Lipika's Story Cancer Survivor (Fallopian tube)

Lipika Phani,– Cancer Survivor (Fallopian tube) story as told to Ritu Sharma 

Initial signals

At the age of 58, Lipika, was diagnosed with the cancer of the Fallopian tube. Though there were no alarming symptoms, in retrospect she feels that she did have a sensation of pressure in the uterus while passing urine. Though she had always done the pap smear regularly before, she had missed getting it done in the last couple of years and it was during that period she was diagnosed with cancer.

One night, she suddenly had severe bleeding though there was no pain. Very next morning she consulted the doctor who clearly stated that there was a cause for concern. D&C (to clean out the uterus) was performed but no biopsy was done at the time. Following that a hysterectomy (removal of uterus and ovaries) was done, and a biopsy was then performed. During this time, she was also retiring from her job and had elaborate travel plans as she would be free.

Treatment

The report suggested cancer of Stage 1. She had to cancel her travel plans that she was so looking forward to. When they visited the Oncology surgeon, he was not satisfied with the results as he felt the cancer may have spread. Another biopsy was done which revealed  stage 2 cancer (the cancel had touched the walls of fallopian tube). Second biopsy was disturbing due to the suddenness of it.  There was a little butterfly in the stomach when doctor said "It could be serious affair". She already knew this and managed to keep her cool and say “I know, I will not challenge God". Another operation was suggested to remove lymph nodes in surrounding areas.  She was not in favor of going through another surgery so soon. But after taking opinions from other oncologists, who also recommended surgery, another operation was performed within 3 weeks of the first one.

Then she had to go though six sessions of chemotherapy, starting 5^th day after the surgery.  During this time her spirits were intact. She wanted to attend a training course on counseling, as that too was part of her plan after retirement, but was discouraged by the instructors. After couple of chemo sessions, she realized it was going to be difficult. But whenever she felt better between chemos she would work from home for an NGO. She wished she had not retired, as it would have helped her to recover faster after each chemo.

Recovery

She started dressing up, wearing big ear-rings, matching clothes, and matching head scarf (she used it as she had lost her hair). The reason being, she did not want anyone to look at her sympathetically and dressing up made her feel cheerful. There were many side-effects of chemo such as weakened muscles and bones. She also had to live with severe back pain. She felt devastated when after the treatment she could not walk properly for 3 to 4 months due to muscle weakness and pain. She would faint several times due to shooting pain while walking. The doctor said nothing can be done, that she needs to slowly build up muscle strength. She felt she will never be able to walk again. But after few months she took up the challenge to go to Kolkata with her old mother in law to settle her in her new apartment. This was her attempt to say to herself - do or die, and it worked. It gave her a lot of confidence. She slowly got back her strength.

Though she still struggles with few ailments such as spondilytis,and some nerve issues,  she keeps herself very active. She has completed her course in personal counseling and is a practicing counselor and a soft-skills trainer. She is part of a child helpline group and also devotes some of her time at the street children’s home. She has joined as one of the founder member of CTH, the Cancer support group with Padma and Mamata and groupis growing with the help of other cancer survivors and caregivers

Lipika’s Thoughts

What she has to tell people is –

-          Do not ignore even a slightest change in your body, get it checked out

-          Ensure that you get regular checkups like pap smear and mammograms done

-          Cancer does not mean end of the road, there is life beyond Cancer