Detection/Diagnosis:

I never smoked or had Tobacco nor drank Alcohol. I was leading a healthy life, and it was in 1997 when my voice gradually became a whisper, I was unable to lay on the bed, started losing my weight, and I had blood in my sputum. So I went to consult a physician, but he asked me to consult an Onco surgeon. So I went to an Onco surgeon who done my throat Endoscopy and Biopsy. When reports came, it was Stage 4A Vocal cords cancer.

Treatment:

There was a massive tumor and a hole on my windpipe opening, so the surgeon performed tracheotomy and then laryngectomy, which went for nine long hours. I had 30 rounds of radiation.

And then, from December 1997, I started using Electrolarynx to communicate, which now became my identity.

Life after Cancer:

Life has completely changed after December 1997, after a virtual handshake with death. I am leading a fully active life as a counselor and a motivational speaker. I am on a mission to motivate cancer patients worldwide, to lead a fearless and quality life after cancer.

I do several video presentations for Oncologists, FB Live Streaming, speaking at GCRI, India's one of the largest Cancer Institute, and the same institute I had my Cancer Treatment.

I am digitally connected with more than 12K cancer survivors and caregivers. In 2017 I was interviewed by European MNC and filmed by Cancer support group and News media from England.

I was also given the 'Victor Award' in 2019 by Mrs. Amrita Phadnavis, wife of Ex-CM of Maharashtra.

I was a faculty for the students of North Carolina University for six weeks.

I have been awarded multiple times for my service to my fellow Laryngectomees in the United States.

I have traveled to 33 countries, 150 + overseas trips. I have been committed to helping heal, protect, and comfort cancer patients and caregivers.

Use of tobacco, smoking, etc. causing cancer to a large extent everywhere, so I started NO Tobacco campaigns in schools, colleges, factories through talk shows and various social media like Facebook, Instagram, twitter. Through Advocacy, I put on best efforts for Cancer FREE World.

Recently I was invited to give kick start presentation for 40 minutes during IAL2020 virtual conference in USA and there were 2500 global attendees were present.

I have also given live talk show with slides in various medical colleges in India and world head and neck conferences in the UK.

My biography, SHAHENSHAH, World's first as Laryngectomee (vocal cords removed) published globally as e-book and paperback.

My upcoming webinar is on 26th July on how to live life to the fullest by making the most of every opportunity you get.

Parting message:

Out with your old bad habits, in with the new.

Quit bad habits like smoking, consumption of Tobacco or alcohol, etc.; these lead to the recurrence of cancer and physical, mental, social and financial stress, so do exercise, eat healthily and be happy. Be grateful every morning, and do your best to express gratitude for being alive TODAY. Don't lose hope. Let us not forget that there are treatment options. Trust the knowledge and expertise of Oncologists and Doctors from various fields who can be equipped with the right knowledge, technology, surgery, or medications to help individuals with cancer.