“You cannot explain the feeling when your baby gets diagnosed with a life threatening disease like Cancer. They say it has no definite cure. My 2 yr old might not survive. For a day we were numb, confused about which doctor to consult, where to admit the child, until we came to know of Paras,” shares Parash, Yuvraj’s father.
Yuvraj, 2 yrs old, his only child is battling Blood Cancer at Paras Cancer Centre. The young, energetic boy started complaining of weakness, became lethargic and developed multiple abscesses on his body along with high fever. Consultations with pediatricians and dermatologists gave no respite and one day a blood test revealed the unimaginable – Blood Cancer.
“We are from Patna and have never ventured out of the state. I own a small modest ice cream business. With Yuvraj’s diagnosis many people started to suggest that we go to Vellore for his treatment. I was all the time uncomfortable with the idea. How will I manage my child’s treatment at a new place? Will I be able to arrange sufficient blood donor? Will I be able to interact with people there? If I need urgent help who will help me? I decided to consult close relatives for help. My son’s treatment included time, effort and above all the decision of choosing the right place, facility and doctor,” shares Parash.
Close relatives suggested Paras Cancer Centre, the only hospital to provide comprehensive cancer care facilities in Bihar including stem cell transplant unit. On consultation with Dr. Avinash Kumar, Consultant Hemato-Oncology, Paras Cancer Centre, the first DM Hematologist of Bihar, Parash’s family breathed a sigh of relief.
“The first was the assurance that my child can be effectively treated here, the second was the confidence in the doctor and the third was the big team at Paras, all dedicated to ensure that the best care is delivered. All these made us sure that it is best that our child gets treated in his own city,” shares Parash.
According to Dr. Avinash, “Recent studies highlight that more than 2000 children are diagnosed with Acute Blood Cancer every year. Many succumb due to unavailability of cancer care, medical experts and recommended treatment, while many suffer due to late diagnosis. The worst is when their parents can’t decide on a facility and move out of their comfort zone to another city to get their child treated. Such an effort is usually sporadic and doesn’t benefit the child enough as blood cancer patients require continuous monitoring and regular checkups. Paras Cancer Centre has come with the mission to empower the people of Bihar with access to best cancer care facilities at their doorstep. There are numerous patients like Yuvraj who have benefited from our presence.”
Dr. Avinash adds, “ Yuvraj needed special chemotherapy sessions and close monitoring. You have to deal with a child differently – make him feel welcome, at ease, comfortable and above all not scared in your presence. As doctors, we need to make them mentally strong so that they take the medicine willingly and are able to handle the side effects. Chemotherapy has numerous effects on the patients – nausea, loss of hair, weakness. A child should be reassured at all times that this is a important regime to ensure that you are healthy again.”
At Paras Cancer Centre, Yuvraj was admitted in the hospital for a month twice and went through 2 cycles of chemotherapy successfully. He has also been coming regularly for follow ups. His abscesses on his body have improved and so has his health. He has regained his strength and become more attentive. His results have been promising and the best has been the child’s temperament. “It is the patience and the determination of a 2 yr old. Yuvraj’s smile gives us comfort and strength. I could never imagine that children at such an age could exhibit such strong resolutions,” shares Dr. Avinash.
Today he has come to the hospital for another chemo session with his family. You ask him if he feels welcome at the hospital, he smiles and nudges Dr. Avinash to hand him another chocolate. His mother assures, “ Yes he feels welcome and secure, just like his home.”
