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