Urvi Sabnis, 47 from Ahmedabad, India was diagnosed with 2nd stage breast cancer through a routine screening. However, she stayed focussed through the treatment and has emerged a more compassionate, grateful and fearless woman.
Tell us about about yourself and your cancer history
The beginning of my story is rather mundane. A small town girl with big dreams. I made a name for myself as the rare female in the male dominated sphere of the corporate world. To round it off, I had a perfect family; life seem to pass me by.
January 2015 was the time my life took a different turn. I had four cases of cancer in the paternal side of my family so I was very vigilant and particular in getting myself screened. It was a shocking revelation for me when I was diagonised with 2nd stage of breast cancer. My perfect life came crashing down – or so everyone thought. I knew better than to fall into emotional upheaval that grips so many fellow sufferers. It was imperative for me to keep the focus away from my feelings and on my swift recovery. I drew on all my inner resources of strength and on god’s omnipresent blessings to accomplish this.
Treatment went on for seven months which included mastectomy plus breast reconstruction surgery (a nine long hour surgery) and chemotherapy. Cannot stop myself from writing about hair loss which is the biggest fear of any woman. I designed my look (pic below) with my bald head and earrings in such a way that it became a fashion statement.
I not only survived cancer, I lived through it.
Life before and after cancer. What changed - physical, emotional, employment, social, etc
By the end of my treatment, I could truly appreciate the beauty of life, having come so close to losing it. I became fearless like never before – if I can overcome cancer I can overcome anything! I became more compassionate, grateful and stopped fretting over ordinary things.
What stayed the same?
The unconditional love and support from my daughter, husband, parents and sister.
We all have a perception about a cancer journey. What surprised you about the experience?
Hospitals are flooded with cancer patients, it’s feels like an epidemic.
The most difficult day or week? And how you got past it?
It was the fifth chemo cycle, I got ulcers in my stomach. It was more painful than labour pain. I started throwing up. Nothing stayed in the stomach, I lost consciousness. I was admitted to the emergency ward. Next day was the perfect sunrise and we came home.
How do you cope with scanxiety?
Until you cross the five year window, scans are not easy. Music is my all-time support system, I sing and my mind diverts towards sur and taal.
You choose to work with the support group - why?
My brush with cancer spurred me. I wasn’t the only one affected by it. There were so many sufferers who had not been as fortunate as I had been, in terms of strength and monetary matters. With some directions from my doctors, I undertook the counseling of distraught patients and the families helping them come to terms with their cancer and advising them how to deal with it. On top of that I started collecting funds for the financially distressed patients, aiding them in making payments for expensive treatments that they would have been hard pressed to afford otherwise.
In our society, there is a myth that cancer = death or a cancer survivor cannot lead a normal life. I want a loud and clear message to go to the people out there – you can be healthier than ever before. I have been the face of a national campaign ‘ Celebrating life after cancer’.
Complete the sentence
My motto in life: You don’t need to look beautiful. Keep your attitude beautiful in all circumstances.
I was inspired by: I’m a huge cricket fan. During a very bad day saw Yuvraj Singh hitting a sixer. I thought to myself – if he can play for his country, I can at least fight it out.
The strangest comment/reaction I received: During recovery a visitor said “How will your daughter cope up with life after you.”
The funniest moment was: An acquaintance of mine during courtesy visit said “ I’m aghast, I came here to console you but we are discussing the colour of wig to put on for your different looks”. We ended up laughing.
The most annoying moment: A friend of mine crying uncontrollably saying she cannot stand my look without hair.
I love: the words by fellow sufferers “ I want to be bold like you”, “ I want to overcome Cancer like you did”, “ I want to be fit like you post treatment”.
I hate: the ignorance about the cancer, perception about the cancer as a disease.
I fear: Exponential increase in death due to cancer due to lack of awareness and periodical check-up.
My biggest support: My life partner.
The best gift I got : My daughter excelled in her 10th grade despite the emotional turbulence caused by this painful phase of life.
During chemotherapy: I tried to tick my wishlist - things I could do sitting at home.
