Breast cancer survivor and founder of RACE to rein-in-cancer, Rita Banik talks about how cancer changed her life and why she is passionate about helping others. Here, her thoughts on getting a second opinion, staying active, yoga… and more.
Please tell us a bit about your condition.
I am a breast cancer survivor. I had a relapse of cancer in 2013, in the sternum bone. So, I am also a cancer patient presently.
When were you first diagnosed?
March 2006
What were the early symptoms?
I felt a lump in my breast at night. The next morning I went for a check-up and was diagnosed. If I recall, I had a cough, cold, sore throat, weakness and loss of weight.
Is there a history of cancer in your family?
Yes. My father died of pancreatic cancer in 1978. My maternal aunt (masi) and my maternal first cousin had breast cancer. My twin sister was also diagnosed at a very early stage of breast cancer exactly when my relapse was diagnosed in 2013.
What is your present condition?
Presently I do yoga and go for walks. I work for my NGO full time. I counsel patients and their families.
Please describe your experience of managing your condition.
I was more worried about my daughter’s future than about my own condition. I managed the post-treatment period well by getting involved in charitable activities more than before. In 2012, I started my own charitable trust, so the relapse was too shocking for me. I was worried that the trust would close down. Fortunately it is doing well till date.
Any related complications?
No
What medications are you on?
I am taking one injection a month – FASLODEX 500mg
Were there any side-effects of the medicines?
I faced normal side effects from chemotherapy medicines. From the Faslodex injection, I used to face nausea initially but now there is pain for a day or two, nothing more.
What were some of the challenges you faced and what is your advice to patients facing similar challenges?
I faced a few issues from distant relatives, due to certain social norms and mindsets against cancer. When I wanted to go for reconstruction, I faced some issues from my close relatives, like sister, mother etc.
My advice to other patients is that they should take good care of their health themselves, try not to burden others with their problems. They should be up and about as soon as they can. I also advise them to go for a second opinion without fail.
Have you learnt anything in managing in your condition that you wish you knew before?
Yes, I know the symptoms well now. I know what diet is good and I know my body changes better now.
What kind of specialists do you consult and how often?
Presently I have follow-ups only with my regular doctor (Onco-Surgeon) once every six months.
What resources are available to you in your city to help you manage the condition?
All the best resources are available to me in Mumbai.
Have you had to make some changes to your lifestyle because of your condition?
I have not made too many changes in my lifestyle because of my condition as a breast cancer survivor and patient. But as an Advocate, I am fully dedicated to the cause of cancer.
Have you tried complementary medicine or therapies, like homeopathy or yoga?
I have tried Ayurvedic medicines and do yoga regularly. I also do pranayama off and on. I do feel that these things help in cancer control. Yoga also keeps us active and away from depression.
Has it been difficult emotionally to cope with your condition?
At times it was very difficult. There have been moments of depression. But there are ways out too. The sea breeze in Mumbai uplifts the mood to a large extent.
How has your family supported you?
I have got good support from my family.
Did you see a counsellor for support? Were you offered counselling by doctor?
No
How did your friends treat you? Were you isolated?
No, I was not isolated. All my friends treated me very well and took good care of me.
What was the hardest part of the treatment? What kept you going? How has this changed your life perspectives and ambitions?
The hardest part was the chemo – the side effects of it, lack of sleep at night during chemo days, the feeling that I was wasting my time sitting at home not working.
I had started writing a journal. Then I started writing on the computer. The best part was that by the time my treatment ended I had learnt a lot about computers. I had also started writing my book on awareness of breast cancer titled: KICK THE BEAST OUT OF YOUR LIFE, which was published in two editions.
The disease and its treatment brought a great change in my life. I was meeting more people. I slowly started sharing about my condition with others. The biggest turning point for me was the small advertisement that I read in Times Of India and approached CPAA (Cancer Patients Aid Association) to attend their Volunteer Training Workshop. Later on Shubha Maudgal and Sushmita Mitra from CPAA became highly instrumental in teaching me about Advocacy and work for cancer. I believe, what I am today is partially because of their encouragement and support at each step. Till date I call Sushmita for help, suggestions and advice whenever I am in need. I have always got a very positive response from CPAA.
The beauty of the cancer world is that we are all connected by the thread of pain and love. We understand each other better than the rest of the world. Perhaps that is the reason why we come forward for each other’s help immediately.
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