Survivor story :

In the heart of an ordinary life, a courageous woman fought an extraordinary battle. Meet Tapaswini, a teacher and a mother, who transformed her journey with cancer into a tale of resilience, hope, and victory.

A silent threat ignored:

In the midst of her daily routine, a painless lump in her breast emerged, unnoticed. Ignored for months, it grew, silently indicating a battle yet to be fought. The deceptive nature of cancerous lumps, much like a cunning fraudster, lies in their painless presence, lulling us into ignorance. We often overlook these silent invaders, dismissing their growth as inconsequential.

Yet, this ignorance parallels accepting a lottery prize without purchasing a ticket—a scenario too good to be true.

            We must recognise that any painless lump, especially one increasing in size, might be a harbinger of a cancerous lesion.

Vigilance and immediate medical attention are our best weapons against this hidden danger, ensuring early detection and a fighting chance against the Cancer.

Navigating Google’s web of information: A cautionary tale

In her quest for knowledge, Tapaswini turned to Google, the ubiquitous “Google baba”, hoping for answers about her condition. However, the vast sea of information overwhelmed her. Upon learning about her triple-negative diagnosis and Stage III cancer, fear gripped her heart. Google painted a bleak picture, filling her with dread. Despite her doctor’s reassurances, she found herself demoralised by the internet’s grim outlook.

This experience serves as a reminder that

“while online resources can provide information, it’s crucial to interpret them cautiously, seeking professional guidance to avoid unnecessary fear and anxiety is need of the hour.”

The Power of Family and Friends in the Face of Cancer…

When Tapaswini heard the daunting word “Cancer”, shock and sadness consumed her. For three months, she had ignored the growing lump within her. Inspite of the guilt of ignoring the symptoms , she gathered courage to share the news with her husband during their holiday trip. His tears reflected the deep fear of losing her, a fear Cancer often brings. Yet, amid the darkness, her family, including parents, in-laws, siblings, and friends became pillars of strength. Their unwavering support filled her with hope.

In the midst of emotional turmoil, these connections provided solace, reminding her that she was not alone. Their support, both emotionally and mentally, becomes a guiding light, helping her to navigate the difficult journey with fortitude and resilience.

The Turning Point: 

During a joyous vacation at her brother’s home, Tapaswini’s life took an unexpected turn. In a casual conversation with her sister-in-law, she confided about the ignored lump. Sensing the gravity, her sister-in-law insisted on a check-up. At the hospital, after careful examination, a biopsy was recommended. To Tapaswini’s surprise, the biopsy confirmed IDC (Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma) of Breast and Triple Negative. The shock was immense, but amidst the uncertainty her sister-in-law’s caring concern became the beacon of hope, nudging her toward timely medical intervention. Sometimes, it takes a loved one’s keen observation to change the course of fate, reminding us of the power of vigilance and support in our lives. Being aware of our bodies can save lives, not just ours but also those we love.

“If we find a lump anywhere, especially in the Breast, talking about it with family is crucial. You might unknowingly help someone, just like Tapaswini’s relative did. Sharing concerns can turn anyone into a lifesaving hero.”

Finding Strength in Unexpected Places

Tapaswini’s journey to the cancer hospital was laden with tears and despair. Every step felt like an eternity, filled with uncertainty. As they entered the bustling hospital, the sheer number of patients overwhelmed her. Amidst the sea of faces, a little girl, merely 6 years old and bald from chemotherapy, caught her eye. In that moment, awe struck her; how could cancer touch someone so innocent?

This child’s bravery sparked a profound realisation – her struggle, though immense, was shared by many. The hospital room, once daunting, suddenly became a sanctuary of hope.Cancer, she understood, is a mental battle.

Like stepping onto an escalator, the initial fear grips you, but once you take that step, the journey begins.

In this battle, the support and guidance of friends and family are invaluable. Their strength becomes the beacon, illuminating the path forward, reminding us that in unity, we find the courage to face even the darkest challenges.

 https://www.drsumandas.com/ways-to-winning-over-cancer-and-transforming-lives/

Finding Strength in the Face of Unanswered Questions

When Tapaswini met her oncologist, a torrent of questions flooded her mind. “Why me?” she asked. She couldn’t fathom why cancer had chosen her, especially without any bad habits or risk factors at the young age of 32. The oncologist’s response was a lesson in courage.

Instead of dwelling on the “whys”, they emphasised the “what now”?

Comparing life’s twists to accidents, the doctor explained that much like an innocent pedestrian getting hit unexpectedly, cancer can strike anyone, regardless of their habits or age. The focus, the doctor urged, should be on facing this challenge head-on, with bravery and determination.

Sometimes, life throws unexpected challenges our way, and all we can do is summon the strength to confront them, just like facing an unexpected accident on the road. In the face of uncertainty, courage becomes our guiding light, leading us through even the most daunting of journeys.

Embracing Hope Beyond Numbers

When Tapaswini asked about her cancer stage, she felt the weight of common fears. In the realm of cancer, stages 3 and 4 often spell doom. With limited knowledge, she found herself speculating the worst. However, her oncologist offered a different perspective. They urged her not to fixate on the stage or the triple-negative status of her disease.

The doctor’s wisdom was simple yet powerful: statistics and stages don’t define an individual’s journey. Cancer outcomes, often seen as grim statistics, are based on broad population studies. Each patient’s response is unique. Instead of dwelling on the negative prognosis, Tapaswini was encouraged to focus on the proactive step – beginning her treatment promptly.

The doctor’s message was clear: hope and courage can defy even the most daunting statistics, guiding the way to a brighter outcome.

Embracing Inner Beauty Amidst Challenges

The daunting journey of chemotherapy loomed ahead, clouded by warnings of weakness and hair loss. Despite the fears, Tapaswini found solace in the fact that chemotherapy was a day care procedure, allowing her to return home after each session. The treatment, delivered through an IV injection, became a routine amidst her daily life.

Choosing the local train over a cab, she saved money, easing the burden on her family. Returning home, her father’s chicken curry brought comfort on chemo days. Yes, there were moments of weakness and nausea, but they never stole her fighting spirit.

“Never judge yourself that you are being judged.”

When her hair started falling, a mirror became her battlefield. With determination, she shaved her head and looked at her reflection, proclaiming her own beauty. In those moments, she realised that external judgments held no power over her. She was fighting not for others’ opinions but for her life and her family.

 

Choosing Strength and Emotional Healing

After completing her chemotherapy, Tapashwini faced a crucial decision: surgery. The doctors presented two options – a complete removal of her breast, known as mastectomy, or removing only the lump, followed by radiotherapy, called Breast Conservation Surgery.

In this moment, the emotional weight of the decision was as heavy as the medical considerations. The fear of cancer returning to the residual breast often leads women to opt for mastectomy. Yet, this choice is deeply personal and emotional. For many, it’s not just a physical aspect but a psychological one; feeling whole and complete matters deeply.

What brought a glimmer of hope was the understanding that both options, in terms of cure and survival, held equal promise.

Tapaswini, like many other patients in her situation, navigated this decision, drawing strength not just from medical advice but from the courage to embrace her body and find emotional healing amid the challenges.

Embracing Progress in Radiation Therapy

Facing radiation therapy can be daunting, especially with the word ‘radiation’ carrying fears. However, Tapaswini approached her 25 sessions of radiotherapy over 5 weeks with bravery. What comforted her was the progress in medical technology. Radiation therapy for breast cancer has advanced significantly, minimising side effects and shortening the treatment duration.

In today’s world, this therapy is often completed in just 3 weeks, and for some patients, it’s condensed into 5 days over a single week.

These advancements not only reduce the treatment time but also ensure that radiation is precisely targeted, avoiding harm to nearby organs like the lungs and heart. In essence, there’s no need to fear radiation therapy in the present day; it’s a vital step towards healing, made more manageable and effective through continuous medical progress.

Life After Cancer

Tapaswini’s journey didn’t end with her treatment; instead, it marked the beginning of a new chapter. She emerged from the battle with cancer stronger and more determined than ever. Returning to her normal life, she resumed her work, teaching classes to children with the same passion and dedication as before her diagnosis. Despite the challenges, she found the courage to embrace motherhood.

Three years after her treatment, she joyfully welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world, feeding her with love and determination from her single, normal breast.

Tapaswini is not just a survivor; she’s a true warrior, a testament to the strength that resides within us. Her story echoes the spirit of the goddess Durga, defeating not just the evil of cancer but also inspiring millions of women to see life with newfound hope and resilience. She stands as a beacon, showing the world that with bravery and determination, one can overcome even the most daunting challenges and emerge victorious, ready to embrace life in all its beauty and complexity.

Conclusion: Tapaswini’s journey symbolises triumph over adversity. Her strength and determination turned a battle with cancer into a story of victory. Like the goddess Durga, she defeated the evil, inspiring millions to see life’s challenges as opportunities for growth and resilience.

In the end of darkness, there is light. Through support, awareness and courage, we can conquer the darkest storms, emerging stronger and more vibrant on the other side.

Images and story posted with permission of Mrs Tapaswini Mishra. (MSc, B.Ed, MBA)

Dr Suman Das:Breast Cancer Treatment Apollo Cancer Center, Visakhapatnam

 

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