Kamal Deep, India

Finding purpose after Breast Cancer

It was 24 th Feb 2013, a lazy Sunday morning for most. But I experienced a sudden sandstorm moving in circles, with me as an epicenter. The Sonomammography report was positive for carcinoma in the left breast. Down to my knees, with a blurred vision, a fast-beating heart and labored breath, it seemed the end of the road.Thankfully I took control on the emotions of denial, frustration, and helplessness, to get ahead immediately with my treatment, which involved a lumpectomy, 8 chemotherapies and 33 radiations.

12 years hence the experience comes back strongly but today to nudge me to do more, to help women outsmart breast cancer and to help them navigate the treatment phase with hope and confidence.

The belief that no one should fight cancer alone, helped me join hands with Dr. Jayanti Thumsi, Surgical Oncologist to start STHREE (Support to heal, restore, empower, and energize) an emotional support group for breast cancer. Life had found a purpose.

October the month of breast cancer awareness and the World Cancer Day offers a great platform to reflect and accelerate action to keep our women healthy, as the risk of breast cancer is so pertinent to their life. This note of mine as a survivor turned breast cancer activist, is a message of hope, entrusting responsibility to women to shape a healthy today and a healthier tomorrow.

 Remember breast cancer isn’t what it was twenty years back. We are in an era of precision medicine and cutting-edge technology from screening to treatment. India with some of the best oncologists in the world offers quality cancer care which builds confidence to get treated in our own country. Breast Cancer is the most treatable of all cancers if diagnosed early. 

So, ladies some action points for us

• Everything else can wait but not deteriorating health. If you see a change in your breasts – a persistent lump, changing texture of skin, secretion from nipples, nipples withdrawn inwards, reach your doctor, preferably an oncologist without delay. In India late presentation to a doctor is resulting in higher mortality rates negating the efforts to improve the outcome of treatment.
• Breast self-examination aids early detection of any abnormality in the breast. Using pads of the three middle fingers check the entire breast tissue, preferably on the seventh day of menstrual cycle. Start this from the age of eighteen. Early evaluation is critical. Hearing “all is well” can be very reassuring rather than being told the “cancer has advanced.”
• For women with normal risk - After the age of thirty have breasts examined clinically by a doctor (CBE).  From 40 -75 years have an annual mammogram.
• For women with higher risk - If there is a history of breast cancer in the family adopt screening as advised by doctor.
• Devote time to walk daily and be regular. Use a commitment device to record number of steps walked. A combo approach of walk + meditation+ yoga would be advantageous.
• Shed unhealthy fat. Be mindful of increasing weight and growing waistline.
• Have a health insurance policy.
• Be armed with knowledge and stay away from myths. Attend breast cancer awareness sessions and organize them for the benefit of others.

Despite efforts to keep cancer at bay if cancer strikes 

• Don’t panic. Get treated from a team of oncologists at one hospital preferably. Cancer treatment is multi-modal.
• Never give up cancer treatment without talking to the doctor.
• Stay busy, stay engaged doing household chores or job, as it is a coping mechanism.
• Join a cancer support group.
• Do positive self-talk, detox your body and mind of any negativity and never give up.
• Socialize and speak openly about cancer, to change the negative public perception about the disease.
• Practice gratitude for all that one receives from family, workplace colleagues, oncology team and friends, in a phase of emotional and physical upheaval.

“Pain unlocks a secret doorway in the mind, one that leads to both peak performance and beautiful silence” says David Goggins. 
My life after cancer treatment stands a testimony to the quote, for a medical crisis has turned out to be an enlightening phase of my life. 

Along with an active professional career, I nurture a daily determination to deliver what it takes to be a hands-on mother, a caring wife, a compassionate daughter, and a trusted buddy.

Today I am a better version of myself, motivated to instill hope in women who are being treated for cancer, that life can be beautiful and fulfilling even after cancer. 

My incredible doctors Dr. Jayanti Thumsi, Dr. Mallika Natraj and Dr. Mathangi Padmanabhan gave me the gift of hope which I pass on to every reader.

Dr. Kamal Deep Peter            

Cancer Survivor, CSR Professional