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Cancerman to Ironman: A Police Officer's Journey of Arresting Illness
Foreword by Yuvraj Singh
In late 2020, while preparing for his new posting in Goa, police officer Nidhin Valsan was struck by a mysterious, excruciating pain that set off a chain of life-altering events. Months of unbearable suffering and numerous medical consultations culminated in a devastating stage-4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
In this deeply personal memoir, Valsan recounts his experience – from the harrowing ordeal of seeking the right diagnosis and coming to terms with it, gruelling chemotherapy sessions in his home state of Kerala, to his momentous decision during rehabilitation to pursue an audacious competing in the Ironman triathlon, one of the world’s most demanding endurance challenges. Despite daunting fears of relapse and a string of personal hurdles, he undergoes rigorous training and participates in the race in Goa within a year of his diagnosis, defying all odds and surpassing his own limits to ultimately become an Ironman.
Cancerman to Ironman is more than a tale of athletic triumph. Raw, revealing and strikingly candid, it unveils the heart behind Valsan’s battle, the support system that sustained him, and the mental and physical strategies that fuelled his perseverance – a testament to the resilience of the human spirit during life’s darkest days.
In late 2020, while preparing for his new posting in Goa, police officer Nidhin Valsan was struck by a mysterious, excruciating pain that set off a chain of life-altering events. Months of unbearable suffering and numerous medical consultations culminated in a devastating stage-4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
In this deeply personal memoir, Valsan recounts his experience – from the harrowing ordeal of seeking the right diagnosis and coming to terms with it, gruelling chemotherapy sessions in his home state of Kerala, to his momentous decision during rehabilitation to pursue an audacious competing in the Ironman triathlon, one of the world’s most demanding endurance challenges. Despite daunting fears of relapse and a string of personal hurdles, he undergoes rigorous training and participates in the race in Goa within a year of his diagnosis, defying all odds and surpassing his own limits to ultimately become an Ironman.
Cancerman to Ironman is more than a tale of athletic triumph. Raw, revealing and strikingly candid, it unveils the heart behind Valsan’s battle, the support system that sustained him, and the mental and physical strategies that fuelled his perseverance – a testament to the resilience of the human spirit during life’s darkest days.
191 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 24, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 25, 2024
This is a book of courage and resilience. I know Nidhin personally and have seen him rise through his career as an officer. His journey, narrated in this book, is an inspiration to many, including me. This book is a must read for everyone.
January 22, 2026
This was my fastest read—not only because of the intriguing or engaging content, but because I could relate my life events to the author’s journey. My father had cancer, and while reading the book, I relived many of those moments he and our family went through. The difference was that while reading this book i could live maybe less than 1% of what my father must have gone through while fighting his battle. Though my father passed away, in some way this book gave me a new perspective on how I felt about him during his illness.
As a family, you think you are doing everything possible. You want the person suffering to cooperate—to go through the tests, take medicines on time, try to sleep, try to bear the pain—and you keep consoling them that eventually everything will be fine. But little do you know the demons that person is fighting within, their lonely battle, and how helpless they feel despite the heavy treatment medicines induced into their body. I have seen it, my father going through them all. A disease like cancer and its treatment pushes a human being to the extremes, followed by a long recovery.
By narrating specific events and sharing how Mr. Nidhin dealt with his pain and mental state, the book shows how difficult this journey truly is. But if you keep fighting and stay disciplined strong, you will come out of it. Most importantly *get the right treatment* avoid all other things.
As a lesson for family and friends , be patient if you have someone at home or among your acquaintances who is suffering from such an illness. Help them open up and talk about what they are going through.
Other specific things I liked about the book:
- Cancer can happen to anyone. There is no reason. A one-year-old child with blood cancer is a classic example.
- If you are going through such a difficult time, consider that it is meant for you to experience this in your life. Embrace it and keep moving forward.
- Life is vulnerable. Our jobs and work can throw hundreds of issues at us, but once you are admitted to a hospital, there is only one problem—getting better. So take care of your health.
- A disciplined life not only helps you in your daily routine, but also keeps you mentally tough and sane to fight your battle during tough times. Start building discipline.
- You can start the journey of climbing a mountain alone, but to reach the top, you need people around you to inspire, train, motivate, and support you—both mentally and emotionally—throughout the journey.
As a family, you think you are doing everything possible. You want the person suffering to cooperate—to go through the tests, take medicines on time, try to sleep, try to bear the pain—and you keep consoling them that eventually everything will be fine. But little do you know the demons that person is fighting within, their lonely battle, and how helpless they feel despite the heavy treatment medicines induced into their body. I have seen it, my father going through them all. A disease like cancer and its treatment pushes a human being to the extremes, followed by a long recovery.
By narrating specific events and sharing how Mr. Nidhin dealt with his pain and mental state, the book shows how difficult this journey truly is. But if you keep fighting and stay disciplined strong, you will come out of it. Most importantly *get the right treatment* avoid all other things.
As a lesson for family and friends , be patient if you have someone at home or among your acquaintances who is suffering from such an illness. Help them open up and talk about what they are going through.
Other specific things I liked about the book:
- Cancer can happen to anyone. There is no reason. A one-year-old child with blood cancer is a classic example.
- If you are going through such a difficult time, consider that it is meant for you to experience this in your life. Embrace it and keep moving forward.
- Life is vulnerable. Our jobs and work can throw hundreds of issues at us, but once you are admitted to a hospital, there is only one problem—getting better. So take care of your health.
- A disciplined life not only helps you in your daily routine, but also keeps you mentally tough and sane to fight your battle during tough times. Start building discipline.
- You can start the journey of climbing a mountain alone, but to reach the top, you need people around you to inspire, train, motivate, and support you—both mentally and emotionally—throughout the journey.
August 30, 2024
• "CANCER MAN TO IRONMAN," written by police officer and author Nidhin Valsan, is unquestionably an inspirational story with a foreword by Yuvraj Singh. What is necessary for us to survive in life? This response ought to raise some debate, mostly. But before all else, it is the WISH - wish to live this life. 🎯
• The major issue this book raises is how difficult life can be. If you discover that you are physically ill, what will you do? What happens if you discover that this will cause you to suffer for a long time? How do you achieve tranquility? How are you going to inform your family? 🌤️
• An IPS officer named Nidhin Valsan uses moving anecdotes to tell his story. In Nidhin Valsan's new journey to his professional life in Goa, an excruciating pain directed his life towards devastating stage-4 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. He seemed to have grown stronger and more committed to his life and feelings after experiencing the most trying times, in my opinion. The choice Nidhin Valsan made to compete in the world's most difficult endurance competition, the Ironman triathlon, was a game-changer for him. 🌷
• Valsan Provides readers with an encouraging example of how the qualities of a committed officer can be applied to personal adversity by highlighting the connections between his experiences and his fight with illness and his professional training. 🍂
• You can feel the pain in this story, which has changed your life, as if he were a member of your own family. It is honest and very close to your heart. His tenacity, healing, fortitude, and optimism endow us with an unwavering commitment to life. He has provided an example of how to face obstacles in life. Face with brilliance. 🍁
• The major issue this book raises is how difficult life can be. If you discover that you are physically ill, what will you do? What happens if you discover that this will cause you to suffer for a long time? How do you achieve tranquility? How are you going to inform your family? 🌤️
• An IPS officer named Nidhin Valsan uses moving anecdotes to tell his story. In Nidhin Valsan's new journey to his professional life in Goa, an excruciating pain directed his life towards devastating stage-4 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. He seemed to have grown stronger and more committed to his life and feelings after experiencing the most trying times, in my opinion. The choice Nidhin Valsan made to compete in the world's most difficult endurance competition, the Ironman triathlon, was a game-changer for him. 🌷
• Valsan Provides readers with an encouraging example of how the qualities of a committed officer can be applied to personal adversity by highlighting the connections between his experiences and his fight with illness and his professional training. 🍂
• You can feel the pain in this story, which has changed your life, as if he were a member of your own family. It is honest and very close to your heart. His tenacity, healing, fortitude, and optimism endow us with an unwavering commitment to life. He has provided an example of how to face obstacles in life. Face with brilliance. 🍁
September 6, 2024
"I smiled and told my parents, 'Don't worry, we will fight this out.' "
'Cancerman to Ironman' is an inspiring memoir by Nidhin Valsan, who is currently the DC of police in Delhi.
I first thank Rony, Nidhin's friend, for instilling the idea of writing a book, without which we couldn't have read his story.
As you might have guessed from the title, Nidhin has spoken about his battle against stage four non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
The book has four sections: diagnosis (when he first got to know that he had the disease after bearing tremendous physical pain), treatment (where he underwent chemotherapy and met other patients), rehabilitation (the struggle to get back, and the what-ifs during the follow-ups), and ironman (when he started swimming and mostly about the ironman 70.3 Goa event).
This is undoubtedly a powerful read. I could totally relate to the chemo sessions, as I remembered my grandfather, who was once a patient seeking treatment. It must have been a very hard journey for Nidhin parents and especially to his wife Remya. There is a lot to learn from his resilience, his spirit, and the way he coped up even though he faced one problem or the other continuously.
'Cancerman to Ironman' is an inspiring memoir by Nidhin Valsan, who is currently the DC of police in Delhi.
I first thank Rony, Nidhin's friend, for instilling the idea of writing a book, without which we couldn't have read his story.
As you might have guessed from the title, Nidhin has spoken about his battle against stage four non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
The book has four sections: diagnosis (when he first got to know that he had the disease after bearing tremendous physical pain), treatment (where he underwent chemotherapy and met other patients), rehabilitation (the struggle to get back, and the what-ifs during the follow-ups), and ironman (when he started swimming and mostly about the ironman 70.3 Goa event).
This is undoubtedly a powerful read. I could totally relate to the chemo sessions, as I remembered my grandfather, who was once a patient seeking treatment. It must have been a very hard journey for Nidhin parents and especially to his wife Remya. There is a lot to learn from his resilience, his spirit, and the way he coped up even though he faced one problem or the other continuously.
January 26, 2025
Inspiring !
July 15, 2025
The book, "Cancerman to Ironman," is not just a book; it's a story of a real-life hero who not only defeated cancer but also, to send the message of human resilience and willpower, participated in the Ironman triathlon, one of the toughest.
The author, Mr. Nidhin Valsan, IPS, starts the book from the very beginning, the very first time when he started to feel discomfort and pain. In a very raw and unfiltered way, the author shows the period when the doctors failed to understand the cause and how frustrating it was when all results came back empty and how he has to live with the immense pain without the knowledge. And then when he comes to know about the reason, that he has non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, the relief he felt, which is heartbreaking to see.
Then comes the battle, the treatment period against cancer. I am surprised how beautifully and intricately the author shares every step he has to go through in this period, his true feelings with all the information he was gaining, and how every step was affecting him as well as his family and friends. This part is going to make you tear up as well as inspire you on a different level. Lastly, the author also shares his rehabilitation period and his journey towards the Ironman triathlon.
Each chapter, each page, is so beautifully written that you won't be able to stop reading or feeling extremely emotional and also filled with hope and inspiration. And the author not only shows his side; the author also talks about how, externally, his illness affected his work, his family, and his friends. With each step of his life, the author shows us how every human has their inner strength and how we need to channel it and never give up. We have to set up a higher goal and keep pursuing it continuously.
This is the kind of book that every single person needs to read because you are going to learn something from this real Superman's journey.
The author, Mr. Nidhin Valsan, IPS, starts the book from the very beginning, the very first time when he started to feel discomfort and pain. In a very raw and unfiltered way, the author shows the period when the doctors failed to understand the cause and how frustrating it was when all results came back empty and how he has to live with the immense pain without the knowledge. And then when he comes to know about the reason, that he has non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, the relief he felt, which is heartbreaking to see.
Then comes the battle, the treatment period against cancer. I am surprised how beautifully and intricately the author shares every step he has to go through in this period, his true feelings with all the information he was gaining, and how every step was affecting him as well as his family and friends. This part is going to make you tear up as well as inspire you on a different level. Lastly, the author also shares his rehabilitation period and his journey towards the Ironman triathlon.
Each chapter, each page, is so beautifully written that you won't be able to stop reading or feeling extremely emotional and also filled with hope and inspiration. And the author not only shows his side; the author also talks about how, externally, his illness affected his work, his family, and his friends. With each step of his life, the author shows us how every human has their inner strength and how we need to channel it and never give up. We have to set up a higher goal and keep pursuing it continuously.
This is the kind of book that every single person needs to read because you are going to learn something from this real Superman's journey.
September 3, 2024
-A Saga abrim with fortitude-
✒️📖
What happens when, in the prime of your youth, you are suddenly incapacitated by excruciating pain? You undergo a multitude of medical tests and a harrowing diagnosis comes to the fore- Cancer.
Cancerman to Ironman is a deeply personal journey of police officer Nidhin Valsan of not only fighting with cancer but reclaiming his life by participating in one of the most grueling competitions- Ironman.
In late 2020, while preparing for his new posting in Goa, police officer Nidhin Valsan was struck by a mysterious, excruciating pain that set off a chain of life-altering events. Months of unbearable suffering and numerous medical consultations culminated in a devastating diagnosis: stage-4 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
In this deeply personal memoir, Valsan recounts his experience - from the harrowing ordeal of seeking the right diagnosis and coming to terms with it, gruelling chemotherapy sessions in his home state of Kerala, to his momentous decision during rehabilitation to pursue an audacious goal: competing in the lronman triathlon, one of the world's most demanding endurance challenges. Despite daunting fears of relapse and a string of personal hurdles, he undergoes rigorous training and participates in the race in Goa within a year of his diagnosis, defying all odds and surpassing his own limits to ultimately become an lronman.
Cancerman to lronman is more than a tale of athletic triumph. Raw, revealing and strikingly candid, it unveils the heart behind Valsan's battle, the support system that sustained him, and the mental and physical strategies that fuelled his perseverance- a testament to the resilience of the human spirit during life's darkest days.
This is a vividly inspirational memoir chronicling a police officer's journey from battling cancer to conquering one of the world's toughest races.
✒️📖
What happens when, in the prime of your youth, you are suddenly incapacitated by excruciating pain? You undergo a multitude of medical tests and a harrowing diagnosis comes to the fore- Cancer.
Cancerman to Ironman is a deeply personal journey of police officer Nidhin Valsan of not only fighting with cancer but reclaiming his life by participating in one of the most grueling competitions- Ironman.
In late 2020, while preparing for his new posting in Goa, police officer Nidhin Valsan was struck by a mysterious, excruciating pain that set off a chain of life-altering events. Months of unbearable suffering and numerous medical consultations culminated in a devastating diagnosis: stage-4 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
In this deeply personal memoir, Valsan recounts his experience - from the harrowing ordeal of seeking the right diagnosis and coming to terms with it, gruelling chemotherapy sessions in his home state of Kerala, to his momentous decision during rehabilitation to pursue an audacious goal: competing in the lronman triathlon, one of the world's most demanding endurance challenges. Despite daunting fears of relapse and a string of personal hurdles, he undergoes rigorous training and participates in the race in Goa within a year of his diagnosis, defying all odds and surpassing his own limits to ultimately become an lronman.
Cancerman to lronman is more than a tale of athletic triumph. Raw, revealing and strikingly candid, it unveils the heart behind Valsan's battle, the support system that sustained him, and the mental and physical strategies that fuelled his perseverance- a testament to the resilience of the human spirit during life's darkest days.
This is a vividly inspirational memoir chronicling a police officer's journey from battling cancer to conquering one of the world's toughest races.
April 2, 2025
Cancer man to Iron Man - Nidhin Valsan -An IPS officer's Journey of Arresting Illness.
രണ്ടുമാസത്തിലധികമായി കാരണം പോലുമറിയാതെ,ഉറക്കം നഷ്ടപ്പെടുത്തുന്ന അതികഠിനമായ വേദന അനുഭവിക്കേണ്ടി വരുന്ന ഒരവസ്ഥ .... അവസാനം അത് തന്റെ ജോലിയിലെ Stress മൂലമുണ്ടായിട്ടുള്ള മാനസിക അവസ്ഥയാകും എന്ന് ചിന്തിച്ചു അതുമായി ജീവിക്കാൻ തുടങ്ങുമ്പോൾ Non-Hodgkin's Follicular Lymphoma Type 3 , അതും Stage 4 ക്യാൻസർ ...
നിതിന്റെ ഈ പുസ്തകം ഒരു അധിജീവനത്തിന്റെ കഥ മാത്രമല്ല .... ഒരു രോഗാവസ്ഥയിൽ പോലും ഓരോ പുതിയ കാര്യങ്ങൾ അദ്ദേഹം മനസ്സിലാക്കുകയും (അത് അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ തന്നെ physical /emotional / social / mental അവസ്ഥയും), നിർണ്ണാണകമായ ഘട്ടങ്ങളിൽ Opinions എടുക്കുന്ന വിധവും , ഓരോ വ്യക്തി ബന്ധങ്ങളും പോസിറ്റീവായി വയ്ക്കണം ,എങ്ങനെ അത് ഉപകാരപ്പെടുന്നു എന്നു തുടങ്ങി ഒരു പാട് കാര്യങ്ങൾ പറയുന്നുണ്ട്.
ക്യാൻസർ എന്ന രോഗാവസ്ഥ, അതിനെ അതിജീവിക്കുമ്പോളുണ്ടാകുന്ന ശരീരത്തിന്റെ അവസ്ഥ , മനസ്സിന്റെ അവസ്ഥ, തനിക്ക് ചുറ്റുമുള്ള സാമൂഹിക അവസ്ഥ, ജോലി ... എങ്ങനെയെല്ലാമാണ് അദ്ദേഹം തന്റെ കൃത്യനിഷ്ഠയും, ചിട്ടയായ ദിനചര്യകളും , പ്രാക്ടീസുകളിലൂടെയും ,കഠിനപ്രയക്തനം കൊണ്ടും, resilience വഴി തിരികെ പൂർവ്വസ്ഥിതിയിലേയ്ക്ക് എത്തിച്ചത് എന്ന് വായിച്ചിരിക്കേണ്ടത് തന്നെ .... ഈ പുസ്തകം ഒരു പ്രത്യാശയുടെ പുസ്തകമാണ്.
നിതിൻ വത്സൻ എന്ന ചെറുപ്പക്കാരനായ IPS കാരൻ ഞങ്ങളുടെ Project shine എന്ന training program ൽ കുട്ടികളു���ായി സംസാരിക്കുവാൻ Sainik School Alumni Dr.Ashish Benz ന്റെ കൂടെ Attappady യിൽ Dec 29 2017 ൽ വന്നിട്ടുണ്ട്. വളരെ യാദൃശ്ചികമായിരുന്നു വരവ്. അവധികാലത്ത് സ്വവസതിയിൽ സമയം ചിലവഴിക്കാമായിരന്നിട്ടും അദ്ദേഹം ഈ Project നെ കുറിച്ച് അറിഞ്ഞപ്പോൾ സുഹൃത്തിനോടൊപ്പം ചേർന്നതാണ്.
അദ്ദേഹത്തിനും അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ പ്രിയപ്പെട്ടവർക്കും ദീർഘമായ ആയുസ്സും , നല്ല ആരോഗ്യവും ഉണ്ടാകട്ടെ.... അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ പ്രവർത്ത മേഖലയും, വ്യക്തി ജീവിതവും അനേകായിരം ആളുകൾക്ക് പ്രത്യാശയും, പ്രചോദനവും ആകട്ടെ....നന്മകൾ.
രണ്ടുമാസത്തിലധികമായി കാരണം പോലുമറിയാതെ,ഉറക്കം നഷ്ടപ്പെടുത്തുന്ന അതികഠിനമായ വേദന അനുഭവിക്കേണ്ടി വരുന്ന ഒരവസ്ഥ .... അവസാനം അത് തന്റെ ജോലിയിലെ Stress മൂലമുണ്ടായിട്ടുള്ള മാനസിക അവസ്ഥയാകും എന്ന് ചിന്തിച്ചു അതുമായി ജീവിക്കാൻ തുടങ്ങുമ്പോൾ Non-Hodgkin's Follicular Lymphoma Type 3 , അതും Stage 4 ക്യാൻസർ ...
നിതിന്റെ ഈ പുസ്തകം ഒരു അധിജീവനത്തിന്റെ കഥ മാത്രമല്ല .... ഒരു രോഗാവസ്ഥയിൽ പോലും ഓരോ പുതിയ കാര്യങ്ങൾ അദ്ദേഹം മനസ്സിലാക്കുകയും (അത് അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ തന്നെ physical /emotional / social / mental അവസ്ഥയും), നിർണ്ണാണകമായ ഘട്ടങ്ങളിൽ Opinions എടുക്കുന്ന വിധവും , ഓരോ വ്യക്തി ബന്ധങ്ങളും പോസിറ്റീവായി വയ്ക്കണം ,എങ്ങനെ അത് ഉപകാരപ്പെടുന്നു എന്നു തുടങ്ങി ഒരു പാട് കാര്യങ്ങൾ പറയുന്നുണ്ട്.
ക്യാൻസർ എന്ന രോഗാവസ്ഥ, അതിനെ അതിജീവിക്കുമ്പോളുണ്ടാകുന്ന ശരീരത്തിന്റെ അവസ്ഥ , മനസ്സിന്റെ അവസ്ഥ, തനിക്ക് ചുറ്റുമുള്ള സാമൂഹിക അവസ്ഥ, ജോലി ... എങ്ങനെയെല്ലാമാണ് അദ്ദേഹം തന്റെ കൃത്യനിഷ്ഠയും, ചിട്ടയായ ദിനചര്യകളും , പ്രാക്ടീസുകളിലൂടെയും ,കഠിനപ്രയക്തനം കൊണ്ടും, resilience വഴി തിരികെ പൂർവ്വസ്ഥിതിയിലേയ്ക്ക് എത്തിച്ചത് എന്ന് വായിച്ചിരിക്കേണ്ടത് തന്നെ .... ഈ പുസ്തകം ഒരു പ്രത്യാശയുടെ പുസ്തകമാണ്.
നിതിൻ വത്സൻ എന്ന ചെറുപ്പക്കാരനായ IPS കാരൻ ഞങ്ങളുടെ Project shine എന്ന training program ൽ കുട്ടികളു���ായി സംസാരിക്കുവാൻ Sainik School Alumni Dr.Ashish Benz ന്റെ കൂടെ Attappady യിൽ Dec 29 2017 ൽ വന്നിട്ടുണ്ട്. വളരെ യാദൃശ്ചികമായിരുന്നു വരവ്. അവധികാലത്ത് സ്വവസതിയിൽ സമയം ചിലവഴിക്കാമായിരന്നിട്ടും അദ്ദേഹം ഈ Project നെ കുറിച്ച് അറിഞ്ഞപ്പോൾ സുഹൃത്തിനോടൊപ്പം ചേർന്നതാണ്.
അദ്ദേഹത്തിനും അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ പ്രിയപ്പെട്ടവർക്കും ദീർഘമായ ആയുസ്സും , നല്ല ആരോഗ്യവും ഉണ്ടാകട്ടെ.... അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ പ്രവർത്ത മേഖലയും, വ്യക്തി ജീവിതവും അനേകായിരം ആളുകൾക്ക് പ്രത്യാശയും, പ്രചോദനവും ആകട്ടെ....നന്മകൾ.
August 26, 2024
In the face of life's greatest challenges, it is not merely the will to survive that defines us, but the courage to transform adversity into an extraordinary journey of triumph.
This book "Cancerman to Ironman," by Nidhin Valsan reminded me of this thought .
Valsan's battle with stage-4 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is not less than an real war.
Inspite of his aliment his dedication towards his Job his country kept me hooked.
I reckon his spirit of hope, resilience, and the human will to win, guides him back.
Valsan recounts his experience right from the
mysterious pain,the diagnosis,the treatment and alot of issues he experienced.
And while writing you relive all the moments again.So its like living the trauma again.His writing style is raw and unapologetically open; he speaks of the physical toll of chemotherapy, the mental anguish he was going through, facing his own mortality, and the emotional roller-coaster that followed.
Nidhin Valsan's decision to participate in the Ironman triathlon, one of the toughest endurance events in the world, marked a turning point in his life, giving him a deeper sense of purpose that he had been missing before. His story is not just about physical endurance but also about the mental strength he developed, the support he received, and the doubts he overcame to achieve success.
The Ironman race, completed just a year after his cancer diagnosis, symbolizes his journey from despair to hope, from illness to health.
This book "Cancerman to Ironman," by Nidhin Valsan reminded me of this thought .
Valsan's battle with stage-4 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is not less than an real war.
Inspite of his aliment his dedication towards his Job his country kept me hooked.
I reckon his spirit of hope, resilience, and the human will to win, guides him back.
Valsan recounts his experience right from the
mysterious pain,the diagnosis,the treatment and alot of issues he experienced.
And while writing you relive all the moments again.So its like living the trauma again.His writing style is raw and unapologetically open; he speaks of the physical toll of chemotherapy, the mental anguish he was going through, facing his own mortality, and the emotional roller-coaster that followed.
Nidhin Valsan's decision to participate in the Ironman triathlon, one of the toughest endurance events in the world, marked a turning point in his life, giving him a deeper sense of purpose that he had been missing before. His story is not just about physical endurance but also about the mental strength he developed, the support he received, and the doubts he overcame to achieve success.
The Ironman race, completed just a year after his cancer diagnosis, symbolizes his journey from despair to hope, from illness to health.
September 10, 2024
" 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙙𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙩 𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝙖 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙥𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 "
Cancerman to Ironman is an inspiring and a very heart touching memoir by Nidhin Valsan.
I don't know from where should I even start? Every page I read, my heart hurted for everything he had been through. This book is a battle of him against the cancer. The book is divided into 4 parts : Diagnosis, Treatment, Rehabilitation and Ironman containing his journey from how he got to know about his disease, about the pain he had to go through, the treatment, the after care, to get back to his life again and how he became the Ironman within 1 year of fighting cancer.
This book was such a deep and powerful read. So grateful for him to share his journey with us, inspiring everyone.
There's something I want each one of you to remember:-
𝘾𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙛𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙪𝙥 𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙙, 𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙪𝙥. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤𝙣'𝙩 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙪𝙥, 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙤𝙣. 𝘽𝙀 𝙎𝙏𝙍𝙊𝙉𝙂 𝘽𝙀 𝘽𝙊𝙇𝘿.
And it's not just for cancer, it's for everything or anything you're going through! I hope you remember this, don't give up. YOU'RE STRONG!
The last page broke me a little but Nidhin I know you're gonna fight it, overcome it and come out even more stronger! Fighting.
Cancerman to Ironman is an inspiring and a very heart touching memoir by Nidhin Valsan.
I don't know from where should I even start? Every page I read, my heart hurted for everything he had been through. This book is a battle of him against the cancer. The book is divided into 4 parts : Diagnosis, Treatment, Rehabilitation and Ironman containing his journey from how he got to know about his disease, about the pain he had to go through, the treatment, the after care, to get back to his life again and how he became the Ironman within 1 year of fighting cancer.
This book was such a deep and powerful read. So grateful for him to share his journey with us, inspiring everyone.
There's something I want each one of you to remember:-
𝘾𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙛𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙪𝙥 𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙙, 𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙪𝙥. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤𝙣'𝙩 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙪𝙥, 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙤𝙣. 𝘽𝙀 𝙎𝙏𝙍𝙊𝙉𝙂 𝘽𝙀 𝘽𝙊𝙇𝘿.
And it's not just for cancer, it's for everything or anything you're going through! I hope you remember this, don't give up. YOU'RE STRONG!
The last page broke me a little but Nidhin I know you're gonna fight it, overcome it and come out even more stronger! Fighting.
September 27, 2025
“Cancer is fought with mind, we can’t let cancer win over our mind”
This is an easy to read Cancer Memoir, Nidhin was diagnosed with stage-4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma went through chemo, rehab and finally competing in Ironman.
It took him almost 10 months of diagnosis + chemo to fight cancer. He shared it was mostly mindset to defeat cancer. It was tough but he had impeccable family, doctor friends and colleagues support. Doing Ironman is inspirational after cancer.
I would like to thank doctor, nurse and hospital staff who worked hard to save people lives.
Also I noticed nidhin had good network with doctors who guide him and helped with surgery reports and schedule surgery which is unheard in west. In west you have no choice except to go as health system is.
Also while preparing for Ironman his boss or friends made sure he got less work so he can focus on training.
Learnings:
Exercise is very important to keep body immunity prime.
family friends support will help you go through tough times in life.
Home cooked food is most nutritious.
This is an easy to read Cancer Memoir, Nidhin was diagnosed with stage-4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma went through chemo, rehab and finally competing in Ironman.
It took him almost 10 months of diagnosis + chemo to fight cancer. He shared it was mostly mindset to defeat cancer. It was tough but he had impeccable family, doctor friends and colleagues support. Doing Ironman is inspirational after cancer.
I would like to thank doctor, nurse and hospital staff who worked hard to save people lives.
Also I noticed nidhin had good network with doctors who guide him and helped with surgery reports and schedule surgery which is unheard in west. In west you have no choice except to go as health system is.
Also while preparing for Ironman his boss or friends made sure he got less work so he can focus on training.
Learnings:
Exercise is very important to keep body immunity prime.
family friends support will help you go through tough times in life.
Home cooked food is most nutritious.
November 11, 2024
"Cancerman to Ironman" is a heart-wrenching and inspiring memoir by Nidhin Valsan. In this book, he has shared his journey from being diagnosed with cancer to becoming an Ironman triathlete.
The memoir presents the story of an IPS officer from Goa who was diagnosed with cancer. The book details his journey of battling the disease and his determination and strong willpower to overcome the physical and mental challenges he faced. Despite the difficult circumstances, Nidhin Valsan was able to not only recover from cancer but also go on to compete in an Ironman triathlon race.
Through this book, the author, Nidhin, has shared his true emotions and struggles, making the book more authentic for the readers. Cancer affects the mental state of the patient badly. His story reflects strong determination and courage, and I found it to be very motivating.
The book is written in an easy-to-read language. It will inspire readers to take challenges and uncertainties in life as opportunities to grow.
In conclusion, "Cancerman to Ironman" is such a book that will inspire readers to maintain a positive mindset and hope even during hardships and tough times.
It's a must-read for anyone who is struggling with poor health and those who wish to read inspirational memoirs.
The memoir presents the story of an IPS officer from Goa who was diagnosed with cancer. The book details his journey of battling the disease and his determination and strong willpower to overcome the physical and mental challenges he faced. Despite the difficult circumstances, Nidhin Valsan was able to not only recover from cancer but also go on to compete in an Ironman triathlon race.
Through this book, the author, Nidhin, has shared his true emotions and struggles, making the book more authentic for the readers. Cancer affects the mental state of the patient badly. His story reflects strong determination and courage, and I found it to be very motivating.
The book is written in an easy-to-read language. It will inspire readers to take challenges and uncertainties in life as opportunities to grow.
In conclusion, "Cancerman to Ironman" is such a book that will inspire readers to maintain a positive mindset and hope even during hardships and tough times.
It's a must-read for anyone who is struggling with poor health and those who wish to read inspirational memoirs.
March 6, 2026
The book is everything one needs for that push in life.
It’s a story of a humble human with an indomitable spirit who Cancer tried to break multiple times. The book has details, daily nuances of a cancer patient trying to navigate through his responsibilities as a civil servant, a father, a son and a husband! Personification of the proverb” where there is a will, there is a way”.
I
It’s a story of a humble human with an indomitable spirit who Cancer tried to break multiple times. The book has details, daily nuances of a cancer patient trying to navigate through his responsibilities as a civil servant, a father, a son and a husband! Personification of the proverb” where there is a will, there is a way”.
I
August 25, 2025
nice one on a comeback in life. Really a book with two stages.
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