Christmas with Access Life!

This year we started out Christmas celebration with a fantastic endeavour. We visited Access Life, an NGO that provides food, shelter and transportation to cancer afflicted children. My friends, Shreya & Star, my mother and I went to Access Life and spend some fun time with the children. We gave them Christmas gifts and brought smiles to their faces.
What surprised me the most was the carefree and exciting faces of the children. They all seemed so happy and thrilled in each other’s company. They were playing around, We could hardly believe that were suffering from cancer. There is so much to learn from these beautiful souls! They make the entire place so happy, positive and entertaining! We just did not feel like leaving the place. The children made our Christmas so special with their positive vibes. May God bless them always.

Access Life has tied up with Tata Memorial Hospital, KEM and Sion Hospital for helping cancer afflicted children. Each time a child and their family travel to Mumbai for treatment the said hospitals gets in touch with Access Life. If there is a bed available then Access Life goes out of their way to help the family. Their mission is to offer home-like environment for family at no-cost. They also try to improve the quality of life of these children by providing practical support services, educational resources, and recreational programmes. There are 8 rooms in total. The rooms and kitchen and very clean, comfortable and the environment is very dignified and happy. We were talking to some of the family members of the children and they were all praises for Access Life.

Packing gifts for the children!

In a country where care for the needy has long been accepted as dismal, Access Life is working to not only fill in a large need gap but also to fundamentally change this mind-set.

That's us, with Star, Shreya, Mom & the children!

In case you want to share your happiness with these children then please feel free to get in touch with Acess Life at:

Acces Life Assistance Foundation,
6 Jolly Chamber Land, CHS Ghatia Village Road, Chembur East, Mumbai 400071

Phone: +91 22 2521 2511

Email: contact@accesslife.org

ICU – Day 2

The second day at the ICU was one of my toughest days of my life. When the physiotherapist tried to make me sit I found it extremely difficult. I took so many things for grunted and today I could not even sit properly nor could I walk. The pain of sitting down brought back many images – how I took my career for grunted and cribbed about the late hours of my work. How would grumble about my paintings taking time to sell. Now sitting at the ICU I wished I could turn back the clock and stopped critiquing simple things in life. The depression just kept getting deeper and deeper. It felt like I was slowly going to hit a wall. A wall that is about to crash my hopes, my dreams and my life!

Dr. Geeta Malkan Billa
Consultant hepathologist 
(liver transplant),
liver transplant physician, 
Gastroenterologist.

My gastroenterologist, Dr Geeta Billa, tried to cheer me up, but the depression kept nagging me. My schoolfriend Jaita Guha, tried to uplift my mood. She had got story books and colouring books for me. But nothing seemed to work. I just wanted to sit properly sans the pain and the discomfort and it just did not happen. After lying down in the ICU bed ,when I closed my eyes but could see nothing. Suddenly the future seemed dark and void of life.

My school friend, Jaita.
She took off from work to make my day!

Thats us, after I visited her after getting discharged from the hospital!

During the shift change I saw nurses and doctors leaving for their home to their loved ones - this depressed me further. Even I wanted to go home to my mom, my family and my friends. But alas!

Dr. Arpita Dwivedy,
ICU head, 
Hiranandani Hospital, Powai

But every tunnel of darkness comes to end. Mine came to an end thanks to my friend Jaita and her brave words and Dr. Arpita, the head of ICU Hiranandani Hospital, Powai. I requested Dr Arpita to recite the Hanuman Chalisa for me. And she did. She recited the Chalisa 2 times for me. I remember shuting my eyes with tears rolling down and hold her hand and listening to the Chalisa. I can never forget this divine experience. After sometime I could see the tall green Hanuman standing behind her with folded hands. Even with my eyes close I could feel His presence. I kept seeing Him even after the doctor left my bedside. It was an experience I could not forget.

Post this I kept dreaming about the good times I had with my friends the parties, the lazy afternoon gossips, office get togethers, time spend at Temple of Miracle (the spiritual space where we mediate with my spiritual gurus, Leesha and Sonu Aunty, and have fun). My strenght was gradually coming back and I started feeling positive again. Jaita’s words – this is just a phase- kept me going. Some friends with their strong warrior attitude make so much of difference in your gloomy moments!

Then came the big news from my onco-surgeon, Dr Mehta. He visited me a night and gave me the best news possible – lets remove your nasal pipe‼ Yipppeee. I could have jumped out of my bed in joy. Initially I requested him to shift me out of the ICU to the hospital room! In his soft spoken and calm voice he said – just 1 or 2 more days and you will be out of here. But after hearing the news of removing the nasal pipe my cribbing vanished and I was all smile and energetic. Suddenly I was in party mode – happy, gay and absolutely blissful!

Dr. Sanket Mehta
Sr Oncology Surgeon

The removal of nasal pipe I thought would be painful. But NO, its not. I felt so liberated, excited and on top of the world. Suddenly Jaita’s word – this is just a phase – made so much of sense. And yes for the next 1 hour, I kept feeling my nose from every angel. It felt overwhelming to get back your nose sans any pipes‼ Never felt so intimate with my nose!

Post this it the recovery happened at a rapid pace!





Learning: What I learned was that there are pockets of darkness everywhere, but there is light too. And I am the light of lights! The light inside us is so bright that it can fade away any dim and gloomy moments in minutes. Just belief in yourself and in God!

Tips: Always share your depression with the doctors. They will help you get over it. Dont hide anything in the ICU. Coz if you hide your depression from the doctors and family members it will suck you to an never ending land. 

Always belief in your Gods, They will deliver you to good health.

Thank you guys for being there for me on my darkest days!

ICU - Day 1

ICU is place where the gravity is very strong – its can suck you in and make you loose hope in no time. Either you come out alive or in form of a dead body. There is no inbetween. Thus keeping a positive attitude in the ICU is crucial and also an uphill task. This is when you need your doctors’, family’s and friends’ support the maximum.

I remember, on my first day, my dear friend, Anuradha was there to visit me at the ICU. She stayed the entire day waiting outside the ICU and came to visit me during the visiting hours. Initially I did not want her to come and visit me at the ICU because I thought she will not be able see me in such a delicate state when there were 7-8 pipes attached to every part of my body – neck, nose, stomach, back & urinary track. But I was mistaken.

Soul sister Anuradha!

I remember her walking into the ICU when the doctor was putting me on ventilator. For a few sceond I could see the shock in her eyes and the tremor in her walk. Its never easy to see your friend in such a state. But within minutes she changed her attitude and put on a brave face. Her face gave me strength. Strength to fight back the depressing atmosphere of the ICU. It was such a relief to see her trying to be her usuall chirpy self. I don’t remember what she was spoke to me. Whatever it was it relaxed me and diverted my mind from the ventilator! My drowsiness, overall weakness & the nose pipe prevented me from making too much conversation with Anuradha. But her presence and smile mattered a lot. What she taught me with her sunshine smile that I was much stronger than my circumstances! I can’t thank her enough for visiting me and giving me the confidence to look forward to a speedy recovery. God bless Anuradha.

Thats us, getting high on life and wine! 

I was given the ventilator because oxygen is the biggest enemy of cancer and also because I was a little breathless.
I was also taking antibiotic drips because early in the morning I had fever with shivers. Thus I was very weak and fragile. I hardly could understand what was happening … the doctors in the ICU kept up my spirit by talking to me and asking me to keep up my life-force and the smile on my face. Their emotional support and positive vibes kept me going.


But the most hilarious incident happened when the onco surgeon visited me at midnight. When I told him I was spitting out saliva constantly he asked me to cough. Coughing after a surgery is painfull. So I faked it. But, alas, I was caught. The next thing I know was the doctor putting his hands on my stomach and asking me to cough. Each time I faked I got caught! The surgeon was in no hurry to leave. So, eventually I HAD to cough‼ :P

I just could not fake my cough1 :P

Tips:
When you are in ICU make sure your loved ones visits you. Their confidence, strength, and positive vibes will help you go through the ordeal in peace. 

Never crib in the ICU. It just pushes you into further depression. Trust the doctors and keep your spirit up. 

ICU – the headquater of Mafia Dons!

After the surgery I was transferred directly to my hospital room. Since all my vital organs were working and my condition was stable I was not put in the ICU!

But this was short lived. I got fever that escalated from 99.3 to 99.8 and then crossed 100. And there were 2 more problems (cant remember them now) which needed ICU care. All these made me land up in the ICU bed in 24 hours of my operation.


Since I could not move they plonked me from the room bed to the ICU bed using a strecher. It felt good … it was fun to change the bed in this way.


Once inside the ICU the doctors and nurses attended to me immediately. Thats when I met the first ‘Don of Hiranandani ICU’ – Dr Deepak Singh. As an ICU doctor he is the best no doubt but … if you don’t listen to him you are gone with the wind‼ Beware!

When my husband, Avik, and my friend, Pooja, entered the ICU they were asked to sign a document, giving their consent to pierce my neck to create the peripheral central line! PIERCE MY NECK‼ NOOOOO! All 3 of us were scared. I could feel the shivers running down my spine.

My husband and friend tried to explain to Dr. Singh if we could skip the neck piercing … but a stern look and some stern words made them sign the document. Horror of horror! In my half sleep state I was winning as to why they agree to the neck piercing. Why? Why? Why?

I wanted to run away but then … I was not mobile. For 5 whole mins I would not let Dr. Singh let me pierce my neck. I wriggled in terror. Then came the scolding of my life … a scolding that fixed my attitude forever. My parents have never shouted so hard on me. ‘We are doctors and you have to trust us! If you don’t you will be in trouble. We will have to pierce your neck whether you like it or not. And we guarantee that it will not hurt. Are you listening? You have to trust us!’ The words may sound normal but the tone was like a mafia don‼ I had no choice but to give in. The mafia don just would not let me go anywhere.



So the neck piercing began … I prayed and prayed … and before I could understand the job was done. I could hardly feel the pain‼ Infact, taking blood is more painful.


Finally I understood what Dr Deepak Singh was telling me. He did his job in a jiffy with such precision and comfort. Today I believe he has got magic in his hands. And he is a magical doctor. He is one of my favourite ‘mafia dons’. May God always bless him.

Next thing I know, the nurses setting up the IV lines and giving me the required medicines. Within an hour 2 of my emergency problems got fixed. Only the fever was now a concern.


Later, one of the trainee nurses were describing how, at government hospitals, peripheral central lines are created. They are done not by experts like Dr. Singh, but by trainee doctors. Who have to pierce more than once to get hold of the nerve at the neck. This goes on for quiet a while and the patient keeps bleeding and baring the pain.

Thank God we had Dr. Singh in my case

I think Dr Singh can fix anything …
You have a mom-in-law problem call Dr Singh.
You have a bad boss, call Dr Singh.
You have road rage problem, call Dr Singh.
You have internet problem, call Dr Singh.
You have maid problem, call Dr Singh.

Cause ‘mafia dons’ can fix everything and anything!

Life is a Festival!

Its festive season in India. Ganpati, Durga Puja, Navratri, Dusshera, Kali Puja, Diwali, Children's Day. I love this part of the year. Festival is like a tool that brings exuberance and excitement in life. I forgot my cancer and focussed on the celebration. Its time to turn up heart and enjoy ... thats exactly what I am doing.

I went pandal hoping for Ganpati and Durga puja. For Diwali I gave lots of alpona (rangoli). And am still giving it. I enjoy myself keeping in mind my restrictions.

Even if you are suffering from any kind of health disorder it cant stop you from enjoying the festivals of life. Just open up your mind and heart. Enjoy!

Durga Puja, my favourite festival!

Kali Puja at Powai!

Children Day's Celebration at Temple of Miracle!

Why You Should Not See Cancer As A Death Sentence - Dr Darrell Wolfe

Since I have been detected with colorectal cancer I have been doing a lot of research on  cancer. Today I came across this awesome video interview of Dr Darrell Wolfe on 'Why You Should Not See Cancer As A Death Sentence'. Its an amazing video. Its not only for cancer patients or care givers but for everyone who has some fear or the other. Its about how to tackle your fear and over come it. Must watch. 

Thats what the video is about!

About Dr Darell Wolfe 

Dr. Darrell Wolfe

Dr. Darrell Wolfe directed The North American Institute for the Advancement of Colon Therapy for fifteen years and was also the head of one of North America’s leading natural cancer treatment and preventative care centers.

Dr. Wolfe currently resides in Kelowna, British Columbia, where he treats and consults patients. He also teaches his unique methods in Deep Tissue Restoration Therapy, Weekend Warrior - Healthy To 100 and his Detoxification Program to students, professionals and corporations world-wide.

Dr. Wolfe has 35 years of experience and is known as the ‘Doc of Detox’. He has formulated the most effective and efficient detox program to help those suffering from constipation to cancer.

Dr. Wolfe has released his long awaited book ‘Healthy To 100’. This book uncovers common dysfunctional Belief Systems regarding today’s health, nutrition and detoxification with simple life-changing, cost-effective strategies.

Detoxification is the most important step to be healthy and to stay healthy. One of Dr. Wolfe’s greatest achievements is the docofdetox.com/detoxcalculator, which he provides free to one and all. Dr. Wolfe has shown that when you have a proven road map you hold the key to change your life... Healthy To 100.

Truth About Cancer
Dr Darrell's interview was taken by Truth About Cancer. In this one of a kind docu-series, you’ll follow Ty Bollinger, who lost both his mother and father to cancer (as well as 5 other family members), as he travels the country and sits down with the foremost doctors, researchers, experts and survivors to find out their proven methods for preventing and treating cancer. Discover it for yourself today.

Ty Bollinger

The Unicorns of the Oncology Wards

Colorectal cancer is spreading to the under 50's age group.Please get visit a gastroenterologist if you have any kind o9f stool issues, constipation, weakness, loose motion, fatigue! 

Heres the tale of an unicorn who was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in her teenage! 

I’ll never forget the moment I walked into the dark ballroom and experienced a sigh of normalcy. With music pouring out from loud speakers, sparkling lights adorning the dance floor and girls strutting by in flowing prom dresses, I had rejoined my teenage life — even if it was Cinderella style.

Just a few days later I landed myself back in the chemo chair.

As a large bag of chemicals pumped a monstrous liquid into my port, I sat and retold my prom tales to a group of doting nurses who’d tracked my plans leading up to the big event. They wanted every detail – my dress, my date and our dinner plans. The gray-haired patients sitting next to me eavesdropped.

A teenager’s prom night was hot news for the oncology department.


UNDER 50… CIRCA 2001. 

Although my age and energy brought a new (and welcomed) dynamic to the infusion suite, it also brought a unique and rare story.

In 2001, early-onset colorectal cancer was a novelty. Few had heard of anyone diagnosed with the disease under age 50, much less in their teens. Just about every doctor, nurse and lab tech who read my chart commented on the rarity of my case.

And they were right. Colorectal cancer under age 50 was practically unheard of; and most assumed it couldn’t happen.

Few websites indicated the possibility that it could occur. Brochures failed to mention the slowly growing incidence rates among the young population. Adorable grandparents graced the cover of every brochure I could find about the disease.

I assumed I was one of the only patients facing the disease under age 50. After all, my doctors had never seen another patient like me.

Like a unicorn in the oncology ward, my story was practically unbelievable.



UNDER 50… IN 2015

That was 14 years ago.

Along with the introduction of Gmail, Facebook, smart phones and mainstream kale salads, a surge of young patient stories like mine has also shown up over the past decade.

What was once a rare story in oncology has now become quite the norm for many clinics. Or, so it seems. Although we’re still the 10% of CRC cases, we’re a growing population of patients.

The “under 50” issue in colorectal cancer is now a hot topic in the community.

The Colon Club got awareness going among the young adults through the annual Colondars in 2005. The explosion of social media sites and private online communities in the late-2000s started to connect young survivors more and more. As the cases continued to rise, more and more nonprofits formed. And the races and events across the country brought people together in unprecedented ways.

Now, there are dozens of organizations and coalitions committed to raising awareness, providing financial and psychosocial support and funding research for those impacted by under 50.

The growing incidence rates have also gotten the attention of the medical community. We’re working to ensure signs and symptoms are on the radars of primary care doctors. More gastroenterologists are willing to scope their young adult patients. Colorectal cancer surgeons are stating they’ve seen CRC in patients under age 50. Researchers are now dedicating their careers to specifically “under 50” CRC patients. While our stories are still unique, we’re not quite the unicorns we once were.


THE POWER OF CONNECTING AND SHARING

For the first seven years of my life as a cancer patient, I didn’t think there were others out there like me. When I found The Colon Club, I realized I wasn’t alone.

Getting involved in other organizations and coalitions has just furthered that realization. There are a lot of others out there like me, diagnosed at a young age, and ready to do something about it.

We’ve seen many changes over the past decade thanks to survivors speaking out and getting involved in advocacy, we need to keep going.

Some great resources are now available for “under 50” patients. We need more.

And probably most significant of all – more and more research projects examining this “unicorn” problem of young-onset colorectal cancer are underway.

We need all of the support we can get if we’re going to keep moving forward and see progress continue.

Join Fight CRC!

Enjoy the festivities of Life

With friends at our stall!

Durga Puja is here. So my oncologist gave me a break during the pujas from my chemo :)

With our hot & sexy Bips!

We started the puja with a bang ... we participated in the local Durga Puja pandal called Spandan. Each year they have a cooking competition called 'Pan and Laddle, The Kitchen Battle'. This is the 3rd year we are participating. I did not want cancer to spoil it for us. So I got up, and with my friends, Rene, Bipasha & Vandana cooked up some exotic cookies.

Our stall!

Zucchini cookies

Pumpkin cookies

Chilly chocolate cookies

Spinach + grapes + oatmeal cookies      

Peanut butter cookies

They were are great hit with the crowd! We had loads of fun. Though I had to spend 3 hours in the hospital in the morning, but our spirit was at our best! The preparation for the event and the event itself was like chicken soup for the soul!

Its one of the best ways to show your middle finger to cancer!

The cookies!

With judge Ajay Chopra and Reshma 

With friends Anupam, Aunkita & Bipasha!

Food Myths - Indian Cancer Society

Myth: Zero Fat diets are the best.
Fact: Some Fat is necessary in all diet

Myth; Vegetarian diet does not build muscle
Fact: Vegetarians derive Protein required for muscle growth in grain, pulses (dals) & Soyabean

Myth: Giving up tobacco increases weight!
Fact: Weight can only increase with additional food intake. Drink water when craving to eat becomes manifest

Myth: Banana is fattening
Fact: There is only half a gram of fat in banana. On the other hand, banana is a valuable source of potassium.

Myth: Diabetics should completely give up potato & rice
Fact: Diabetics can eat these foods in moderation

Myth: Dahi & sour food, astringent food & Bananas are “cold” foods inducing coughs & colds. Nuts, Dry Fruit & Honey being warm can cure common colds
Fact: There are no cold foods or hot foods. Individual allergic reaction may produce symptoms.

Big NO!

1. Packaged Butter, Ghee, Vanaspati & many edible oils contain Transfats acids, which prolong shelf life of the product, but are bad for health. Trans fats increase the bad cholesterol in the body
2. Avoid using oil over & over again for frying or cooking. When oil changes colour and becomes viscous, it is highly carcinogenic 
3. Use of coking soda removes Vitamin B from foods 
4. Chopped vegetables should not be left in water or exposed to air for long. They lose nutritive value.
5. Don’t drink tea with your meal. The tannin in tea prevents absorption of minerals.
6. Processed & tinned foods have excess salt (preservative) and fat content. 
7. When you cook food without a lid, food loses Vitamins. 
8. Do not add salt to food at the table.