Most people never expect to hear the words "you have cancer" even once. For Vaishnavi, 51, it hit four organs! Each diagnosis affecting a different part of the body, each bringing fresh uncertainty. Yet through every surgery, treatment, and recovery, she refused to let cancer define her life, proving that resilience can outlast even the toughest challenges.
Please tell us a bit about your condition. Can you describe it?
I have had cancers in four parts of my body. First one was in the esophagus that spread to my lungs and brain and second was in my urinary bladder. Both were advanced stages.
When were you diagnosed?
In 2019 I was diagnosed with esophageal and in 2025 with bladder cancer.
What were the early symptoms? What made you go to a doctor?
In 2019, I found it difficult to eat and swallow my food and even water. Plus I had weakness and lack of smell and taste. First, I went to family doctor who gave me meds for acidity. Since I had severe pain on my left back side, he thought it was acidity. This was April, again in June I took meds but had no effect. Then I was referred to a private hospital and endoscopy was done. Tissue biopsy was done and sent for histopathology and then report told us that it was esophageal cancer. More tests showed that it had spread to both my lungs, they told me there is no solution and we were very scared.
What happened next? (specialist referral, course of treatment etc.)
I went to Ahmedabad’s Apollo hospital for my treatment. I stayed in Ahmedabad for 4 months because I had good referral and support system there.
My treatment included:
- 4 cycles of 72 hour infusion.
- 6 cycles of day chemos.
- Oral maintenance with 8 chemotherapy pills.
After completion of all my chemotherapy, surgery was not required as cancer seemed to have cleared. Metastases from my lungs has disappeared which was a miracle because my doctor had predicted that it would only spread further.
I used to do physiotherapy at home at the time. After chemo, my hands had started to tremble and I was told it could be side-effect of chemo. I would get severe headaches and weakness on my right arm. I used to take migraine pills for it. My face also started to twist on one side. One day during physiotherapy, the therapist told me that the weakness in my arm was not muscular but neurological and that I should get my brain checked out. So the next day we met a neurologist, who did contrast brain CT scan and found a tumor. The tumor had not showed up in the PET scan follow-up tests. I was put on radiation for 10 cycles. I went to TMH for 2nd opinion; they suggested that radiation be continued, Post radiation, they said “wait and watch”. 5 years have now gone by and I am okay.
In 2025, I noticed blood in urine, not a lot but some amount. Since I already had hysterectomy in 2018, I began to feel doubtful. I went to another hospital in Mumbai and got it all checked out. This time it turned out to be urinary bladder cancer.
In first laparoscopy, they went in and removed a small cyst but saw that the tumor was quite big so they decided to do a second surgery. The doctor told me that in order to remove the entire cancer, the bladder will be completely removed and I would be left with a stoma. I was not convinced but this was the only option. They said life will change but I will be alive and be able to live comfortably. During the second surgery, they removed the urinary bladder since cancer was big but confined. I now have a stoma bag.
As follow-up, I see my oncologist every 6 months and a PET scan for whole body is done to check from my brain down to my legs.
Were there any complications from the primary condition? What medications are you taking now.
I have continued weakness even today. I can do some work around the house but do require help from my maid, especially due to the weakness in my arm. My vitamins are low and I do take supplements from time to time. I feel very constipated after the bladder surgery too and take churan for it.
Have you tried complementary medicine or therapies, like homeopathy or ayurveda? If yes, did it help?
I was on cow urine and some ayurvedic kadhas, which I ran by with my doctor and took his approval before starting.
Editor's Note: It is always a good idea to check with your treating doctor.
Do you have a family history of this condition? Is it an inherited disorder? Was genetic testing done?
During esophagus cancer diagnosis, genetic testing was done. Report said it was not hereditary.
What changes have you made to your lifestyles because of this condition?
In the beginning, post my bladder surgery, I was very frustrated. Many restrictions had come in. My stoma would leak and I had trouble managing it. My husband was taught how to deal with the stoma by a stoma nurse who came home few times and I learned from him eventually. He still helps me out a lot. In those initial days, it would leak in the middle of the night and he would get up and change the bedsheets and the bag. It was very embarrassing and tough. I used to wonder if this was the right choice.
I would be very fearful of going out because of these sudden leaks. I now can go out for 2-3 hours on my own but I don’t travel long distance without my husband. We usually travel by car when we go out of town and stay overnight in long distance journeys. I haven’t tried train travel due to hygiene issues.
My diet has also reduced, and my doctor had warned me against gaining too much weight. I go daily to the gym- use the treadmill, elliptical, and stationary bike. My right hand still has the effect of paralysis. I have no grip so I do some hand exercises. This could be due to my brain metastasis or maybe due to side-effect of radiation.
When did you break the news to your friends and distant relatives? How did they take it?
During the first esophageal cancer diagnosis, many people were told. The bladder cancer diagnosis, some people knew I had the surgery but not many know I have a stoma bag. It is embarrassing to tell everyone about it. I am part of the Ostomy group and I find it helpful but am not very active on it.
What were some of the ostomy related challenges you faced?
Expenses are a lot. I need 7 stoma bags a month, so approx. it costs me 10,000 rupees.
In Gujarat I have noticed it leaks more than when I am in Mumbai. I change every 3-4 days in Mumbai but in Gujarat, I end up changing every 2 days.
What is your advice to patients who face similar challenges?
Cancer is very hyped; people think that cancer is going to kill you. The fear itself kills people. I have had two cancers that have impacted four organs and am living my life. Don’t be scared, Cancer is common now.
What are you worried about for the future?
There is some worry on what the end will be like, I hope I don’t have to be dependent on others for care. The fear is always there.
