Chhavi Mittal says that her diagnosis of cancer was just a coincidence. Recalling that time, she tells how her life changed in a day. Actress Chhavi Mittal said, “One night I was sleeping peacefully and the very next morning, I was diagnosed with cancer. From that day onwards his whole life has changed.”
Chhavi is a film and television artist. She made her debut in the television industry with a Zee TV show and has been in the industry for 15 years. Originally from Gurugram (Haryana), Chhavi made her mark with shows like Shhh…Phir Koi Hai and Twinkle Beauty Parlor.
She currently runs a digital production company called ‘Shitty Ideas Trending’ with her husband Mohit Hussain and is currently on a journey to share her story and create awareness about breast cancer. In April, he told his followers on Instagram and YouTube that he was in the grip of a dreaded disease like cancer. He also said that he is ready to discuss the details of surgery and radiation related to it.
The Better India While talking with Chhavi said, “I suffered a chest injury while working out, so I went to the doctor. There when we did the MRI scan, the doctor noticed a lump on the other side. Then they asked me to do a sonography and a biopsy, which confirmed it was cancer.”
She says that when she was diagnosed with cancer from the report, she did not cry or panic, but was extremely calm. Chhavi further says that she often gets upset over small things. But whenever there is a big problem, she is quite calm.
She says, “I was completely calm after being diagnosed with cancer. Of course, it took some time for this news to be understood. I gave myself a few days to accept it. I did a lot of groundwork in that time, talked to many doctors, breast cancer survivors and I came to know that if cancer is detected early, it can be treated.”
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the world
Dr. Rajasundaram, Director of Oncology at Gleneagles Global Health City The Better India “Cities like Chennai, Mumbai, Bengaluru have more awareness and as compared to women from these cities, we see a huge gap among women in rural areas, where awareness and access to facilities are less. “
He says that women living in cities come for regular check-ups and the chances of early detection of the disease are higher here. Whereas women from rural areas often arrive late, reducing both their chances of treatment and survival. “Governments should work towards accessible care and health education in rural areas,” he says.
According to WHO, breast cancer is the most common cancer in the world. According to Breast Cancer India, one woman in India is diagnosed with breast cancer every four minutes.
Chhavi Mittal says that when the doctor told her about the lump, she did not take it seriously. He got the biopsy done very reluctantly. She says, “I was scared before the report came. I didn’t want cancer. I think everyone’s first reaction is like this.”
How did you fight cancer?
The image tells that at such a time, his family became a great support. She says, “My husband, be my biggest support. He handled everything in the hospital, at work and at home. My kids are understanding too. My daughter is nine years old and when I told her, she cried.
But I explained to her that like any other disease, I would fight this too. My son is three years old and he is too young to understand these things. All he knows is that I’m ‘hurt’ and I can’t lift him. He has suddenly grown up and when I was in the hospital, he was very well at home.”
She adds, “Cancer is such a disease where you have no choice but to fight it. For example, when you have a baby in your stomach, it has to come out at a time. Then there is no use in panic at the delivery table. I treated this surgery like any other surgery and decided to have it. I didn’t have a choice whether I would get cancer or not – once you’ve got it, you’ve got to deal with it.”
“Some battles have to be fought alone” – Chhavi Mittal
Talking about the effect on the body after the surgery and radiation, Chhavi says that it has been more than two months since the surgery and she is still recovering.
She says, “My radiation ended 15 days ago. I still have pain, my breasts are swollen and the color has changed. This is a slow process. I have been strong mentally and physically throughout. But there are days when I wonder when will this all end? I tried to do everything that could help me recover quickly. I started physiotherapy early, tried to stay active and eat healthy. There are always good days and sometimes bad days in life.”
In an Instagram post, Chhavi said, “It’s been two months since my breast cancer surgery and for the last few days I am getting restless to feel normal. Just like how a mother who is a few days pregnant feels. To be able to do what I did before it all started, to be able to smile from within…After seeing some good times in life, I am tired of living in these bad days…
“It is very important to give priority to yourself” – Chhavi Mittal
Chhavi revealed that a lot has changed physically – her breasts are swollen, heavy and in pain and she can’t sleep on her right side, can’t lift things with her right hand and feels exhausted. But the biggest change has happened in his thinking.
She says she has learned to prioritize herself. “I was the kind of person who was always on the run. Either I was busy with work or taking care of my children. I didn’t have time for myself. I used to stress things and put pressure on myself. I wanted everything to be perfect. In the midst of all this, I have not given myself priority and many women in India do the same. The biggest thing I learned is that life should not be taken lightly”- said Chhavi.
‘Women over 40 should have a mammogram every year’
Dr. Rajasundaram says there are three types of examinations – self-examination, clinical examination, and screening tests, such as mammograms.
Dr. Rajasundaram says, “Check yourself every month. Examine each breast using your fingers, feeling for lumps, spots or changes of any kind. Clinical examination is done by trained nurses. Self-examination helps women in early detection of cancer.
He says that one in 21 women in India has breast cancer. Awareness and education have increased survival rates and annual screening helps in early detection of the disease after 40.
The doctor adds, “Women over 40 should have a mammogram once every year. Gift yourself this test every year. If detected at an early stage, the survival rate is 100%.” Chhavi also stresses on the importance of self-examination and going for regular check-ups.
Original article: Samya Mani
Editing: Archana Dubey
Also read: How did I get cancer even after regular exercise and eating good food?
Source: hindi.thebetterindia.com
: Language Inputs
This post is sourced from newspapers, magazines and third-party websites. For more information please check NewsDay Express Disclaimer.