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Submitted by Pranab Basu on 23 November 2018

Narayan Chandra Dey,72 from Bally, Howrah has been fighting prostate cancer for 7 years now. He talks about how he finds the will to combat his condition.

Please tell us about your condition?

I am surviving with prostate cancer for the last 7 years.  Prostate Cancer was diagnosed on 18/8/2011 after screening of PSA test which was high (69.8) and USG report revealing enlarged heterogeneous prostate.

What were the early symptoms of prostate cancer?

Difficulty while urinating, fever, more frequent urges to urinate at night.

Is there any history of any kind of cancer in your family?

Yes. My father, uncle, sister, brother were victims of cancer.

At what stage were you detected?

It was detected early. Histopathology report shows moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma prostate Gleason's Grade ---3+4.

What is your present condition?

I was treated for prostate cancer, but in early 2014 I was again diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of esophagus. Again in 2016, the cancer relapsed with a metastatic deposit of prostate denocarcinoma. Since then, the 2nd phase of treatment has started.

Please describe your experience of managing cancer.

I braved it through the process of treatment. First I underwent surgery-- bilateral orchiectomy in 2011. In 2016 I underwent 9 chemotherapy cycles. Though it was hard to manage, I applied my willpower and positivity to combat the disease.

Were there any side-effects of the medicine?

Yes, after each chemotherapy for a few days, I developed nausea, vomiting, weakness, and apathy towards food.

What is your present line of treatment?

I go to NRS medical college for check ups. I have been referred to undergo palliative care from 22/8/2017 and every 3 months I am accompanied by my wife, to go to the oncologist Dr S Bannerji at the Eastern India Palliative Care, Barrackpore, for a check up. I have become so close to the volunteers of EIPC specially Kuheli Dutta, Regional Director, Runa Mitra, clinic in-charge, and Debarun Sarkar – kiosk in-charge, that I feel a kinship. There is empathy in Dr Bannerji and in the members of EIPC who stand by me always.

How has your family supported you?

My son and daughter after marriage live in other places, but my beloved wife is my sole caregiver who has always stood by me. She has immense patience and mental power to support me in all the critical situations I have faced.

What medication are you on?

Morphine 10 mg, Perva75, Acelock150, Tonoferon.

Have you tried complementary medicine to cope with your condition?

No

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

Maybe I should have controlled myself with respect to diet, though the cause of prostate cancer is still being researched.

Has it been difficult emotionally to cope with your condition?

On the day of detection of the disease, I was upset. But I soon realised that I will need all my mental strength to combat this. I follow the advice of the doctors strictly. I do not allow myself to be overpowered by depression.

Did you see a counsellor for support?

During the ongoing medical treatment, I did not need a counsellor. When I was sent for palliative care, I sometimes become emotional which I overcome receiving positive thoughts from the counsellor and other members of EIPC who are really concerned for my disease.

What is your advice to other patients with prostate cancer?

Men over 50 years of age are at higher risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer. A diet high in calcium is linked to an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. Whenever symptoms appear, one should not ignore, but must consult a Urologist immediately. I advise men to take certain food products like tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, walnuts, berries, which will help decrease prostate cancer risks. Moreover, one should have mental power and positive attitude to combat the disease.

How did your friends treat you? Were you isolated?

I was not isolated, rather my friends have always been my support. I have never felt alone.

What kept you going? How has this changed your life perspectives and ambitions?

I am a government pensioner. I want to live a few more years. My wife is a simple woman who may be cheated by anyone. This thought motivates me to survive.

This disease has changed my life perspective. I have changed my food habits and tried to be engaged in household work helping my wife who is the sole caregiver. I also try to inspire other patients to fight the disease.

(As told to Mr Pranab Kumar Basu, retd Asst. Headmaster and currently voluntary counsellor to cancer patients at Eastern India Palliative Care, Barrackpore, West Bengal)

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