Story Of A Brave Heart And A Cancer Survivor: An Interview With Archna Kapoor

Zuvius:  What were the circumstances that made you decide to go for a checkup?

Archna: I noticed one node in my neck and immediately I decided to get all my checkups done.

My husband and I consulted our family doctor and all the cancer-related checkups were done. I was diagnosed with third stage advanced renal carcinoma.

Zuvius: How did you decide which hospital / doctor you should go to for further treatment?

Archna: We decided MAX SAKET is best for this treatment. Dr. Harit Chaturvedi advised the immediate removal of the left kidney. The surgery was done within two days.

Zuvius:  What was your immediate response on learning you had cancer?

Archna: I got upset and was shocked to hear it. It felt like all of my senses had gone.

Zuvius: Who was the first person you called to tell about your diagnosis?

Archna: I gathered everyone in my family together and broke the news to them.

Also read: Story Of A Brave Heart And A Cancer Survivor: An Interview With Aruna Khot

Zuvius:  Who and what kept your spirit up, gave you the strength and confidence to go through this difficult phase of treatment without losing hope?

Archna: My family especially my kids and my friends. They all were my source of energy. They always boosted up my moral and kept my hopes alive.

 Zuvius:   What were the physical changes seen in yourself, in your daily life and how did you cope with those?

Archna: I got very weak after my surgery and chemotherapy but I tried to think positively that everything will be fine.

Zuvius: What is the first thing you decided to do after you were declared cancer free?

Archna: I wanted to go out with my kids for a ride, drive my car by myself to Sai Baba Temple.

Zuvius: Did having cancer change your perspective on life, things around you?

Archna: Yes I did notice a little bit of a change in my thoughts, but not in a remarkable way. I had a weaker immune system so I used to take more care about even little things and for my kids as well.

Zuvius: Did it affect the lives of people around you? If so how?

Archna: Yes it did. I was always the one who ran about taking care of every little need of my family and loved cooking for them but then I got stuck in one room and my kids had to take care of their studies and cooking and everything else.

I always felt bad that I am ill but soon after my third chemo I started doing my household chores for my family and kids and felt happy.

Zuvius: What were your conceptions about cancer before and after the treatment?

Archna: Everyone should care for themselves.  We should not ignore even the little symptoms of our body. It could be alarming for our lives.

Zuvius: If asked to say something to motivate cancer victims what would you say?

Archna:The best thing is to be positive and think positively in every manner and remind yourself every moment that – I AM GOING TO BE OKAY SOON AND I AM FINE. BE POSITIVE

To know more: How Archana Kapoor’s Community Radio Station Changed

Leave a reply