Women who have battled Cancer and emerged victorious

We seek inspiration from different avenues, even when they are right in front of our eyes. Mirror met women, phenomenal women, who have battled the big C and emerged victorious

The ramp was all set and so were the models. All decked up in sparkling outfits, the glow on their faces just added to their beauty. But it wasn’t any other fashion show. As the host put it, it wasn’t the cancer survivors, but women of substance who put their best foot forward at ‘Fabulous Forever’. And we completely agree, as these women have not just fought and won their own battles with breast cancer, but continue to motivate people through their inspiring stories. Here are a few…

Dr Neeta Vyas,
Principal, College of Physiotherapy, IKDRC
It is recommended to undergo regular check-ups after 50. I came to know about my cancer on undergoing one such check-up in 2017. But my doctor explained and counselled so well that I remained positive all throughout the process. Family support is another thing that helps. Besides, my lymphatic system got disturbed too, which is a very important part of our body. Physiotherapy helped cope with it. Today, I spread awareness about the importance of physiotherapy in post-treatment care. It helps in bringing life to normalcy.

Pragna Shah,
Senior assistant

I could not believe my doctor when they told me I was suffering from cancer. After all, I was fit as a fiddle! I used to teach yoga and had done 50 Surya Namaskars on the day of my check-up. With the help of my family and doctors, I didn’t just accept the illness, but also overcame it. My son encouraged me to even run a marathon. I started training just after my radiation sessions got over and run a marathon once completely treated. Today, I practise yoga and run marathon. It is like I have got a new meaning to my life, of serving a greater purpose and of inspiring people.

Prutha Dave,
Studio manager

I was in the US, when one day, my breast started paining. I thought it was a result of gymming, but I went for tests which revealed I had breast cancer. I was diagnosed in March 2018 and was cleared in March 2019. It is in times of strife that you realise who your true well-wishers are. The journey is not as tough as it seems. I remember my son telling me to treat it as if it was a bout of jaundice, which also required six months to heal, so does cancer. So, I treated it like any other disease, fought and emerged victorious.

Urvi Sabnis,
Cancer coach

Today (Sunday) is a special day for me as I became cancer-free on this day five years ago. My family had a history of the disease, so I underwent regular check-ups and my cancer was detected during one. Since my husband was in the US, I was at the doctor’s all by myself. Even my doctors were surprised by the composure I had maintained when the news was broken to me. I don’t know where I got the strength to overcome it, I just remember closing my eyes and telling myself that I have to push through it. Later, I even decided my look after going bald, donning long earrings and heavy makeup. I even started learning sugam sangeet, something which I always wanted to do. Now, I help cancer patients to overcome the battle with their illness, as I believe emotional support is what we often lack here.




PICS: NILKANTH DAVE, ANUSHREE VIJAYA HARSHAN