For Uday Kumar, it was all about fitting in. Being a transport manager, everyone around the 35 year old would chew tobacco and drink alcohol routinely. Little did he know the health implications it would have until he started developing a non healing ulcer over the tongue. This ulcer slowly progressed in size affecting his speech and swallowing. Unable to bear it any further, he consulted Dr. Mitali D Lall at Paras HMRI Patna where he was diagnosed to have Stage IV tongue cancer.
According to Dr. Mitali Dandekar Lall “ the cancer had affected his tongue muscles causing ankyloglossia or immobility of the tongue. Surgery would entail removal of more than 2/3rd of the tongue with bilateral neck dissection with reconstruction. The patient underwent the surgery alongwith reconstruction of the tongue with a Free radial artery forearm flap by Dr. Mitali D Lall and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Shabbir Warsi.
In view of advanced cancer, he underwent adjuvant radiotherapy with Dr. Shekhar Kesri , Consultant Radiation Oncology.
The rare and complicated surgery performed by Dr Mitali and her team of cancer experts ensured that the cancer of the tongue was removed and the tongue was reconstructed artificially. This gave Uday the ability to swallow his food, talk normally and speak to all.
Uday underwent a series of radiotherapy sessions with the conformal technique. According to Dr. Shekhar Kesri “ The latest fourth generation cancer treating radiation technology at Paras Patna ensured that Uday experienced no major complications. Unlike many patients who get treated with lower levels of medical expertise and technology, Uday did not complain of ulcers in the mouth ( oral mucositis- a complication of chemo radiotherapy), or swallowing difficulty or any major skin reaction.” Today, barely two after treatment completion, Uday is a normal, healthy man looking forward to his future.
“Being diagnosed with cancer made me feel that my days are numbered, but the expert and caring team assured me that everyone gets a second chance. Today I can speak and eat normally. My recovery has not just given me a new life, but motivated me to ensure that no one in my family gets addicted to alcohol and tobacco. It shall be my life’s mission to make a difference.”:
