Breast Cancer Survivers - Success Stories

The word CANCER illicit a strong wave of unrest as well as fear in every human mind, Doctors and Patients alike. Being a doctor, I was frequently reminded of this disease, when the news used to come of any relative, friend or colleague being diagnosed with cancer apart from the patients whom I anaesthetized , there was a sense of immediate concern about this grotesque illness which like felon spared no one from infant to old.

Beginning of the year 2010 was like any other year for me and my family. Things were going perfectly and all of us were eagerly awaiting the much needed summer vacation. Lot of planning was on cards, since March itself and there was a splurge of enthusiasm in me as well as my husband and children. Then that horrendous day came in my life, which shook the entire earth below my feet. On 9th March 2010 in the morning while taking bath I noticed a lump in my breast. Somehow it stirred my mind and a quick feeling of apprehension loomed over my otherwise cheer full mind. I immediately shared my concern with my husband who himself is an experienced surgeon. He too shared that same frame of mind which was shadowed by the clouds of concern and anxiety. Both of us immediately agreed upon getting excisional biopsy done. Next day procedure was done. Since we share our family feelings with all doctors in Nagpur city. Our friend Pathologist immediately processed the slide with utmost concern and our biggest fear came true. I was diagnosed with Breast cancer.

Being a doctor sometimes it acts like a double edged sword because of the knowledge of symptoms and implication of various modalities which are applied, also the risk and complication and side effects made my future suddenly look hazy. Being a woman our family comes first for us and having a son, daughter and husband, my concern was justified. But at the same time their support was invaluable at such difficult time. We took a decision to fight it with all our spirit. The very next day I got all the necessary investigation done, which include USG Abdomen, CT scan, Bone scan, ECG, Echo, and blood investigations etc,etc.. . 16th March my surgery "Modified Rodical Mastectomy" was planned .The first big obstacle was the one which was my daily job to undergo the scalpel, it was an experience which I had never imagined. To be on the OT table and not behind the table - which I had been doing since past 3 & half decadesfuccess be. I underwent the surgery smoothly.

I consider myself blessed to have host of relatives , family, friends, Doctors colleagues who supported me through thick and thins . My post operative recovery was very smooth and fast. From 15th day of my surgery , I started working and attending anesthesia calls , my doctor colleagues used to help in managing the cases.

After a month , the next and most challenging part was to undergo chemotherapy, even now when I remember that period, I still get chills down my spine . I took 6 cycles of chemotherapy in 4 months . My blood count dropped significantly for which I had to be transfused with blood stimulators. It caused a lot of excruciating and throbbing pain in bones. Nausea was horrible with every cycle of chemotherapy . I started losing hair. I became completely bald. But I knew that these effects are reversible . I got to test my own strength of patience . The biggest lesson I learnt was to fight this disease and never to give up I did regular exercises , meditation which helped me tremendously physically as well as emotionally. During this tough period , I had great support of my family , relatives and friends .

It is more than 9 years . I keep regular follow up which include self examination, sonography and other essential tests. I am absolutely fit and fine .

Retrospectively I realized that god tests you but also gives you strength and courage to fight out. Whenever I anaesthetize a patient of cancer breast, I visualize my past . Preoperatively I convince the patient and counsel her from different perspective which instill more confidence and trust in her.

To all ladies, I would like to stress upon the importance of self Breast examination, not to hide anything and not to feel shy to consult a doctor . Since early diagnosis and prompt treatment is hall mark of success of cancer treatment. Never give up , my earnest request to all is listen to the advice of treating doctor and undergo the complete treatment , we can certainly defeat the disease with our efforts . There is always a ray of hope and shimmer of success beyond the long dark tunnel. "Let's all fight this deadly disorder with strength and courage and impinge upon the importance of early detection" .

Once again I want to stress that I could fight this frightening disease due to immense support and courage extended by my near and dear . I feel so satisfied that my Doctor Son Abhinav who was witness to all these miseries took up this discipline. He is an onco surgeon of repute. I conquered cancer and my son is conquering cancer of others .

We sincerely hope that instead of the disease the term remains only in zodiac sign ie. Cancer.