Despair to victory: Cancer survivors share tales of grit
Stories of survival are a testament to human strength, resilience and the power of support from the loved ones. On World Cancer Day, cancer survivors shared their deeply personal journeys, recounting the overwhelming emotions, grueling treatments and ultimately their victory over the disease. Also, timely detection allowed them take decisive action and secure their future.
Chandigarh resident, Rashmi Bindra, was first got diagnosed on April 26, 2017 with breast cancer in advanced third stage when her husband flagged inverted nipple. She got mastectomy the next month followed by eight chemotherapy and 20 targeted radiation therapy sessions to finally join cancer survivors in February 2018. “It has been seven years since I was told by doctors that I am cancer free. I feel treatment and confidence on my doctors and myself have helped me face the tough times. I also believe having a passion really helps in overcoming tough situations, as I did with my passion for creation and working on my fashion brand.”
She advocates that awareness about cancer is necessary and so is the fact that it can happen to anybody even those following a healthy lifestyle. “One needs to be self-aware and vigilant of the changes in the body to detect cancer at an early stage,” added Bindra.
Mohali resident Balbir Singh Bhasin (74) recalled how he had been encountering problem in digestion for almost an year before seeking an allopathic doctor. “I went to Fortis Hospital last year in January and they detected growth in colon and it came out to be malignant. I was advised six chemotherapy, extended to eight months, to finally a surgery in July. It was followed by 28 cycles of radiation therapy followed by another surgery for reversal of Stoma. As I am recovering now for this life-threatening disease, I cannot stress this enough that all this could have avoided if I had visited once I started facing digestion issues.”
Another survivor, Amritpal Kaur from Jalandhar, was pregnant with her second child when she experienced breathlessness and cough, which worsened with the time. She had no health issues earlier. While her C-section went well with delivery of baby girl, she was asked to get herself checked from a pulmonologist. “It was a shock when for the first time malignancy was detected. I consulted Dr Sachin Gupta, Director Medical and Paediatric Oncology at Max Super-Speciality Hospital, Mohali. Post tests and PET scan, I was diagnosed with fourth grade lung cancer. It was like a bolt from blue and as a mother of two, it was difficult phase. But the kids also gave me strength as I decided to fight the disease head on,” said Kaur.
Dr Sachin Gupta said, “It has been a journey of ups and downs for Amritpal Kaur. She had gone through five radiation cycles and six cycles of high dose chemotherapy with the oral targeted therapy. Although she survived cancer in 2014, regular check-up and tests are required for patients so that the cancer doesn’t relapse. It’s a long journey even after survival.”
Manjit Kaur Sodhi, a resident of Ludhiana, shared her ordeal, “A cancer diagnosis brings fear and uncertainty, but I refused to let it define me. When I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, it felt like my world had turned upside down. The journey was tough—physically, emotionally, and mentally—but I chose to fight with courage. I underwent cytoreductive surgery under Consultant, Surgical Oncology, Dr Anish Bhatia’s care at Fortis Hospital, Ludhiana, and while the road to recovery wasn’t easy, I held on to hope. Every day was a battle, but with the right treatment, unwavering support from my loved ones, and sheer determination, I made it through. Today, I am cancer-free, and I cherish every moment of this second chance at life. To anyone facing this journey—stay strong, trust the process, and never lose hope.”
One cannot stress upon enough that early screenings, awareness and the relentless pursuit of a cure are important to fight cancer as told by these cancer survivors.