Chhavi Mittal Shares How She Prepped For Her Breast Cancer Surgery

TV actor Chhavi Mittal was diagnosed with breast cancer in early April. What thoughts did she struggle with? How did she prep for her breast cancer surgery? What did she do to keep herself upbeat? Here's her story.

"I was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in the first week of April after doctors detected a cancerous lump on my breast. 'I don't want cancer', I cried out after understanding the gravity of what had happened but I didn’t really have a choice.

To avoid any further risk, my doctor suggested surgery to remove the lump from my breast. I started my research. I spoke to a lot of breast cancer surgeons & survivors who told me, 'It is curable & your life can come back to normal'. For some reason, I felt relieved, went ahead with the course of action suggested by my surgeon and kept telling myself, 'You have to fight cancer. There is no other choice'.

"I am sure these baby steps will help me get back to normal life as soon as possible. In the long run, I want to emerge out of this phase stronger & never forget to count my blessings.” - Chhavi Mittal

On 25th April, when the anesthesiologist asked me to close my eyes & think of something nice, I visualised my beautiful breasts as perfectly healthy. It was a 6.5 hours long surgery that left me writhing in pain. But the best part is that now I am cancer-free! I know it’s a long road to recovery but it is only going to get better now. The worst is over. The pain will subside gradually. I have been speaking to friends, talking to people, reading my messages and joking around just to distract myself.

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Cancer can be a physical struggle, but I don’t want it to beat me emotionally. Struggling with cancer for the past month has made me realise how strong cancer survivors are.

One thing I am missing is spending time with my kids. My daughter is God-sent & wise beyond her years. I drew a parallel between my C-Section & lump removal surgery to explain to her what I will be going through. She understood quickly but my son is too small to know what's going on. For him, my husband & I are out on a shoot and will return in a few days.

I am looking forward to celebrating my 17th wedding anniversary with my husband tomorrow in the hospital. I am sure these baby steps will help me get back to normal life as soon as possible. In the long run, I want to emerge out of this phase stronger & never forget to count my blessings.”

Read the full story here.