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Submitted by Shilpa Aneja on 20 July 2018

Shilpa Aneja, 34 is a Stage 3 breast cancer survivor from Jaipur and credits her recovery to proper maintenance of a physical exercise routine and an unbeatable attitude and positive mindset. Here, she shares her gutsy life principles, strong commitment to mental and physical health, and immeasurable love for her daughter that helped her combat cancer.

Shilpa, please tell us a bit about your diagnosis and the treatment

I was diagnosed with stage 3 metastatic breast cancer in November 2016. My treatment started in the same month and ended in Jan 2018. I had 8 rounds of chemotherapy, 18 rounds of Herceptin (Trastuzumab), 25 rounds of radiation along with bilateral mastectomy and oophorectomy. I'm still under medication for 4 more years.

When were you diagnosed? What were the early symptoms?

November 2016. I’ve always followed a healthy lifestyle and had a good fitness record, so there weren’t any noticeable symptoms. However, in the first week of November 2016, I was playing with my daughter one evening, and her hand hit my left breast by mistake. The moment she hit me, I felt a sharp pain shoot across my breast, almost feeling like a heart attack. That’s when I physically examined it and felt a big lump, which was not present earlier. That’s when I realised that something was wrong.

Please describe your experience of managing the treatment, along with taking care of a family.

I called my mom to take care of my family. My husband and I used to help her in the daily routine. After a week of chemotherapy, I was able to do normal house work and daily chores. My immunity was quite strong as compared to others.

How big a part did your fitness play after your treatment ended?

Fitness is a major part of my life. Before my diagnosis also it was (a significant part of my life) but now after my treatment it's become my passion. I never compromise on my fitness. And because I want my community to be fit, I've started my career as a gym instructor. 

Did physical training help in building your emotional strength? What were your main thoughts?

Of course yes. After my treatment I started doing yoga for 4 months which not only gave me emotional strength but also helped me regain my stamina and inner grit. So, basically I'm not only a hard core lifter but I'm also a yogini.

Please share more about the inspiration behind creating a YouTube channel, and what keeps you going?

I'm a self motivated person. Creating my own YouTube fitness channel (Shilpa Aneja) was actually a step to help those people who don't find much time to hit the gym or those who can't spare more than 10 minutes to keep themselves healthy. The videos on my channel are not more then 10 minutes long and can be done at home easily. The hunger to reach to my fitness goal keeps me going everyday.

For other cancer survivors and patients, what would you recommend as vital daily exercises?

For those who are still fighting or those who have kicked cancer out of their lives I would first of all recommend to discuss your exercises with your doctor. Just keep your doctor posted about your workout routine. You can start off with a normal 15 minutes brisk walk daily in the morning. Start doing some yoga. Do Surya Namaskars, which I think make the best part of yoga. If you have the stamina then start jogging for ten minutes daily. That can be in the open or at home. Do some good stretching. It will help in relaxing your muscles.

What is the ratio of diet with exercise for a cancer patient?

The diet exercise ratio is 70:30. Diet is the most important part. You need to eat right and healthy. I keep saying this to everyone, that workout is only 30%, the rest is what goes into your body. This is applicable not only for cancer patients but for each one of us. Eat clean, eat healthy and you will see the results.

During your treatment, what were your main thoughts with regard to getting fitter and better?

My treatment took a lot from me (my breasts, my fallopian tubes and ovaries), but I never grew depressed because of this. The only thing which kept hitting me in my mind during my treatment was my fitness after all this was over. I used to scroll down many channels and pages on YouTube and had made up my mind that after I'm done with all this cancer treatment, I will definitely will raise my fitness to a satisfactory level. I've yet not reached to that level, but I won’t stop trying.

What were some of the challenges you faced and what is your advice to patients who face similar challenges?

Cancer treatment takes a lot not only physically, mentally, emotionally but also financially. Though I had my elder brother on my side to help me financially, which he did, but we also started a fundraising campaign on Milaap that helped us. One vial of the hormone injection, Herceptin costs around INR 65,000. I was surprised to know that this medicine was not covered in my health insurance list. There are a lot of patients who cannot afford it and they are unable to receive the complete treatment. The result being that survival rates go down.

It's my hope that the Government of India takes a note of this and helps the needy in getting this drug and regaining their lives. There needs to be a plan for these kind of chronic diseases.   

Have you learnt anything in managing in your condition that you wish you knew before?

I've seen a more patient side of myself which I wasn't earlier. I'm more generous now.

How big a role did friends and family play during your treatment?

My friends and close family played a big part during my treatment. Friends were ready to help me anytime financially and they did also. I'm grateful to have such friends in my life. My best friend Khushboo, played a major part in supporting me. My family supported me in everything. They took all my tantrums and my rude behaviour during my chemotherapy, and understood my ordeal. They never made me feel what they were going through. Because it's not only the patient who goes through hell, it's also about the family. But they kept my spirits up, through such displays of strength and love.

Are there moments of humour that you would like to share?

Don’t know about humour as such I don't remember any, but there is one thing that I would like to specially mention. During my chemotherapy, as I was losing hair, I decided to go bald before all my hair fell out. At the same time, my husband decided to go bald too in display of his love and support for me. We used to make jokes about each others clean shaven heads, as to who sported the look better!

What have been the biggest lessons that you’ve learnt on this journey?

One and only lesson - "Never take your life for granted."

What are your future plans apart from YouTube and Instagram channels?

Well, I've got to do a lot of things in future. As I have got interest in modelling and fashion world, I want to work as a freelance model. Then, I have to go for beauty pageants and brings crowns home. I want to get established as a gym instructor and someday own a gym. Last but not the least. I want to provide for my daughter all the opportunities that can enable her to enter the Indian film industry, she totally deserves that.

What is the one piece of advice you’d like to give to all your readers?

Never ever give up whatever situation you are in. Just fight and keep going. Always check for things which are in your hand. Be positive, stay focused, determined and the battle is half won. Keep the hustle on!

 

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