Here’s a true story from a cancer survivor who after undergoing grueling sessions of chemotherapy and 35 rounds of radiotherapy realised how important it is for cancer patients to be motivated and why there is still a need to spread awareness about cancer.
Married to an army man and blessed with a son and a daughter life seemed perfect, when in July 2001 it decided to take a U-turn. After episodes of sudden bleeding, I was diagnosed with vaginal vault sarcoma, a wound related cancer. After a number of tedious tests, my treatment started at the Army Hospital, Research & Referral in New Delhi. I went through two rounds of chemotherapy (lasting five days each) and suffered numerous side effects like hair-loss, nausea, blisters in the mouth and terrible weakness. (Read more about the side-effects of chemotherapy.)
An extensive surgery was performed, after which the doctors declared me cancer free. I also had to undergo thirty-five rounds of radiotherapy. My treatment got completed in January 2002 for which I shall always be grateful to my doctors who were more like psychiatrists, explaining me in detail everything about the disease, treatment and its side effects, and also providing guidance to face the disease bravely. I was very optimistic otherwise but with cancer I had my moments of doubt and cynic. Thanks to my family and doctors who really motivated me to stay positive which helped me to fight the disease and come out as a winner. This also made me realise how important it is for people fighting cancer to stay motivated and positive for better results.
There are so many myths surrounding cancer and many people still believe that cancer means death. So, it is imperative for patients and caretakers to receive proper guidance on a regular basis. (Read more about ten cancer myths and myths about breast cancer.) This is exactly what encouraged me to be instrumental in laying the foundations of Prerna (with the help of my doctors), an organisation intended to provide emotional support to cancer patients at the Army Hospital R&R. I organised orientation programmes for new volunteers, prepared hand outs for patients, started fun group activities and celebrated all festivals with patients so that they do not feel home-sick.
I also initiated project Saraswati in which school teachers were involved to help out young patients with their studies. After a lot of interaction with doctors and after picking up the medical aspects of the disease, I was actively involved in counselling patients to understand the adverse fallouts while undergoing radical treatment such as stem cell transplant. I took the initiative to set up various facilities like a kitchenette for the pediatric ward, a children play-room, a library comprising books, toys, cartoon films and games. We truly believe that ‘Cure is in the hands of God; but care is surely in the hands of man.’ I was awarded the ‘AWWA Award for Excellence’ in 2006 by the President ‘Army Wives Welfare Association,’ the largest NGOs in the country.
Currently, I am the President of Cancer Jagriti, a Cancer Awareness Initiative under the aegis of Indian Cancer Society, Delhi. I lead all major events planned and executed by Jagriti including awareness talks, training of new volunteers, radio talks, mobile camps for screening of cancer and regular interaction with doctors to upgrade the knowledge base of volunteers. We also organise events like the annual cancer awareness walk, cyclothon, artists against cancer and cluster teacher. Read more about breast cancer awareness run in Delhi.
My experience with cancer has definitely made a better human being and I feel very fortunate that life has given me a chance to help others. This I can say has been my journey from a victim to a victor.
Read more inspirational cancer survivor stories: RJ Singh Oberoi who survived a rare form of heart cancer, a cancer specialist who survived colon cancer and Yuvraj Singh beats cancer.
Story courtesy: Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
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