Survivor Stories - Anita Kansil
Hi, I am Anita Kansil from New Delhi. I am a home maker and was just 41 years old in October 2010, when I was diagnosed with 2nd stage breast cancer. Everyone in my family was shocked to hear the news. My life was shattered, I was worried, not just for me but for my family too.
However, I feel very fortunate to have met my treating doctor. It was through the love and support of her and the team, which helped me win this battle. She was more than just a doctor. Her confidence, motivation and constant encouragement made me feel this monstrous disease like cancer as a tiny thing. I underwent Lumpectomy surgery followed by 16 chemotherapy sessions and 33 radiation sessions.
My surgery was planned the day after Karwa Chauth. My husband fasted for the first time in his life for me. Next day, when I went to the OT with mehandi on my hands, one of the doctors in the team met me in the preparation room and marked on my right hand and said that he is ruining my beautiful mehandi. I told him-never mind, I will get it again after the surgery. In the OT, my treating docotr also praised me for my mehandi. And that day, I realised the importance of mehandi even more.
I remember my hair got very thin after 3rd chemo and I had to attend a family function. So I went to a wig manufacturer in Noida. When the hairdresser there combed my hair, all my hair came out in a bunch. Seeing that, I was unable to control my tears.
The next unforgettable day was when the doctor took my measurements for radiation mask. I was lying on the table, 4-5 nurses and doctors surrounded me. My husband was holding my hand, but the doctor asked him to go and sit on the chair. That day, I felt so helpless, embarrassed and cried my heart out.
While there have been difficult and emotional times but throughout my tough journey, I was immensely supported by my whole family and most importantly my loving husband and children. It was because of their love and support that I could sail through my toughest time. Many thanks to my near and dear ones for their love and support. Above all, thank you God for blessing me to emerge out as a stronger person than before. I have learnt the value of life with the second chance I got at it. Moreover, the disease has made me become more social and aware than before. I have started meeting more people, attend social gatherings and encouraging people. I feel myself as a source of positive energy illuminating people around me.