Cancer, truth and myth, "The Power Within"

Cancer. The very name chills you to the bone and numbs your senses. If one is unfortunate to contract cancer, the foremost reaction is total denial in spite of the truth staring you right in the face. Second reaction "Why me "of all the people. Then acceptance followed by treatment (whether surgery, or chemotherapy or oral chemo). What is most important is how one takes it mentally and physically. The whole perspective of life changes, values change and suddenly one becomes acutely aware of the smallest and most trivial details perhaps overlooked earlier. Life seems fragile, never to be taken for granted. I am under treatment since last year and this is how my story goes :-

THE DISEASE AND ITS ONGOING TREATMENT

Since June, 2016, I was having a slight pain in my intestine in the mornings which would dissipate as I got on with my work. Am employed with a consulting firm in Noida connected with the broadcasting industry. After some dilly dallying, consulted a local doctor and was suggested an ultrasound of the abdomen. So on Saturday, 3rd September, 16 did the needful expecting some minor problem. Was in for a rude shock when the doctor told me that a growth had engulfed my entire left kidney and was probably spreading upwards! A Pet C.T. was required immediately! Fortunately my younger son, Raghav was in Noida at that time (on work assignment) and he was an immense moral & physical support. Pet CT scheduled at Gangaram could not be done as their equipment was out of order. My wife, Sonia went all out, contacted her friends and rescheduled Pet CT was promptly done At Apollo, Delhi on 6th September. Our worst fears were confirmed when the report showed malignant growth in left kidney spreading to the IVC. My elder son, Dhruv flew in from Hyderabad the same night. Next day our family visited three hospitals, Apollo, Medanta and Fortis Escorts (along with my sister and brother-in-law) and we finally zeroed down on Fortis Escorts. Dual surgery, i.e. Nephrectomy & IVC Thrombectomy was carried out under the able guidance of Dr. Rajesh Ahlawat by the very competent Dr. Anil Mandhani and observed by Dr. Kher at Fortis Escorts on 12th September, 2016. At that point probably another malignant growth in the chest area / chest nodule (detected in the Pet C.T.) was not investigated prior to surgery. This was probably in light of the fact that removal of left kidney & growth from IVC was urgent and imminent. After discharge, Dr. Mandhani immediately sought investigation of chest nodule which was carried out at Apollo (since Fortis Escorts did not have a regular Thoracic surgeon / doctor for this investigation). Proper investigation was not done and this matter was deferred to next follow up Pet CT scheduled for January, 2017.

Meanwhile Dr. Mandhani had already put me on a course of bi-weekly Interferon injections (for nine months) to boost my immunity. These injections were taken regularly like clockwork. The injections were generally taken in the afternoon and after about six hours I had high fever in the late evening in-spite of taking Calpol & Allegra one hour prior to injection. Generally had to take another Calpol at night before sleeping. I started going for regular work in November, 2017 after 70 days of absence. First follow up Pet CT was again done at Apollo, Delhi on 9th January, 2017. The operated bed was clear but the chest nodule size had increased! Dr. Mandhani advised investigation. An E-Bus was done at Apollo and the chest nodule was found to be malignant. This was very disheartening! Interferon was stopped immediately. Without wasting time consulted Dr. Ashok Vaid, (Head of Oncology) at Medanta, Gurgaon. He suggested some tests to decide the course of treatment. Residing at Noida it was impractical to access Gurgaon for treatment. My mind was in a turmoil. My son Dhruv suggested that I speak to his friend's father who had undergone chemo & radiation therapy at Max Hospital, Saket and whose cancer had gone into remission. On talking to him, I found a positive outlook and praise for Dr. Harit Chaturvedi, Head of Oncology, Max Hospitals, Delhi. On consulting Dr. Chaturvedi he advised for detailed testing of the slides of the surgery biopsy and the E-Bus at Max, Saket. After doing the needful and armed with the test results he referred me to Dr. Alok Gupta in his Oncology Team at Max, Saket, in the last week of January, 2017. Since 1st February, 2017 Dr. Alok has put me on a chemo drug "Sutent or Sunitinib 50 mg" manufactured by Pfizer. This drug is taken in a three week cycle. One capsule daily for two weeks, then one week rest, then repeat cycle. During every rest week I consult Dr. Alok with test reports of KFT, LFT and CBC to determine my suitability for taking the next cycle of Sutent. Dr. Alok is closely monitoring my case and providing me suitable guidance. Second follow up Pet CT was done at Max, Saket recently in end May, 2017. The chest nodule has reduced in size and become smaller than the size reflected in First Pet CT. Currently I am on my seventh cycle of Sutent.

FIGHTING THE ILLNESS WITH FAMILY SUPPORT

Even with the best of doctors, the best treatment, the best hospitals and the best research, fighting cancer requires inner strength and family support to the fullest. Most of all God's Grace. I have not seen God. But I have seen and experienced His benevolence through my wife and my sons who are my pillar of strength both mentally and physically. My wife has nurtured me and continuing to nurture me from surgery wherein I have gradually regained my strength and vitality to such an extent that I am going for regular work, evening walks, visiting malls for movies / shopping and even trying to cycle an average 40 Kms. per week. Initially after surgery, I was sleeping about 14 hours every day to counter weakness. My wife has given me all of herself, mentally and physically to bring me to this juncture. Both my sons too have shifted from their respective workplaces in Hyderabad and Bengaluru to Delhi / NCR to offer me their full support whether it is going for consultations and various tests.

MOTIVATION, INSPIRATION AND FAMILY BONDING "THE POWER WITHIN"

I am most fortunate to have my family close to me at this juncture. My wife takes ample care of me and our sons. Being a home maker she has her hands full and sometimes even neglects herself. We all try to take out some quality time (especially on weekends) and also go out on holidays where we bond together. Strong family bonding is the nucleus from where I derive my energy. Another positive is the habit of doing Pranayam (breathing exercises in the morning). This helps in increasing the anti-oxidants in the blood which is a deterrent in the multiplication of cancer cells in the body. My wife and I try to do Pranayam regularly. The "Power Within" comes with an undying faith in God, in myself (that I will emerge a victor) and the strength to counter this situation comes from my family who are a circle of protection all around me.

SIDE EFFECTS OF TAKING CHEMO DRUG "SUTENT-50mg"

Different persons react to Sutent differently. The side effects listed are numerous. Currently I am on my seventh cycle of Sutent. There have been some noticeable side effects like tightening of stomach muscles adjoining the surgery stitches, blisters on foot, mouth ulcers, slightly high blood pressure, white spots on arms and legs and fast breathing. The white spots (especially on the legs) are staying. The foot blisters pain in every cycle but pain recedes during the rest period. Also, I have noticed that there are different side effects in different cycles. Overall the drug's suitability and my body resistance has been favorable.

MESSAGE FOR ANYBODY DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER

• Do not panic. Accept the fact. Take immediate and effective steps to counter the issue. Be positive.
• Have faith in yourself. Have faith in God. Gather your family around you. They are your armor and protection.
• Do not get cowed down. You are a fighter. You are stronger than the treatment.
• This is a lifestyle disease. Change your lifestyle. Do not get angry or anxious. Mellow down.
• Try that you continue working. It will keep you busy and going. Eat healthy nourishing food.
• Try pranayam and yoga. Daily exercise is a must for building up stamina. Get adequate sleep.
• Keep your mind sharp. Try playing some word game with your family or friends.
• REMEMBER: Life is given by God. Doctors provide good care and medical advice. Have faith in them, but first have faith in yourself and God. I believe that even doctors have faith in God.

Yours Sincerely
Rajiv Jetli