Power Of Perspective Is In Our Hands: Cancer Survivor Surekha Kandi

Surekha Kandi Shriwastav journey is one of resilience, strength, and unwavering determination. Diagnosed with cancer at a young age, she faced her health challenges head-on, refusing to let them define her life. In a candid interview with SheThePeople, Surekha Kandi Shriwastav shares her experiences and the pivotal moments that shaped her journey.

Facing the Diagnosis: Refusing to Let Cancer Define Her

As she reflects on her diagnosis, Surekha recalls the moment when she realised her life was about to change. She said, "As soon as I pieced together the information that I was diagnosed with cancer, there was a certain moment when I felt that I would not be able to lead a normal life. The precedents that I had crossed paths with were all morbid. But after some hesitation, I realised that the power of perspective was in my hands and I decided that I would try to do my utmost to enjoy life rather than be sad and gloomy."  

Family Support: The Backbone

Drawing strength from her supportive family and her love for her husband and daughter, Surekha resolved to fight her illness with courage and determination. She added, "My husband was and is my backbone from the time cancer said go. He always tried to be with me during my doctors’ appointments. Being a cop, his working hours were often erratic and initially he missed them many times but got there eventually.”

She further said, "My daughter was born in 1994 and was initially too young to understand the extent of my many ailments. However, as she started maturing in the early 2000s, we started sharing smaller details with her and eventually graduated her to hospital visits during surgeries. Her biggest contribution was to be a calming presence when others her age would have definitely panicked."

Surekha's battle with cancer was just one chapter in her journey, as she later faced the challenges of menopause. However, her experience with menopause took an unexpected turn when she discovered a large cyst in her uterus, leading to a hysterectomy. She explained, "As I approached my menopausal age, I started bleeding profusely. The more I read up and consulted with doctors, it came across a normal symptom of menopause. Then, one day, during an accidental scan of my uterus during sonography, the diagnostician came across a large cyst in my uterus. I went through a hysterectomy soon after that."

Advice for Women Approaching Menopause

Reflecting on her journey, Surekha emphasises the importance of preventative medical care and staying vigilant about changes in one's body, especially during menopause. She elaborated, "As you inch closer to menopause, try to stay more alert to the changes in your body. Increase the frequency of your full body check-ups and look out for any abnormal symptoms. A tiny symptom may turn out to be a cause of concern."

She encourages women to prioritise their health, advocating for regular check-ups and open communication with healthcare providers, "Stay connected with your doctors and ask any question openly, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Unfortunately, the required information and research about women’s bodies does not exist as it does for a lot of common ailments. So the responsibility lies on our shoulders to connect with experts who can guide us."

Surekha's journey is a testament to her resilience and courage in the face of adversity. Reflecting on her numerous surgeries, she emphasises that each one feels like a battle won. She said, "When a patient goes through one surgery, let alone seventeen, each one feels like a battle. With experience, one may be bold enough to face them, but that does not mean that it doesn’t wear their mind, body, and soul. Thus, I feel that “yes, I did it, I won” after every surgery. I have a big one coming up within the next year, and I know that I will win it too. "

Dodging Diagnosis: A Memoir

After surviving cancer for 33 years, she decided to share her journey, reflecting on the physical pain, emotional struggles, and societal prejudices she faced. She expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering support of her husband, daughter, extended family, and compassionate medical team.

She pursued education and counselling, taught children, became a nutritionist and voice-over artist, travelled extensively, engaged in adventure sports, and embraced meditation and social activism. She recently launched her book, Dodging Diagnosis, which delivers a message of hope and resilience, particularly for individuals confronting illness, offering strength and inspiration in navigating life's challenges.

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