Poonam Kamdar, a counseling psychologist, had stage 2 cervical cancer. Because of her traumatic journey, she now fiercely advocates for the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine which can help protect against cervical cancer and encourages women to speak openly about their experience.
Diagnosis
Which year and at what age were you diagnosed with cervical cancer?
I was diagnosed with cervical cancer in the year 2015, at age 45.
What were the early warning signs and symptoms that made you sense something was wrong?
I was having irregular and heavy menstrual bleeding with large blood clots. I would also experience excessive pain in my lower abdomen and thighs and would feel absolutely drained out of energy. My hemoglobin was 7 grams per deciliter (healthy range for women is 11.6 to 15 gm/dL). My energy level would last for maximum 4 hours in a day. After that I would just like to lie down in bed and do nothing else. I realized that something was not right with me but I could not figure out the reason.
What did you think your symptoms were linked to?
I thought that these were symptoms of menopause. Because before menopause (also called perimenopause) you experience longer or shorter menstrual cycle and feel physically or mentally tired.
What diagnostic tests were conducted to detect cervical cancer?
When I met my gynecologist in 2015, she did a preliminary investigation and checkup and then suggested a D&C (Dilation and curettage procedure to remove tissue from inside your uterus.) She said the condition of the uterus did not look good. So a sample was sent for biopsy and when the report came after 2 weeks, I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Later an MRI of the whole abdomen was also done.
What type and which stage of cervical cancer were you diagnosed with?
I was diagnosed with Stage 2 endocervical adenocarcinoma, a type of cervical cancer.
Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). Did the oncologist specify the cause for your cancer? How familiar were you with the HPV vaccine?
Frankly speaking even if the doctor had shared, I was so preoccupied with the treatment part and how to manage my work and family so did not focus on it. Somehow in my mind it was that the treatment must begin without any delay. I was not at all familiar with the HPV vaccine.
What treatment did you receive?
Radical hysterectomy in which my uterus and ovaries were removed. This was followed by 28 cycles of radiation (external), 2 brachytherapy (internal) and 6 cycles of chemotherapy. The chemotherapy was concurrent to radiation.
The entire treatment took almost 6 months - beginning from January and lasting till June.
Did you face any side effects of your treatment – short and long term?
Yes…Mood swings were common. At times I was in the state of elation feeling so energetic that I would cook, clean and do my house chore, and then suddenly I would totally exhausted. The aroma of food made me feel like vomiting, though I had lost my sense of taste. I was trying to get my taste back by adding lots of spices yet it was difficult. I had also become sensitive to sounds. Sounds of any kind irritated me. To the extent that I did not like people talking to each other.
I was on survival mode each day. To be able to do my basic work without help was something was big accomplishment and made me feel good. TLC (total leukocyte count) levels went down which made me feel as if I have lost all the energy. At times, I would feel irritated and wondered what was happening to my body and to my mind. Eg. a I read few pages but has to start all over again as I could not retain anything.
How did you deal with the side effects of cancer treatment?
During treatment, Delhi Laughter Club came to my rescue. I watched laughter sessions and performed exercises and laughed a lot. That helped in reducing anxiety levels. I went for short walks, did a bit of yoga too. And watched many Bollywood blockbuster movies. My family and I would sit and laugh together.
I had never had so much time on my hands and I tried to make most out of it. It was like doing as per the saying, 'when life gives you lemon, make lemonade'. Slowly, I started writing my thoughts, just a few lines each day and gradually they turned into motivational poems to pep up not just myself but other cancer patients and survivors too.
Did you join a support group for counselling and rehabilitation?
Yes… after my treatment was over, I was lucky enough to be added in a support group by my doctor. Exchange of issues, doctor talks, support from the other members, fun filled activities - all helped me a lot. I met spiritual leaders as well and was blessed by them. I participated in the play, dance, sang and also shared my journey with the members of different survivor groups. In fact these support groups helped me to rediscover myself. The members consider each other as soul sisters now.
Also, I participated in the Airtel run fund raising sporting event, which was something absolutely new for me.
What special efforts must be made to increase the uptake of the vaccine to reduce the incidence of cervical and other related cancers?
The proverbs we were taught when we were young hold so true here -
Prevention is better than cure.
A stitch in time saves nine.
Prevention and timely diagnosis can save you from a lot of complications. If only I had paid attention to my symptoms, listened to what my body is whispering to me, and immediately consulted my gynecologist, maybe I would have saved myself not only from the physical pains of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy but also the psychological trauma associated with it.
People need to be made aware about various health issues, especially cancer, via health talks, plays, social media platforms, etc.. We as cancer survivors have a great onus on us. We must share our story without any hesitation so that others can learn from our journey and be alerted on time.
As a counselling psychologist, I strongly feel that schools can play a major role by organizing health workshops where parents are made aware and can raise their doubts and queries. Students workshops can also be planned.
Corporate houses and various organizations should also play an active role. There should be mandatory screening and health programmes for both men and women in all offices and firms.
What is your message to other cancer survivors?
- Do not postpone joy. Find joy in little things. Enjoy the chirping of birds, the rising sun, the beauty of flowers. Go for a walk.
- Affirm each day - I’ll be fine. Give positive strokes to self. Seek professional help if you are not able to control the negative flow of thoughts.
- Work on your body. Eat well and exercise regularly. Your body responds to what’s on your mind and can do wonders. It heals faster when you take care of your thoughts, diet, body and the treatment plan.
- Make time to connect with yourself. Paint, draw, cook, meditate, write, dance do anything that makes you happy.
- Take your medicines on time.
- Never skip your follow-ups.
- Never give up. Have faith. Miracles happen every day. Have faith in your doctors
As told to Shivani Maheshwari
Condition
