Survivors’ diary

Mrs Siyali (74)

"It was 43 years ago in 1966 that I first located a lump in my left breast during my first pregnancy. I was a Fullbright scholar in Boston University, USA and I just neglected it. After the birth of my first born the lump was reduced to pea size, but did not disappear. We returned to Chandigarh where I had my third child, a daughter. I joined the Psychology Department at Panjab University and was teaching clinical psychology and also completed my PhD.

Before joining the psychology department at HP University, Shimla, in 1982, the lump was removed under local anaesthesia. I was much relieved to know that it was benign. After my retirement in1997, I found another lump in the same area. The needle biopsy at PGI, Chandigarh, was negative, I was asked to follow regularly including mammography, but I became complacent. In 2000 I suddenly started losing weight and became very weak; and even fainted; there was swelling of knee joints and hands.

I came to Chandigarh and consulted a rheumatologist, thinking the problem was the long standing osteoathritis. But it was found to be related to the lump in my breast. Segmental masectomy had to be performed on both breasts in 2000, I had advanced to stage III already.

I was lucky to receive a lot of support from my family. My eldest son, who was in the US and daughter from Delhi, left their jobs to take care of me. Friends and relatives sent prayers of various religions. I recovered completely and since 2001 I am fully involved in voluntary work with NGOs.

But one thing that I will not neglect now is regular follow-up. I can’t believe it is over nine years post surgery for cancer of both breasts and I am fit as a fiddle. I owe my remarkable recovery to my doctor, my family and friends. I personally feel what makes a difference is living to the fullest in the present."

"I was an employee of HMT, Pinjore, when I fell sick in 1988. I became very weak and anaemic and was investigated at HMT dispensary and subsequently at the PGI but exact diagnosis eluded. My haemoglobin dropped to 3 gms \ /dl, and I noticed that the colour of stools was becoming darker. Investigations at the PGI followed.

My endoscopy revealed that I had cancer of oesophagus — the food pipe. I was also informed that the disease is a nasty one with poor prognosis and this is correct and relevant even today. I was prepared for surgery, built up by getting multiple blood transfusions and was operated upon on August 11, 1989. Whole of my food pipe, the upper part of stomach and spleen were removed. It is now almost 20 years since my operation.

I am living in Canada with my son. I have remained well, free of problems and enjoy myself. I can eat and drink everything. I go for long walks but I never forget to keep my follow up appointments."

"I was found to have cancer of the pancreas and was told that it was one of the worst cancers. It requires a complicated major operation taking six to eight hours.

It is also a very serious operation and is associated with a high incidence of post-operative complications and even death.

I was depressed but not defeated, but the biggest problem was to find a competent surgeon.

Finally we zeroed in on PGI, Chandigarh, the operation was carried out and soon I recovered and returned to my home.

I am disease free now and enjoy good health and the company of my children and grandchildren."

"I had severe abdominal pain in September 2003 and was advised to undergo ultrasound examination of abdomen.

I was found to have multiple stones in gall bladder and in the CBD (tube carrying bile from liver to the intestine) but more importantly the scan also revealed a tumour in my right kidney.

My CBD was stented, and the surgeon opined that I would require two operations, first one for kidney tumour and later on for gallstones. Dr. S.M. Bose, was consulted and he offered to undertake operation for both the problems at the same time. Further investigations were undertaken to stage my tumour and also to evaluate fitness for surgery.

I underwent radical nephrectomy, cholecystectomy and choledocholithomy and soon recovered fully. I have remained hale and hearty for six years, free of tumour recurrence.

"My breast cancer was detected in May 1993 and I was treated for it. Everything was fine till April 2006, when it was found that the cancer had spread to the other side too.

I had to undergo another operation and recovered quickly.

Though minor problems keep cropping up this ripe age, like I was found to have bilateral varicose veins in both lower limbs and had to undergo operation in April, 2008 but life goes on well as I keep busy managing my house and I love to cook kadhi-chawal and fish for my darling grandson Yuvi (cricketer Yuvraj Singh) whenever he is around.

Mrs. Uma Bhanot

Mrs. Uma Bhanot, head of the Geography Department at Government College for Girls, Sector 11, Chandigarh, and wife of Dr V. B. Bhanot, former Dean of Panjab University, too, has given a tough fight to the disease. According to Mrs Bhanot, “In 2005, soon after my return from the USA, I discovered a small nodule in my breast. The FNAC revealed cancer. On the third day after the diagnosis, I was operated upon, two days before my birthday. I was discharged within 24 hours and went home to celebrate my birthday.”

“Subsequently I was given radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormone therapy. Four years since the operation took place, today I am leading a healthy life. I also underwent total knee replacement surgery on both knees, exactly three years after the completion of my treatment for cancer. Also recently, I had a cataract operation.”