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 persistent cough for a long time.
Is there any history of any type of cancer in your family?
My younger brother was a victim of liver cancer.
What is your present condition?
Sometimes I go through coughing bouts and am also short of breath. I have undergone 10 chemotherapy cycles. I am better now.
Were there any side effects of the medicine/treatment?
I experienced no definite side-effects like hair loss or vomitting. But I did feel weak for a few days and developed an apathy for food.
How did your nearest and dearest ones react?
My wife and son were worried and upset for me, as is natural.
What medications are you on?
Amoxyclav 625, Deriphyllin ,Folic acid, Pan40.
At present are you only on check up?
Yes, once a month.
What kind of specialists do you consult and where?
I am a patient of a government hospital, but for the last three months I have been consulting oncologists attending voluntarily at the Eastern India Palliative Care, Barrackpore,West Bengal, India. The team members of EIPC, Barrackpore have helped me in many ways, specially in terms of free treatment and free medicines. I also periodically take advice from the clinic- in- charge Ms Runa Mitra over telephone who is always at our service.
Have you ever consulted a counsellor for support?
I met Mr Pranab Basu who counsels patients at EIPC and who boosted me and advised me on what to do and what not to do.
Have you learnt anything in managing your condition that you wished you knew before?
Had I known earlier the harmful effects of smoking, I would have certainly stayed away from it.
Must Read: How to Quit Smoking
What were some of the challenges you faced and what is your advice to patients who face similar challenges?
My humble request to all to give up smoking. Also, a disciplined life with regular check ups can offer you a better quality of life.
Have you tried complementary medicines to cope with your condition?
No
Has it been difficult emotionally to cope with your condition?
In the initial stages, I went through a fair measure of anxiety and tension. But I am much more stable now emotionally.
How has your family supported you?
My wife was naturally very upset after my diagnosis. I got a lot of support from both my son and son-in-law. In fact, it is my son-in-law who has taken it upon himself to take me to the hospital and to the doctors whenever necessary. But other relatives tend to stay away from us.
What was the hardest part of the treatment?
The hardest part of the treatment was to undergo chemotherapy in the hospital in Kolkata and get back home the same day, involving a travel of 90km both ways.
What kept you going? How has this changed your life perspective and ambition?
Life is hard at the moment,but I am surviving and also hope to survive till the wedding of my granddaughter whose mother,my daughter,passed away. So this is what has given me a goal in life whch I am looking forward to fulfilling. I try not to be overcome by frustration, anxiety or even stress. I try to be positive as that is what helps one to win the battle.
(As told to Mr Pranab Kumar Basu, retd Asst. Headmaster and currently voluntary counsellor to cancer patients at Eastern India Palliative Care, Barrackpore, West Bengal)
