From Cancer to Cure: My journey to healing, the story of my triumph over Triple-Negative Breast Cancer is summarized below in 5 Cs.
1. Compassion
2. Care
3. Cutting-Edge Treatment
4. Confidence
5. Cure
As I reflect onFrom Cancer to Cure: My journey to healing, the story of my triumph over Triple-Negative Breast Cancer is summarized below in 5 Cs.
1. Compassion
2. Care
3. Cutting-Edge Treatment
4. Confidence
5. Cure
As I reflect on my journey battling triple-negative breast cancer, my heart overflows with gratitude for the remarkable care provided by Dr. Rajat Bajaj and his extraordinary team of doctors and nurses at the International Oncology Cancer Institute at Fortis Hospital, Noida.
As a patient who recently underwent treatment for triple-negative breast cancer, facing a diagnosis of such an invasive cancer was daunting, but Dr. Rajat's expertise and innovative treatment approach instilled confidence and hope from the very beginning.
Facing a diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer was an overwhelming experience, to say the least from the moment I figured out something was wrong when all of a sudden one fine morning, I experienced a horrible shooting pain in my right breast, this was just before Christmas, 2022. Upon self-examination which I regularly did before, it was different this time, I felt a lump and it was painful. I let the Christmas holidays go by and thought to myself, it could be something else, though deep in my heart I feared it is cancer. I discussed this with my husband, and we decided to meet our Gynecologist Dr. Nisha at Cloud9 Hospital in Noida on 04-Jan-2023. After mammography and ultrasound, it was clear to her that it was something ‘concerning’, and she recommended that I meet an oncologist ASAP. She referred me to Dr. Jalaj Bakshi (Oncological Surgeon) and Dr. Rajat Bajaj (Medical Oncologist) in Fortis Noida.
The same day we booked an appointment with Dr. Bakshi, and he recommended a Biopsy, a PET CT Scan, and some Blood Tests. I got them done on the spot, and after a few days, the result came back as TNBC Stage 2. (T1 N1 M0).
When you hear the word CANCER – you think your world has come to an END!
My heart was filled with fear and despair and my mind was full of questions. With the result papers in my hand and feeling lost, me and my husband met Dr. Rajat Bajaj for the first time on 11-Jan-2023. The moment I walked through the doors of Fortis Noida and entered Dr. Bajaj’s cabin at the International Oncology Cancer Institute, all my fears were slowly and steadily overcome with a blanket of compassion, assurance, and guidance by Dr. Bajaj. The line of treatment was explained to me and my husband in detail. All the questions that we had were patiently heard and answered. His calm demeanor, thorough explanations, and genuine concern for my well-being put me at ease during what was undoubtedly one of the most challenging times of my life. This made me confident, and I developed a trust that I was in good hands.
His expertise *** ********* in the field of Oncology were evident in every aspect of how he calmly explained to me that Cancer diagnosis is NOT THE END. His words were a true beacon of hope that cancer treatment has evolved over the years that now various options are available to patients, and that I still can have a ‘normal’ life ahead, with an aim to get into remission.
What was very clear to me at that moment was that it would be Dr. Bajaj and Dr. Bakshi who would be my beacon of light during my darkest moment, and they would be the ones who would lead and guide me through this journey of cancer treatment, which was explained to me that would take over a year.
After leaving Fortis on 11-Jan-2023, I felt confident and reassured that I had a good chance to beat this ‘monster’ under their care. What is very important to state here is that Dr. Rajat had outlined a comprehensive treatment plan that integrated traditional Chemotherapy with the groundbreaking addition of Immunotherapy. This new line of treatment offered a ray of hope in the often ‘presumed’ dismal landscape of triple-negative breast cancer management.
My first Chemo session started on 13-Jan-2023 and with each session, I could feel the collective strength of the medical team rallying behind me, infusing me with courage and resilience. The journey of beating Cancer was not smooth all the time and had its challenges. During these regular Chemo and Immuno-Therapy sessions, I had minimal side effects except for the usual ones which Dr. Rajat forewarned me of diligently that I would vomit, feel weak, and would lose my hair. There was a challenging moment too when I was admitted to the hospital for about a week as my platelet count had reached dangerously low levels. But Dr. Bajaj and his team stood by my side every step of the way and guided me out of this situation too addressing each concern with patience, compassion, and understanding.
Throughout the treatment journey, the integration of immunotherapy alongside chemotherapy was seamlessly executed, with careful monitoring and augmenting the doses as per my progress.
The 6-month chemo and immune sessions started on 13-Jan-2023 and I successfully finished the course on 15-Jun-2023. I had 8 cycle of Chemo sessions along with every three week Keytruda (Immunotherapy) sessions. Next, I had my PET CT Scan on 30-Mar-2023 with the most fantastic result that there were no cancer cells visible in my body and I had achieved CCR (Clinical Complete Response).
So, looking back today I can say that Chemotherapy which most cancer patients fear the most is very doable.
On 11-July-2023 I underwent a Mastectomy surgery which was conducted by Dr. Bakshi. Post Surgery – when my biopsy result came back, I was in tears (of joy) to hear that I had achieved PCR (Pathological Complete Response), which meant, no cancer cells were found in my body.
This result was nothing short of a ‘miracle’. The combination of Chemotherapy, care, and compassion not only halted the progression of cancer but also instilled a sense of confidence in my healing process that extended far beyond the physical realm. Today, I stand before you as living proof of the power of compassion and cutting-edge medicine to defy cancer.
After this, as per the guidance of Dr. Bajaj, I underwent 15 Radiation therapy sessions to complete the Cancer treatment under the supervision of Dr. Tripti who was my cheerleader – cheering me after each session and kept my morale always high.
Dr. Rajat Bajaj, Dr. Jalaj Bakshi, and Dr. Tripti's ability to not only treat the physical aspects of my illness but also to provide emotional support and encouragement throughout this journey was truly remarkable. Their words of wisdom, their empathy, and their willingness to listen to my concerns made all the difference in my healing process. I always felt heard, respected, and valued as a patient under their care.
Thanks to Dr. Bajaj's expertise and guidance, my following his instructions diligently, and our frank discussions with each other on articles or journals that I read on Cancer treatment including which supplements one should take along with a specific diet plan helped me navigate my Cancer treatment journey successfully and now I can proudly say that I am Cancer-free (in remission) and able to live my life to the fullest. I feel incredibly fortunate to have him as my doctor whose innovative approach helped me to combat even the most dangerous forms of cancer.
I am now no longer on any medication, except a few vitamins. I diligently come to Fortis as instructed Dr. Bajaj for a 3-monthly checkup, with my latest blood reports, PET CT Scan, and he reviews the progress in my case.
I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Rajat Bajaj and his team to anyone facing a similar diagnosis. Their dedication to pushing the boundaries of cancer treatment and their unwavering commitment to patient care makes them true heroes in the fight against breast cancer.
Thank you, Dr. Rajat Bajaj, Dr. Jalaj Bakshi, and Dr. Tripti and their team of doctors, nurses, and technicians for giving me a second chance at life.
With heartfelt gratitude and warmest regards,
Wilma Claudia Samuel
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