Havovi Bharucha, 53 neglected her symptoms and her health while grieving the loss of her husband and being a caregiver to her mother and an aged pet. By the time she sought help, she was diagnosed with Stage 3 Endometrial Cancer. She is a reminder to each one of us to be vigilant about our health.
For almost a year, I would get spotting between my periods. I dismissed it thinking it was due to approaching menopause. A year ago, I had lost my husband to liver cancer. Since then I had been neglecting my health and spent my time being a care provider to my elderly mother and aging pet dog. I had no time for self-care! My spotting had now increased from twice a month to three times along with pain. I assumed the pain were the same cramps that I used to get as a young girl. I was grieving again when my mom passed away in Feb, followed by my beloved dog in July. I assumed it was stress-related.
I had always been very active and used to go for my daily walks and do yoga at the local gym. But now I found myself getting tired and unable to stand for long. The pain had also increased and would not subside with hot water compresses or over-the-counter painkillers. Someone told me apply vicks in the navel and even that didn’t work. I would crawl up in my sofa waiting for the pain to go away but it didn’t. Finally when my pain become unbearable, I told my friend about it, who immediately suggested we go see a Gynaecologist.
Diagnosis of Endometrial Cancer
The Gynaecologist did the pelvic examination and internal sonography and suggested I do a biopsy. During the biopsy, a D&C was also done which later my Oncologist told me was not required. My children would often accompany me to these Gynae visits and were very concerned. The day my biopsy results were to come, I went with my friend. My initial reaction to the diagnosis of Stage 3 Endometrial Cancer was a laugh as I thought this was a joke, it was now my turn after my husband. I cried a lot later at home. I was so worried about how I would tell my children. They had just lost their father. My daughter starting weeping immediately. My son was in complete denial at first which then turned into anger. After their father’s death, this had come as a double shock.
Treatment for Endometrial Cancer
I was referred to an Oncologist at Hinduja Hospital in Mumbai. When I met him, he asked me to get admitted for surgery right away. So, the following week, I was wheeled into the OR for my surgery. I was explained that the surgery will take a few hours and a long cut from the diaphragm down to my pelvis would be made. I wasn’t sacred of the surgery but happy to get rid of the pain. Post surgery, I was told that since the cancer had spread, a lot of tissue (entire reproductive system and affected nodes) had to be removed but luckily there was no major blood loss and everything went off smoothly.
After discharge from the hospital, my cousin and her husband Mickey Mehta insisted, I stay with them to recover. My children who are in their 20s decided to stay back home. They would come visit me daily. My son was still quite angry, he would sit next to me, hold my hand and not say a word. He never wept but was beginning to accept it all. My daughter took it up more as a challenge. She even decided to go ahead and pursue her studies abroad which had gotten postponed the year before. I remember signing her consent forms from the hospital bed. It gave me the resolve to recover soon and look forward to their future.
Coping with Chemotherapy
At my cousin’s place, I was on a strict vegetarian diet and Mickey taught me various breathing exercises. With their love and care, I recovered very well. Now it was time for Chemotherapy. Initially I used to go to Jaslok but it was very expensive so I moved to a smaller clinic which was run by my Oncologist. After my first Chemo, my blood counts (both haemoglobin and WBC) had dropped. After the 2nd Chemo, my haemoglobin dropped to 7, so a blood transfusion was done. But then it decreased even further to 5.7, at which point my doctor stopped the Chemo. I remember my arm was fully bruised with all the needle stick injuries. All through chemo, I didn’t allow my kids to come along, only my cousin would accompany me.
Radiation through Covid-19 and side effects
After 4 cycles of Chemo, I was advised to start Radiation within a month. By this time, my stitches had completely healed, and my blood counts were returning to normal. While my cancer was growing, I had pigmentation on my face, which worsened during chemo but had lessen now significantly. My doctor said I was doing considerably well and was almost rid of the cancer once radiation was over. I was referred to a Radiologist at Tata hospital. I was a bit apprehensive at first because I had not so great memories of going there with my husband, but the new annex and the Radiologist there gave me a lot of confidence and comfort. Radiation commenced on 28th of March, 2020 just a few days after the country went into national lockdown. My brother-in-law would take me to the hospital everyday all through the lockdown and we completed the 25 cycles. It all went fairly smoothly albeit with a few side-effects.
From the first day itself, my reaction started 5 hours after I got home. I was throwing up continuously for the next few days. Vomiting did stop but the sensation of nausea stayed on for a long time. A few days, I had loose motions too. I could barely eat and just had liquids like soup or chilled lassi. Due to low blood counts, I was recommended eggs and fish which I do eat regularly now. Radiation stopped in mid-May.
Present condition
3 weeks ago, I got my sonography done and sent it to my Oncologist for follow-up. It seemed all clear! I used to do a lot of yoga before, so I’m waiting for my gym to open where My yoga classes were held. I don’t step out of my building but walk inside the compound for 30 minutes every day. I do feel more energetic with each passing day and can do my chores like cooking and cleaning. I went walking to the bank the other day by myself for the first time after 7-8 months, which was exhilarating. I do take my time to walk since I don’t feel like a 100% yet. I am keen to get back to life and even work for an NGO where I can giveback and be fruitful.
I am not worried about my cancer anymore, it was well taken care of.
Most challenging experience
When I used to see my face in the mirror during chemotherapy days. No hair, no eyebrows, pale, pigmented skin was not a great sight. I would wonder if I will ever go back to what I used to be. Initially, I used to wear a cap or pretty Iranian scarves but I gave up on them soon enough.
My advice and request
If you notice any unusual symptoms, please, please do not neglect them. In my case, if I hadn’t ignored my pain as menopausal symptoms, my cancer would have been detected early
