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Submitted by PatientsEngage on 14 September 2019

Pranay Rangra, 35 from Mumbai, is a Stage 2 Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivor shares the psycho-social aspects of life after cancer, how cancer has changed his life. And his future plans, including making a documentary on South Africa. 

We spoke to Pranay Rangra on a wide range of topics during the webinar Living Better After Cancer: Adapting to the New Reality. Here are some of the points we spoke about. 

How did you deal with work colleagues and friends visiting

I was very clear I only wanted to meet a limited number of people during chemo cycles. My parents allowed only my close friends to meet me.  They motivated me and constantly reassured me - "You are looking good". I preferred not to see work colleagues early on. 

Read about Pranay's journey with Lymphoma: Failing Is Never An Option

How did you handle people's comments on your treatment choices? 

If you are comfortable with the treatment you are on, then other people talking of other treatment options, or someone they knew dying or alternate therapy did not bother me.  

Did you work during cancer treatment?

I did not work during cancer treatment. My doctor advised that emotionally and physically, it can be difficult to work through the treatment. For 6 months of chemo and radiation, work was not on my list of priorities. Recovery was the most important.

Getting back to work after treatment

I was battling with the questions said and unsaid - "Are you fit enough?" "Can you cope?" For the first one month, I did back end work, helped colleagues, rebuilt inner confidence and address concerns as well as lack of confidence of colleagues and slowly integrated back to work. I also had to deal with the loss of hair. So I wore a hat to work. It was slow journey to realise that I can face the challenges.

How has cancer changed you and your life 

  • I take care of my health more. 
  • Don't think so much and don't let things affect me as much
  • Started concentrating on the NOW. 
  • I realised I must make myself happy. Don't look outside for happiness.
  • I work with a cancer NGO
  • I write about South Africa and am planning to travel to South Africa to make a documentary.

 

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