Cancer conquerors speak up

Being diagnosed with cancer can be one of the most challenging health issues both physically and mentally for a person. In this regard, offering hope to those battling with the disease, survivors from the city spoke about “early acceptance” and “positive state of mind” as the means to deal with it.

Survivors shared their experience at Krishna Institute of Medical Science (KIMS) under the campaign of ‘Fighting Cancer Together’ in Secunderabad on the eve of World Cancer Day on Friday. A 35-year-old woman, Madhumita Chakraborty who underwent a breast conserving surgery shared her experience, “In the beginning I was shocked that I was suffering from breast cancer, but later with the support of doctors and my family I took it as a challenge.”

“I always had a fear that there would be a cosmetic defect after the surgery as a large chunk of breast tissue would be removed. I would wonder if there were any technological advances that would help to reshape my breast after undergoing surgery,” said the woman.

“Later with the Oncoplastic breast surgery the tissue was removed. And today I am fit, I regularly go out, have healthy food, exercise and regularly go for my check up,” said Madhumita. “Cancer is not the end of life; we have to fight against it,” she said.

A survivor of ovarian cancer, 75-year-old Sushila Chellani, who was diagnosed with the disease in its third stage said, “I underwent my first surgery in 2006 at Asian institute of Gastro Enterology and 10 chemos were given in the span of one year. All this was not easy. In 2012, I had to undergo second surgery to remove the spleen and the chemo continued regularly. In 2014 I underwent 25 cycles of radiation. Finally, I had to go through the third surgery in 2016 to remove the modules form vaginal and bladder area.”

Fifty-year-old Radha Krishna shared the complications of Leukemia and how he lost weight during the treatment dropping from 72kg to 40kg. “Liver injury due to drugs resolved completely, but later I suffered complication of hip weakness due to steroid. However, I recovered fully with minor surgery,” he said.

Senior consultant Radiation Oncologist at KIMS, Dr T Pratap Reddy informed that more cancer awareness has to be brought among the people. “Cancer is not a dreadful disease and it can be cured,” he reminded. On a practical note he said, “Cancer treatment is becoming expensive, so I advice people to take health insurances.”

By Aneri Shah