vikas patel
Colon cancer, Caregiver, Bangalore
Diagnosed in 2022
I was just 15 when our family was made aware of such a critical situation; it was December of 2011. My grandfather had never faced any health issue, except for the one time in 2008 when he had undergone lung Surgery due to his coughing problem. But at that time, he wasn’t diagnosed with any signs of Lung Cancer. I believe since he was in the armed forces back in his early days, he was quite strong physiologically to show effects of chain-smoking until it was very late.
Despite his continuous smoking, he had largely recovered from his coughing problem until it started re-appearing in late 2011. During a regular checkup visit, just by spotting the color of his nails and skin, the Doctor suggested the possibility of Lung Cancer. And after several tests, it was confirmed to be in the last stage.
Though his Chemotherapy had started, it turned out to be more damaging than it was helping. As the Lung Cancer was in the last stage and because of his age, his health didn’t permit him to continue Chemotherapy. So, doctors gave him some antibiotics as medication, and that’s it. He was at home only with the whole family until the very end of February 2012. Even in that condition, he was able to do his every day activities by himself. It was his sheer will power and core strength, which made him and all of get through the phase.
Areas to help
Unlike in our case, I have observed that the patient undergoes more Stress and emotional turbulence than the caregivers. Since not everyone is going to be as strong as my grandfather, it’s very important to be considerate of them and elevate their confidence. I must say that friends and family are the only ones who can help the patient to be a survivor, both physically and emotionally.
