Tara (name changed), a 36-year IT professional came to know about the self-breast examination at a cancer awareness program conducted in her office. She went home and tried the self-exam and was surprised when she found a lump in her right breast. Tara was referred to Dr. Shiva Kumar Uppala at Oncolndia, Bangalore by her family doctor. After conducting a battery of tests that included mammography, fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), and biopsy the doctor informed her that she had stage 2 breast cancer.
Breast cancer is the most common type of malignancy that affects women. Cancer usually occurs as a result of genetic mutations in the DNA of the cells. Breast cancer occurs when there is an abnormal growth in the breast tissue. “Generally, the affected cells are in the lobules (milk-producing gland) or in the tube-shaped duct of the breast which carries milk from the lobules to the nipple”, says Dr. Shiva Kumar.
Breast cancer is divided into different stages depending on the size of the tumor, the number of lymph nodes affected, and metastasis. Dr. Shiva Kumar believes that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ treatment for breast cancer. Each case is unique and hence the treatment plan will have to be personalized for every patient. However, the general procedures available to treat breast cancer include surgeries like lumpectomy and mastectomy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, etc. A combination of different methods might be suggested by the doctor based on the clinical findings.
Tara thinks she was lucky enough to have survived this ordeal. She underwent a lumpectomy to remove the tumor, followed by six months of chemotherapy to prevent a recurrence. She recalls with horror the trauma of those difficult days. Dr. Shiva Kumar had warned her about the side effects of chemotherapy. However, it was still a shock to see her hair fall off in clumps and her nails look bruised and discolored. According to Tara, the most difficult part was nausea and vomiting which made her physically exhausted.
Tara believes that Dr. Shiva Kumar and her family were the two pillars that kept her standing through those dark times. Dr. Shiva Kumar was with her every step of the way addressing all her questions and doubts. “The team at OncoIndia helped me take care of my mental and emotional well-being along with my physical well-being”, says Tara. Tara’s family showered her with love and support and got her through the tough days when she couldn’t do so herself.
“It is important to treat the patient as a whole rather than only the affected part”, says Dr. Shiva Kumar. At OncoIndia breast cancer patients are given wholesome treatment which includes counseling, pain and palliative care, diet and nutrition plans, etc. “Breast cancer can affect anyone at any time. The important thing is to keep fighting”, says Dr. Shiva Kumar.
