Shrenik Shah, 67 from Ahmedabad, India was diagnosed with Larynx (Vocal Folds) cancer, stage IV A 22 years ago. He now speaks with an Electrolarynx to motivate and inspire others.
What were the early symptoms? What made you go see a doctor?
I started getting hoarseness in my voice in late 1996. It was followed by breathlessness at night time and weight loss. I also would get so drowsy that I would sleep while standing. I am a non-smoker and have never had alcohol, tobacco, gutka, masala etc. ever, so all these symptoms were baffling. I went to see my General Physician and ENT surgeon who recommended an endoscopy but nothing was detected. We were not suspecting cancer at all, so when someone had suggested Ayurvedic medicine, we decided to give it a shot. However, after just one dose, there was intense vomiting which further irritated my throat. I was in a terrible state and never took the medicine again. However the damage had been done, my voice now became a soft whisper.
One morning, I noticed blood in my sputum, and I informed my GP right away. He referred me to a Surgeon immediately, who was an Oncologist. During Laryngoscopy, they found a tumor over the vocal folds which was blocking my wind pipe opening & instant tracheostomy was performed. Biopsy report came with cancer in advance stage (IV A) and I was scheduled to undergo wide field total Laryngectomy the next day on 5th September 1997. I was released from the hospital after a 10 day stay and soon after was scheduled for radiation treatment.
Please describe your experience of managing your condition.
After 2 months of treatment, I went back to work. I am in the marketing business, which thrives on communication. I had to talk and started speaking with the aid of an ElectroLarynx. (An electrolarynx is a battery operated machine that produces sound for you to create a voice) I was quite apprehensive initially about using it but this was a life-long situation, I could not run away from.
A Doctor who is creating an affordable voice prosthesis for throat cancer patients
What is your present condition?
This is my 22nd year post cancer treatment. I am fit and healthy as can be. I continue to work and about 6-7 years back I approached my surgeon about my desire for cancer counseling. I find that many patients are reluctant to undergo treatment and I wanted to show them my example and the benefits of treatment. That’s when I started counseling and it’s my way of giving back to society.
Do you have a family history of your condition?
My mother had breast cancer when she was 62 years. After 10 years, she had a recurrence.
What was your course of treatment? What medications are you on currently?
Wide field Total Laryngectomy with partial removal of the thyroid gland, followed by 30 rounds of Radiation therapy. Currently I am on medications for my BP, Thyroid, Cholesterol and Diabetes.
Were there any side-effects of the treatment? If yes, how do you manage them?
During radiation, my skin around the tumor area where radiotherapy is given had turned completely black. It has returned to my skin color since then. I was on a high protein diet prescribed by my surgeon, so most meals consisted of red beans and cheese.
How To Manage Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
Did you have to travel outside your city for your medical treatment or consult?
No, all my treatment was done in a private hospital in Ahmedabad.
What changes have you made to your lifestyle because of your condition?
Post my radiation treatment, I did not socialize or go out much for 5 years. I wanted to cross that 5 year period to become cancer free. My work did continue but I avoided all other outdoor activities and outside food.
Have you tried complementary medicine or therapies, like homeopathy or yoga? If yes, did it help?
I did try yoga for about two years, as per recommendation by my doctor post a Stroke in 2012. I was left with temporary paralysis on my right side of the body, so exercise and yoga were very helpful then. I also have to watch my cholesterol and diet.
Did you see a counselor for support? Were you offered counseling by your doctor?
No
How has your family supported you? How did you mentally/emotionally cope with your condition?
Yes, of course my wife and 2 sons have been with me throughout. My sons were just 20 and 18 years old at the time of my diagnosis. I came to realize that I had to undergo treatment and overcome this, so that their future is not affected. Once I had come to understand that, I started focusing on my treatment and recovery.
What were some of the challenges you faced and what is your advice to patients who face similar challenges?
Losing ability to speak naturally caused a lot of frustration initially, along with the anxiety about how others would react to my electrolarynx. I found myself withdrawing or not talking at all. I overcame my fears because I had to move on and communicating was essential. My new voice has now become my identity. People know who I am on the phone even before I introduce myself.
My advice to other patients is to love yourself, and don't expect sympathy at all. Just remember to express gratitude for getting positive help in any form. Don’t be fearful but confident!
How has your diagnosis changed your life perspectives and ambitions?
Being alive is the best occasion ever! For me cancer is a blessing in disguise because it is responsible for a huge transformation for me as a person. My entire life has changed.
I am absolutely positive and have always believed in myself. I devote my time to inspire other cancer patients to fight cancer without fear and timely completion of all treatment as advised by Oncologists. I visit HCG Cancer hospital in my town once a week now for about 6-7 hours. I counsel and speak to cancer patients through public forums, cancer support groups over skype and whatsapp video calls.
Over the years, I have connected with over 12000 cancer patients & care givers worldwide. My Cancer Winning journey has been featured in the book "10/10 Immersive Narratives of 10 Cancer Winners", which was published in various countries including India.
