medical treatments, one of the biggest challenges was not knowing what to do next—especially for nutrition.

“While doctors were doing their part I needed someone to guide me for the diet and self-care in this journey.”

How Aloke Found His Answer with Team Luke

With chemotherapy underway, everyone had different opinions on what his nutrition plan should look like.

Returning home after a round of chemo, he was met with a heartfelt message on his bedroom door from his son, reading, “WELCOME HOME PAPA.”

“Seeing that made me tear up.”

But as the day went by, the side effects of chemo started increasing, resulting in platelets going down.

“I needed clarity—I needed someone to guide me through this.”

Aloke and his family decided to explore an integrative approach to lifestyle medicine to support both his body and mind during this time.

Knowing that the road ahead would require more than medical treatment, Aloke’s uncle suggested looking into Team Luke’s Cancer Care Program.

“I read about Luke on the net and seeing his in-depth knowledge and vast experience, I felt I could trust him blindly. So I immediately went for the program, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life.”

Appreciation for a Strong Guide: How Head Nutritionist and Lifestyle Expert Poonam Singh Became Aloke’s Anchor

From day one, Poonam Singh, Head Nutritionist and Lifestyle Expert at Team Luke, played a pivotal role in Aloke’s journey.

“Poonam guided me throughout my treatment, not only with the diet but also to keep my mental and emotional health strong to face the challenges.”

With a personalized approach, Poonam crafted Aloke’s nutrition plan to prioritize cellular health, and immunity, and reduce inflammation. She also helped him to manage stress and maintain emotional resilience throughout chemotherapy.

“The second chemo started and I started losing my hair although I was mentally prepared for it. The journey was not easy but with each passing day, I was inching closer to the end of the treatment date.”

What made Aloke appreciate Poonam even more was that their connection didn’t end when his program did.

Poonam continues to check in on Aloke regularly, and he keeps her updated on his latest adventures and accomplishments, even two years into remission.

Our Take: What Made Team Luke’s Approach Work

It’s a common misconception that during chemotherapy, “you can eat anything,” but the right nutrition and food plan can make a world of difference. Proper nutrition is essential in preparing the body for chemotherapy, managing its side effects, and protecting the immune system—especially when fighting a high-grade cancer.

The human body is an interconnected system where each cell communicates with another, creating a network that enables it to function optimally. With trillions of cells working together, maintaining harmony among key systems is fundamental for overall health, particularly during cancer recovery.

Our approach to Aloke’s care focused on:

Implementing an anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenesis protocol
Strengthening immune function
Minimizing chemotherapy side effects and potential damage to healthy cells
Supporting DNA repair to escalate recovery
Promoting stem cell regeneration
Addressing chronic constipation
Activating natural cleansing pathways
Encouraging regular movement and exercise
Prioritizing quality sleep for restoration
Working through deep-rooted emotions
Incorporating strategic fasting methods
Cultivating spirit, hope, and joy
Using breathwork to alleviate emotional stress
Working on improving gut health and microbiome
Aligning with natural rhythms and cycles
Building robust metabolic health

And more…

Our integrative medicine and holistic lifestyle strategies worked effectively because Aloke took each step to heart. He trusted us as partners in his journey as we worked in tandem with his ongoing treatment.

Surviving to Thriving: Aloke’s Journey Back to Life and Adventure

After his final chemo session in July 2022, Aloke received his much-awaited PET scan results, confirming what he and his family had been praying for: Remission.

“With God’s grace, doctor’s treatment, Luke’s guidance, and my family’s prayers, I finally won this battle of mine against cancer. My final scan showed a complete metabolic response.”

But Aloke’s victory didn’t stop at remission.

He returned to his second innings of life with more zest and passion than ever before.

One of the first things Aloke did after being declared cancer-free was return to the sport he loved—cricket. On September 30, 2022, he organized a T20 cricket match in his condominium, complete with jerseys, commentary, and a live YouTube broadcast.

“My joy knew no bounds when I picked up the bat and ball on the cricket field,” he shares.

Even the small things have taken on new meaning for Aloke, like celebrating his son’s birthday with a family dinner.

“With permission from my doctor and Poonam, we went for a family dinner to celebrate my son’s birthday.”

The Power of Faith, Hope, and Perseverance

Throughout Aloke’s journey with Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, two things remained unwavering—HOPE and FAITH.

It wasn’t just the medical treatments that brought him to remission, but his strong belief that he could overcome the physical and emotional challenges that came with cancer.

Throughout his cancer journey, Aloke combined his perseverance with actionable changes that helped him overcome both the physical and emotional challenges.

“Even after more than two years, I am still following Luke’s lifestyle plan.”

Aloke’s journey didn’t end with remission; it was just the beginning. His dedication to these practices shows how physical and emotional resilience go hand in hand, helping him not only recover but thrive.

Here’s How Aloke is Thriving in 2024, Two Years into Remission

Aloke’s sense of adventure didn’t end with cricket; he has vowed to live his life on his terms, enjoying every part of the journey.

On 3rd February 2024, he was also invited to flag off a Cancer Awareness Rally of Harley Davidson at Fortis Hospital, where he was blessed with the second innings of his life.

Today, gratitude and hope for the future fill his heart.

“People say ‘live life to fullest’ as ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’ but in my case ‘Zindagi Mili Hai Dobara’ and will make it count. For the past two years, I’ve also been participating in 10K marathons and can complete it in pretty decent time.”

Alok marathons 10K — *Aloke’s most recent 10K marathons, in 2023 and 2024.*

“I recently attempted and enjoyed the most daring and crazy bungee jumping experience in Canada—ticking off one more thing on my bucket list.”

What’s next for Aloke?

“By God’s grace, I hope to play the second innings of my life better than the first one and fulfill my dream of starting a 40+ amateurs cricket league!”

Aloke has also taken time to nurture his creative talents. Filled with deep appreciation for life, he beautifully captured his newfound hope in a heartfelt poem.

Praise for the Medical Team and Integrative Approach

“Thank you, Dr. Ajay (my friend who suggested the HRCT), Dr. Ankur, Luke, Poonam, my parents, Sapna (my wife), Lakshya (my son), all my relatives and friends, my staff, and everyone who stood by my side throughout this difficult journey. Heartfelt gratitude. God has been kind enough to answer my prayers.”

A Reminder to Never Give Up: There’s Always Hope

Aloke’s triumph is proof that remission is possible in some cases with the right support and mindset.

At Team Luke, we believe that the body has a beautiful intelligence within that when supported holistically, can bring about incredible transformation.