Deep in the confines of a cancer clinic in Boston and with the unspoken background of mortality weighing down upon them,a patient and a doctor used their respective life stories to inspire each other. Yuvraj Singh,the patient suffering from a rare testicular cancer,talked about his heroic World Cup journey and a cricketing career thats largely been considered an underachievement. The doctor,Lawrence H Einhorn,shared stories of another of his patients,legendary cyclist Lance Armstrong. In the process,an American oncologist learned about cricket while a cricketer learnt to fight the toughest challenge in his life with a stride and a smile learning a little bit about the Superbowl too. A day after Yuvraj was discharged from Indiana Universitys Simon Cancer Center after being successfully treated for mediastinal seminoma - a rare germ-cell tumour between his lungs following three rounds of chemotherapy,Einhorn narrated his experience. I learned a great deal about cricket from Yuvi. As you probably know,this is not a sport that has enjoyed popularity in the US, Einhorn told The Indian Express. Yuvraj is said to have told him about a certain Sachin Tendulkar,his high point of his six sixes in Durban and last years World Cup where he shrugged off past form and led India to the trophy on little more than self-belief. That mental strength,said Einhorn,would later help him to battle cancer. The doctor,former chairperson of Livestrong (Amstrongs foundation that fights cancer and supports cancer patients worldwide) said that he generously sprinkled references from Armstrongs life to motivate Yuvraj. We talked about Lance at the start of his chemo as they shared characteristics of young age,testis cancer and being a world-class athlete, Einhorn said. I shared Lances private e-mail address so that they could communicate directly. While Yuvraj is said to have immediately dashed off a letter to the seven-time Tour de France winner,it was a heartwarming moment when Armstrong replied. The entire Livestrong team is with you. Knowledge is power,unity is strength,attitude is everything. Go Yuvi,Livestrong, Armstrong wrote in his letter to Yuvraj. Moved by the gesture and sharing his experiences with Armstrong,Yuvraj also changed his twitter handle to Yuvstrong,and started wearing a cap with its logo. Sources said he is keen on promoting his Yuvstrong line on returning to India in an attempt to aid social causes. Although the 30-year-old underwent three cycles of chemotheraphy,the doctor said that in a couple of weeks after he gains some requisite strength, Yuvraj will be free to restart his training regime. Yuvi is strong physically but also mentally. It is very difficult at any age to endure chemotherapy. There is no timetable but he has finally completed his last day of chemo and can soon start his recovery and start training, said Einhorn. You would need to ask Yuvi how he coped with his treatment,because only he can relate what his feelings were exactly. I would just reiterate that this type of chemo is very difficult for anyone,regardless of age and inner strength. And Yuvi did well, he said. However,Yuvraj is likely to return to India only in the first week of April and is following a minor rehabilitation exercise schedule. He will remain in Boston for further scans and blood reports as a precautionary measure.
