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Submitted by PatientsEngage on 12 October 2015

Rajita, now 42, looks back on her ‘shock’ diagnosis and treatment, and how she kept going through rough chemo sessions. 

Please tell us a bit about your condition and your history. 

I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 31. 

After I noticed a lump, I went to my gynaecologist as there’s a history of breast cancer in my family. I lost my mother to it at age 56. She suggested needle biopsy. The report of FNAC (fine-needle aspiration cytology) came out negative, but since my mother had had breast cancer, we consulted the surgeon and he decided to remove the lump and get it checked. The report was most unexpected as I was diagnosed with Grade III Invasive ductal carcinoma.

I had another surgery at Tata Hospital, Mumbai, where they found 7 lymph nodes positive. I was suggested TAC-Chemotherapy plus radiation and Tamoxifen. The first TAC chemo dose was very high, which made my body very very weak, so the dosage was lowered.

When were you diagnosed?

I was diagnosed in May 2004.

What were the early symptoms?

I felt the lump and noticed inverted nipple one day while taking a bath 

What is your present condition?

It’s been 11 years since I was diagnosed. Except for a few hiccups on and off, I have been doing relatively well.

Please describe your experience of managing your condition.

I was scared of the illness as I had lost my mother to it. I was married for only for couple of years when cancer struck. I somehow got the strength to fight it and undergo treatment. After every chemo, I used to go and stay with my Dad in Igatpuri, which is a small hill station. The change made me feel better. After the initial 4-5 bad days after chemo, I used to cook at least something every day to keep myself occupied and to feel useful. I loved reading cookery books and imagined myself cooking the dishes that I had read about, after I got well.

Any related complications?

There were no complications as such except the usual ones after Chemo. Just before my last chemo, I got fever, because of which my chemo got postponed.

What medications are you on?

I was advised Calcium, after I had a hysterectomy in 2012, so I take that on and off.

Were there any side effects of the medicines?

Loss of all body hair, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting, metallic taste in the mouth.

What is your advice to patients who face similar challenges?

My only advice is to remain calm and follow the doctor’s advice. The medicines have advanced a lot in the past few years and cancer can be dealt with timely detection, proper care, right diet and following few spiritual practices like meditation, yoga etc.

Have you learnt anything in managing in your condition that you wish you knew before? 

I learnt a lot while undergoing my treatment and most importantly, I became a stronger person.

What kind of specialists do you consult and how often?

I visit my oncologist Dr. Sudeep Gupta once a year in Tata Hospital.

What resources are available to you in your city to help you manage the condition?

I have been in Ahmedabad for the last 5 years, and I miss hospitals like Fortis Mulund and Tata Hospital, as the hospitals here still lack the finesse required for critical care.

Have you had to make some changes to your lifestyle because of your condition?

Yes, I had to make many changes as I had breast cancer so early in my life. We cannot have a child of our own. This was the major truth that I had to face over a period of years. There are many other issues pertaining to personal life, which have to be compromised. I have slight swelling on my operated side of the hand* and have learnt to live with it now. (*Ed’s note: She's referring to the lymphedema on the affected side. It's a very common side-effect of removing the lymph nodes, because there is poor drainage post removal.)

Have you tried complementary medicine or therapies, like homeopathy or yoga?

I joined Art of Living soon after my treatment was over and I have benefitted a lot in terms of accepting my situation and to be at peace with it.

Has it been difficult emotionally to cope with your condition?

Yes, initially it was difficult to accept it, mostly because I was quite young and did not expect a major illness so early in my life

How has your family supported you?

My family; my dad, 3 elder sisters and my husband were pillars of strength for me through my trying times and continue to be so.

Did you see a counsellor for support? Were you offered counselling by your doctor?

I was offered a counselling session in Tata but that was much later.

How did your friends treat you? Were you isolated? 

Most of my friends stood by me, but there were a few who were scared to remain in touch, but they too came back after my treatment was over.

What was the hardest part of the treatment? What kept you going? How has this changed your life perspectives and ambition.

Chemotherapy was the hardest part for me as I had lots of problems during all 6 chemos that I took. The only thing that kept me going was my family’s strength and my belief in God.

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