If you ask the 95 yr old, high spirited Ajit Singh how he feels, he smiles and says, “Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength, and I nailed it well.” The nonagenarian was having difficulty in urination and pelvic pain. “For numerous months I had a pain and a burning sensation while passing urine. Being an old man, I thought that it might be temporary discomfort, however the pain and other issues persisted,” shares Ajit Singh.
After consulting a few doctors and not getting the desired relief, Ajit Singh and his family, after recommendations, decided to consult a specialist at Paras Hospital Patna. “It is a known hospital in the region and as our father is old, we didn’t want to take any risks and compromise on his health. So we decided to consult the best,” shares Ajit Singh’s son.
After initial consultation from an internal medicine physician, Ajit Singh and his family was recommended to consult Dr. Shekhar Keshri, Senior Consultant, Radiation Oncology at Paras Cancer Centre.
Few tests, investigations and reports highlighted that Ajit Singh had – Carcinoma Prostate or Prostate Cancer.
“The word Cancer scared us all. A disease that has no definite cure and has an indefinite recovery pattern worried us. Bauji has been our support system and guiding light. We understand old age and the brevity of human life, but we are still not ready to part from him, “shares Ajit’ grandson.
According to Dr Shekhar Kesari, “Prostate Cancer is a treatable cancer and is widely seen in men post the age of 60 yrs. It is typical and affects the man’s prostrate, a walnut shaped gland that produces the seminal fluid. The distinctive symptoms include pain and a burning sensation during urination, pelvic discomfort, blood in the semen or urine and urge to frequently urinate. You can also feel pain and swelling in the back legs, unexplained weight loss and fatigue. Ajit Singh had stage II treatable prostate cancer. “
“Prostate Cancer includes multi modal treatments depending on the cancer stage a combination of chemotherapy, surgical oncology and radiotherapy may be recommended. Ajit’s case was special as we had to ensure that during radiation therapy his urinary bladder and rectum doesn’t get any complications, “shares Dr Shekhar Keshri.
Radical Radiotherapy is a non-surgical treatment for prostate cancer using high-energy X-rays. EBRT (External Beam Radiotherapy) of the primary prostate Cancer has several distinct advantages over radical surgery of prostate cancer. EBRT avoids complications associated with surgery such as bleeding, transfusion related problems & risks associated with anaesthesia. Radiotherapy has low risk of urinary incontinence (uncontrol) and stricture formation. There is the good chance of short term preservation of erectile function usually EBRT can be given upto stage 3 disease as a radical intent. Whereas for the stage 4 prostate cancers (with bone matastatis) are radiotherapy used with palliative intent to relief the bone pain.There Radiotherapy can also be used for pain relief when more advanced cancer causes symptoms such as bone pain. Paras Cancer Centre is one of the only centres in Bihar to provide 4th generation radiation therapy through a linear accelerator.
Contrary to beliefs, Ajit did not suffer from any major side effects and after radiation therapy coupled with chemo cycles for 3 weeks, his cancer has now remitted, his vitals have stabilized and there is little or no abdominal pain.
According to Dr Shekhar Keshri, “The remarkable aspect is that in Ajit’s case there were no complicating side effects. The treatment protocol went on very smoothly. This truly proves that for cancer patients family support makes a lot of difference.”
When you ask Ajit how he feels, he smiles and shares, “When they told me that I have Cancer and I will have a chance if I go through this procedure, I counseled my family. I told them it was a fight and in life I have always won. No disease, no situation or issue can hinder the morale of a winner. I may be 95 yrs old today, but I have a stubborn mind of a 20 yr old. Today as I see progress in my health, I feel proud. In my last leg also God gave me an opportunity to share and live an inspiring story. My grand children will always remember me as a fighter – The one who even defeated Cancer.”
