Mdm. Kothanayagi’s journey began with a severe headache and unexpected changes in her ability to carry out simple everyday tasks. Further investigations eventually revealed cancer cells, leading to chemotherapy and later a bone marrow transplant. Although the transplant journey was difficult, she faced it with courage, supported by her family, doctor and the care team at Beacon Hospital.
Without knowing exactly what’s going to go on, I said, ‘Okay, okay, just go.
Mdm.Kothanayagi
When Something Did Not Feel Right
Before her diagnosis, Mdm. Kothanayagi was still going about her usual routine, including her work at school. She had experienced migraines before, but one particularly hectic day brought on a severe headache.
On her way home, she realised something was different.
“I just managed to settle and go back home. I felt that I lost the road. I don't know how to go back.”
Her husband, Mr. Kumaran, also began noticing unusual changes.
She struggled to complete a simple task on a laptop. The following day, she had difficulty starting, reversing and driving her car.
Concerned that something was wrong, he contacted their daughter, who is a doctor.
“The second time I really felt something that something wrong is going on, so immediately I called my daughter.”
Their daughter spoke with Mdm. Kothanayagi and asked her several simple questions. When she was unable to answer them as usual, she advised the family to seek further medical assessment.
An Unexpected Diagnosis
Mdm. Kothanayagi underwent imaging tests, including an MRI and CT scan.
A neurosurgeon later explained that there was an abnormality measuring approximately 2.5 cm on the left side of her brain. A biopsy was needed to understand what it was.
Within a week, the family received difficult news.
“Within a week they confirm that there is a cancer cell.”
The family decided to seek a second opinion and came to Beacon Hospital, where Mdm. Kothanayagi met a haematologist and began treatment.
What had started with a headache and subtle changes in her daily activities had quickly turned into a much more serious medical journey.
From Chemotherapy to Bone Marrow Transplant
Mdm. Kothanayagi underwent four cycles of chemotherapy.
Following her chemotherapy, her doctor discussed the possibility of proceeding with a bone marrow transplant as the next stage of treatment.
She agreed, even though she was not entirely sure what the experience would involve.
“We decided the doctor decided to have the bone Meo transplant so without knowing exactly what's going to go on I said okay okay just go.”
The reality of going through the transplant was challenging.
“But after when going through that time it was very tough, very very tough.”
Despite the difficulties, Mdm. Kothanayagi continued with her treatment. She remembers her doctor encouraging her and reminding her of the strength she had shown throughout the process.
For her, what initially brought fear gradually became something she learned to face one step at a time.
Care That Felt Like Family
Throughout her treatment, Mdm. Kothanayagi and her family built a close relationship with her doctor and the hospital team.
She remembers initially feeling afraid, but over time became more comfortable because of the support and reassurance she received.
“Earlier I was a bit afraid, but after that I was okay because he's very friendly, he's very helpful.”
For the family, the relationship went beyond medical appointments and treatment decisions.
“I would say he is one of our family member. I would say he really taking care till now as a family member.”
Mdm. Kothanayagi also speaks warmly about the nurses who cared for her throughout the transplant journey.
She remembers how their words helped reassure both her and her family during difficult moments.
The kindness she experienced was not limited to the clinical team. Her family felt welcomed and supported by staff throughout the hospital.
Trusting the Journey
Looking back, Mdm. Kothanayagi’s experience was one she had never expected to face.
From a severe headache and difficulty with simple tasks to chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, much of the journey came with uncertainty.
What helped her continue was the support of her family and the trust she placed in the team caring for her.
“Just trust not only trust God also trust the doctors here, whoever you know around you here and whoever you're going to meet.”
Her message is also about communication. When facing uncertainty, she encourages patients and families to speak with the people caring for them rather than carrying their concerns alone.
“So just talk to them.”
For Mdm. Kothanayagi, courage did not mean that the treatment was easy. The bone marrow transplant was difficult, but with support, trust and the people around her, she found the strength to continue through it.
Individual diagnosis, treatment options and outcomes vary. The information in this patient story should not replace medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Book An Appointment
Schedule An Appointment Today
Complete the form below and our team will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
Contact Information
More Contact Information
For appointment enquiries, general information, or assistance, you may contact us through the details below.
