Usha Jerome, who was diagnosed with upper rectal cancer at 62, talks candidly about her symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and how she heroically fought the darkest period of her life.
Where shall I begin? Perhaps with Dr Naresh Bhat, an eminent and accomplished gastroenterologist in Bangalore. It was strange that when we met him on the morning of June 19, 2011, he was his usual charming self. Later that evening, after the colonoscopy, his expression was totally grave and grim. Even at that point, we did not suspect anything serious.
Learning the bad news
So I just said, “Doctor, you can tell us upfront what you have to say. Please do not hide the truth."
He said, "You know Usha, I am sorry, you have upper rectal cancer."
Phew! Just like that!!
For a split second my husband and I were stunned and tears welled up in my eyes. That was it. After that, I cannot explain why we were so composed and positive.
The doctor’s diagnosis stunned us because I have had no health issues whatsoever. I used to boast about being the proverbial strong horse of the family; never a cold or a cough. But here I must mention, a year or two prior to this diagnosis, I had about 14 warts on my fingers for which I underwent a cryogenic treatment.
Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
My symptoms had started a month before our visit to the doctor. It began with totally abnormal bowel movements. I would need to run to the loo to pass a motion at least 8 times a day as compared to the customary once in the morning. It was almost like an IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). I only had to see or think of food, even while cooking, and I'd run. One day, there was blood in the stools which I (providentially) saw accidentally, because whoever looks into the pot? I also had a low grade evening fever of 99 degrees accompanied with muscular pain in the thighs and legs (something akin to the pain after strenuous exercise). This went on for about a month which was my biggest folly. The main reason for being in denial was that we had no medical insurance and if it was something serious that required hospitalization how would we manage was foremost in my mind. In hindsight, it was foolish because my cancer rapidly went into third stage.
I presumed it was piles and told my husband thus. We saw a surgeon who assumed it was haemorrhoids and gave me medication for it. However, at that time I bled profusely and that's when we decided to consult a gastroenterologist who listened to my symptoms, did a colonoscopy and pronounced the verdict even before the biopsy was done.
Personally I feel it was purely Divine intervention and my unconditional belief in "Thy will be done", that we could accept it so easily, and not being the proverbial "Doubting Thomas".
One important point which I now realise is not to be in denial and push the symptoms under the carpet, but to address the issue at once as it can spread very rapidly. I am guilty of this and delayed by over a month, because of the huge expenses involved. However by God's Grace better sense prevailed.
Two things are important.
- Firstly, the doctors should not hide the truth and must explain the exact stage of cancer and the way forward.
- Secondly, we must believe in and trust our doctors.
Amazing doctors
Armed with this attitude and taking Dr. Naresh Bhat's advice we were under the care of Dr Nandakumar Jairam, Chairman and Group Medical Director, and his wonderful team of doctors and nurses at Columbia Asia Hospital, Yeshwanthpur.
Once we met Dr Neelesh Reddy, the oncologist, he told us in detail what the procedure of the treatment entailed. He made it sound so practical and easy. His calm and assuring disposition was enough to make my husband and sons ready to face the onslaught as it were. Our faith and trust in Dr Neelesh was implicit and continues to be so.
My amazing Oncology surgeon, Dr Anoop Shivram told us that due to heavy bleeding, he would not be able to perform an accurate surgery and therefore the tumour had to be shrunk. Thus began my long journey of radiation and oral chemo for a month. There was a month's break followed by surgery. Now, I had an added appendage - a colostomy bag! And a catheter and chemo port as well.
Another month's break and the much dreaded chemo began. Once again, I want people to know that medical technology has advanced so much that it's no longer a frightening word.
In fact, there was time when people referred to cancer as the "big C” and were afraid to even say the word! But things have changed. There is so much of premedication given to lessen the side effects, so I request patients is: "Be positive. Do not psyche yourself into believing that chemo is going to be dreadful."
Positive approach and a sense of humour
A positive and cheerful approach is half the battle won. Sometimes, even a sense of humour helps. For instance, the fact that I knew that I was going to lose my hair was a bit intimidating. But I decided to take it in a lighter vein and used to tell my family and friends that I looked forward to the regrowth not knowing whether I'd come out curly or straight, black or grey!! I daresay the result is not too bad! At this juncture, an incident comes to mind. Knowing apprehensions about losing my hair, my childhood friend, Jacqueline Colaco, in spite of braving and facing her own problems of rheumatoid arthritis, decided to shave her head as an act of solidarity. That indeed was a noble gesture. The unconditional support and love I received from family and friends was overwhelming.
Dr Neelesh and his team of doctors and nurses were amazing. I have no word to describe the bonding we had. Even the oncology nurses had so much compassion. They were so wonderful that I actually choked with emotion when the treatment was over and I was given the green signal!!
Doctors Shivram and Satish, the haematologist, Naresh Bhat and Anupama were always kind and reassuring and willing to spare a moment to boost my morale. Mr Goraknath, the colostomy bag technician, played a significant role. Without him my life would have been a misery. For months on end, he came faithfully to change my bag. His patience was of a high calibre and never made feel embarrassed or a nuisance. Pavitra, the nutritionist, Vinod the chef and his team always satisfied my craving for tasty dishes. I am sharing such mundane details - because these matter to lift one's spirits.
The biggest challenge was to fight the cancer and cooperate with the doctor. The worth of my husband and sons and family and friends was realised by me in this darkest period of my life. I often remember the anxious moments, the battle I fought was because of them.
Diet during treatment
During my treatment, I was not allowed to eat raw vegetables and fresh fruit. I was adviced only protein rich bland diet. Fruit was allowed only on chemo day and for two days thereafter.
We were not allowed to play with pets nor receive fresh flowers.
Initially, I was in a lot of pain because of radiation side effects. Unfortunately, during the last two weeks technicians changed and maybe the second one was not accurately placed (I mean the cast), and apparently 6 to 7 inches of the large intestine was burnt. The intense pain was a result of this. The surgeon discovered this during surgery and had to cut and remove the portion. This has resulted in my rapid digestion and wanting to visit the loo at least 4 times a day which the doctors say is no problem. In fact I jokingly call myself ATM - not as in money, but “any time motion"!
I have not made many changes in the diet after treatment. I am particular about not eating very spicy food and to avoid outside food as far as possible, but, since it's been 5 years now, I can indulge sometimes.
Hope and Strength
Hope - Strength - Faith - Courage - this message is for all people who have experienced cancer in their lives. Some are not as blessed as others and have succumbed to cancer. And therefore, for the family and friends of those who do not survive, the message of Hope - Strength - Faith -Courage remains.
I derived maximum strength from my family, friends and doctors. I did not join any support group. Nor did we opt for any other alternative treatment. Another message that I want to convey is - never take good health for granted. Take cognisance of anything abnormal.
Continue to believe and trust in God and your doctors.
And to you, all my cancer-mates, caretakers and doctors, I want you to know that we are not cancer patients or cancer survivors but cancer WARRIORS.
