I have been a cancer survivor.I was diagnosed with cancer of base of the the tongue and floor of the mouth.At the time of diagnosis it was at the later stage of stage I hence relatively early stage.I got treatment done at TMC Mumbai.I was given 30 radiations and 6 chemos.My advise to the people after a harrowing experience is as follows:-
1.Maintain positive attitude.God has given us set numbers of days on this earth.Nobody can take them away.Enjoy as long as you can.Never delay things you have to do e.g. making a will,telling your loved ones that you love them.
2.Maintain extreme hygiene,meet minimum number of people during treatment,do'nt touch people while greeting them.Care taker should ensure that food is cooked separately ( I had to be given mashed food and subsequently was given liquid diet through a tube).Chemo reduces the immunity and hence people tend to develop other infections and thus complicate the already complicated situation further.
3.Take healthy diet,do'nt let your Hb go down which is bound to happen after chemo and radiation.My onco surgeon suggested that I should eat at least three types of fruit every day and papaya tops the chart.These are good anti oxidants.
4.Alternate therapies are good but only after oncologist's advice.I took wheat grass juice,tulsi leaves and amla juice but only after the treatment was over and I was in a condition to take oral food.
5.I do not know the cause of my cancer and neither could my doctor tell me as I have NEVER taken tobacco,alcohol,or any such thing.
6. It was a tough journey not only for me but also for my family but we fought it together including my husband ,sons ,daughter-in law and my sisters.
Be happy as long as you can....
Mrs Deep Kaul
Principal
Army Public School
Devlali more