Cancer

Amita Modi, 44 from Ahmedabad, was diagnosed with Oral Tongue Cancer survivor when she was 28. Her 18 month old daughter motivated her to stay strong and positive through her cancer treatment. She still worries about her stress triggering off a relapse of cancer. When were you diagnosed, Amita? What were the early symptoms? In November of 2002, I noticed a small sore on my tongue. I tried some home remedies but got no results and it seemed to have grown bigger. During the December holidays, we…

Narayan Chandra Dey,72 from Bally, Howrah has been fighting prostate cancer for 7 years now. He talks about how he finds the will to combat his condition. Please tell us about your condition? I am surviving with prostate cancer for the last 7 years.  Prostate Cancer was diagnosed on 18/8/2011 after screening of PSA test which was high (69.8) and USG report revealing enlarged heterogeneous prostate. What were the early symptoms of prostate cancer? Difficulty while urinating, fever, more…

Shrenik Shah, 67 from Ahmedabad, India was diagnosed with Larynx (Vocal Folds) cancer, stage IV A 22 years ago. He now speaks with an Electrolarynx to motivate and inspire others. What were the early symptoms? What made you go see a doctor? I started getting hoarseness in my voice in late 1996. It was followed by breathlessness at night time and weight loss. I also would get so drowsy that I would sleep while standing. I am a non-smoker and have never had alcohol, tobacco, gutka, masala etc.…

Atabuddin Mondal,53 from Chakdaha, West Bengal has been suffering from Bronchogenic Carcinoma, and is now in a better form after going through chemotherapy cycles. He shares his experiences of handling the Big C. Please tell us about your condition. I have been suffering from Lung Cancer. When were you diagnosed? I was diagnosed on 25/02/2018 with Bronchogenic carcinoma,1st stage. What were the early symptoms? Being addicted to smoking, first came the change in voice and then I had a…

Nothing could be better than receiving valuable tips and strategies from cancer victors themselves to lead a meaningful and fulfilling life after breast cancer. We share key highlights and take-aways from the recently conducted webinar by PatientsEngage on Living Better After Breast Cancer. Diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can be harsh physically and emotionally. But it is not the end. You can bounce back and restore a normal life again. There are many ways to move forward, stay…

Board certified Genetic Counselor Dr. Mansi Vishal talks about the scenarios where genetic counselling is beneficial and where its not necessary. A useful interview that helps us understand the role of genetics in cancer.   What is genetic counselling or genetic consultation? As per the standard definition by National Society of genetic Counselors (NSGC), Genetic counselling as a process of helping people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological and familial implications of…

Cancer is not a death sentence. And many people continue to live fulfilling lives after cancer. In our Live Discussion sessions we talk to eminent doctors and brave survivors for tips, vital information and motivation. In the first of the series on Living Better After Breast Cancer we have with us Director and Breast Cancer Specialist Dr. D.G. Vijay, HCG Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad  Breast Cancer Survivor Nandita Muralidhar, Chennai   Breast Cancer Survivor Urvi Sabnis - Dave,…

Urvi Sabnis, 47 from Ahmedabad, India was diagnosed with 2nd stage breast cancer through a routine screening. However, she stayed focussed through the treatment and has emerged a more compassionate, grateful and fearless woman. Tell us about about yourself and your cancer history  The beginning of my story is rather mundane. A small town girl with big dreams. I made a name for myself as the rare female in the male dominated sphere of the corporate world. To round it off, I had a…

Pranab Basu has been a hands on caregiver for his wife, and has now devoted himself to helping and counselling people suffering from Cancer. He talks about the importance of counselling in Palliative Care. What is the role of Palliative Care? World Health Organization defines Palliative Care as "to prevent and relieve suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other related problems, physical, psychosocial and spiritual". The intrinsic value…

Rita Banik, founder of RACE to Rein in Cancer has been living with cancer for more than 12 years. She reflects on her journey, the ups and downs and what keeps her going as the fear of relapse stays in the mind forever. The milestones and key incidents that come to mind Detected the breast lump in March 2006 Going for FNAC test was the hardest First reaction of relatives was that I was going to die The trauma of losing a breast came almost after a year of surgery First realization of what I…