Mrs. Kamlesh Gupta, a 55 year old female has got a different perspective about cancer,“Thanks to this disease I realized that I have the strength to face challenges. I have won the toughest battle of my life- Cancer.” She further states that, “Earlier I thought that giving birth to two beautiful children and being a supportive wife were my achievements, but Cancer has changed by outlook. Today I am not just a survivor but a fighter and a woman who has gained much from a disease that had come to take my life away.”
Four years back, Mrs. Kamlesh Gupta felt a lump in her breast. Aware about the signs and symptoms associated with breast cancer she decided to consult a specialist. Dr. Indu Bansal, Sr Consultant, Oncology at Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon suggested her some diagnostic tests. The tests highlighted that she has Stage II Breast Cancer and was advised surgery on immediate basis.
For her it was a sudden shock. A simple house wife was now facing the two most dreaded words – Cancer & Surgery. Full of apprehensions, she thought that her end was near. Her family stood by her and acted as her support system. Her husband stepped up and consented to Breast-Conserving Surgery – a surgery performed for Breast Cancer in which the part of Breast is removed instead of complete breast removal. It is a less radical surgery than mastectomy but the cancer treatments post this surgery includes radiation in all cases includes & a few cycles of chemotherapy depending on patient’s report.
“I just couldn’t let this disease alter my body. The scars post the surgery were enough to remind me of my suffering,” shares Kamlesh. She also highlights that the chemo sessions post the surgery were the toughest. “Bouts of depression, sickness, fatigue, nausea, headache and the constant reminder that you are fighting with yourself were limiting. But thanks to my family, I was able to cope with the pressure.”
Post-chemotherapy, she also underwent through 6 months of radiotherapy. According to Dr. Indu Bansal, “Cancer patients need exceptional moral support and the best is provided by the family. It is the family that gives the strength to the patient and reminds them their loved ones are also fighting along with them against Cancer. The best aspect in Kamlesh’s case was that she opted for the thumb rule – Early detection and timely treatment, making her situation better.” She also says that patient has to be captain of the ship to take all the treatment-related decisions.
Now after 4 years post surgery, her lab results look promising and all of her scans are clean. “ If you can overcome Cancer, this means that you can overcome anything,” shares Kamlesh as she lovingly smiles to Dr. Indu Bansal.
