Rashi talks about her sensible approach to dealing with breast cancer and taking all the help and support she could get. She also talks about why she chose to do genetic testing and how that influenced the future course of action.
Please tell us a bit about your condition .When were you diagnosed?
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in right breast. It was Stage 1 with involvement of one axiallary node. Feb, 2014. I was 33 years old.
What were the early symptoms? What made you go see a doctor?
I felt a lump in my right breast at 2’O clock position during self breast examination. Since my family is associated with a Cancer center, I used to do the self-exams properly. As soon as I found the lump, I called my gynaecologist immediately.
Please describe your experience of managing your condition.
The condition was of course a problem but the bigger problem was ‘conditioning’! Conditioning of the mind that ‘It cannot happen to me’, conditioning that ‘I have cancer, I will die’. The first few days I took to deal with the conditioning and then came the biggest challenge and the only challenge I faced during the entire treatment--to identify the right doctors and to get access to them. Following diagnosis, there is a feeling of a time bomb ticking away. I asked a survivor I knew who suggested I see her well-known Oncosurgeon, but then getting prompt appointments and access to the famous Oncologists is problematic. In order to avoid the downpour of information from all sides we did not share this information with our friends and family. Strictly on a ‘need to know basis’. This helped us think clearly and act fast. I went to Tata Memorial which I knew and trusted and was able to see their top Oncologist at the OPD same day. He suggested I go for surgery right away but in Tata, that meant a month’s wait. That one month was truly long and agonising because the condition is constantly playing on your mind. I did go for a second opinion during that time but decided to not change.
Once surgery was done it was a smooth journey by God’s grace. I moved to Hinduja for my Chemo and Radiation therapy.
What is your present condition?
Currently, I am doing good. I am regular with my check ups.
Do you have a family history of your condition?
2 years after my cancer, my mother was diagnosed with Breast cancer. She too was at stage 1. That is when I went in for genetic testing. The decision on whether to test was not easy because we weren’t sure what we would do with the results. I went ahead and did it anyways so that atleast we would know. I tested positive for BRCA1 gene mutation. 6 months later, I got a complete hysterectomy done and had my ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes removed prophylactically. Since I have a daughter, the doctors have advised that she should not undergo the test until she is 20 years of age. At that point, as an adult, it will solely be her decision. I have not thought about what she may or may not wish to do.
Alongside the genetic component, I feel that other factors were possibly responsible for triggering the cancer. This included a slightly late pregnancy at age 30, minimal breastfeeding of 6 months and lack of self-awareness of my body.
What was your course of treatment? What medications are you on currently?
I underwent lumpectomy followed by 6 cycles of chemotherapy and a month of radiation. I have been advised to take tamoxifen for 10 yrs post treatment. Herceptin was also part of my treatment.
Were there any side-effects of the medicines? If yes, how do you manage them?
The obvious side effects of both chemotherapy and radiation like loss of hair, nausea, etc. were all there but nothing that wasn’t managebale. Loss of hair is something that I frankly did not care about just because it’s an external thing and not really internal! Thankfully, people around are much more aware now and sensitive towards this so I didn’t care and neither did they! Every other side effect was taken care of with medication. It worked!
I remember being mentally and physically exhausted with all the medications at times. Post chemo, I had gone into menopause so I have to take supplements for bones and general health which I am very particular about.
What kind of specialists (including Physio/ Occupational therapist/ Psychiatrist etc) do you consult and how often?
Once a year I do a full body check up including mammogram and get the reports checked with my treating oncologists.
What changes have you made to your lifestyle because of your condition?
Have incorporated Yoga and Pranayam into my daily routine. Helps detoxify the mind and the body and helps me connect with my body. Fitness is an absolute must. I go down for a walk daily. I try to also make a trip to a naturopathy centre.
How did you mentally/emotionally cope with your condition?
No coping needed anymore as I do not have a ‘condition’! During the treatment, I would make sure I woke up early to make time for a walk everyday. The days when I had a lot of weakness, I would do just about 2-3 rounds but that was okay. Psychological distraction was very helpful too. Post-treatment, I would go out with friends whenever I could.
Did you see a counselor for support? Were you offered counseling by your doctor?
No I did not need it.
How has your family supported you? Who has been your biggest support/companion through it all?
Each and every member of my family supported me in the absolute perfect way! I have been very blessed!!! Husband supported me by being ‘Normal’ and that is one thing that a cancer patient absolutely needs! Sister supported me by taking care of my household including my 3 year old child, throughout the treatment. Parents supported me by being extremely strong so that they could be my pillars of support and lastly my daughter supported me by taking absolutely no notice of what was going around(she was 3!!!).
How did your friends treat you? Were you isolated? Did you share your experience with them soon after diagnosis?
Initially, we shared info only on a need-to-know basis. Friends were extremely supportive. We did not socialise much during treatment due to fear of infection but as soon at the treatment was over we were back to our regular social life for all practical purposes.
How has your diagnosis changed your life perspectives and ambitions?
Nothing much has changed really!
What were some of the challenges you faced and what is your advice to patients who face similar challenges?
Dealing with hairloss and the social stigma. Nowadays people are more aware and extremely sensitive about this matter. If we are not embarassed to go around with a big tummy when we are pregnant then why should we be embarrassed of going around with a bald head when we are undergoing chemo!!
My advice to other patients would be:
- People usually hear the term cancer and think they will die but medicine has progressed immensely changing that attitude. The fear of death lurking should not exist! So stay calm and trust the science.
- Get as much help as you can during the treatment. If you think you can be strong and continue to do everything as before, its not possible. Get help so that it is a smoother process for everyone and you can focus on yourself.
- Once you are comfortable, talk about it. There is no reason to keep everything so hush-hush. Everyone nowadays has dealt with a friend or family member with cancer.
