Patient Experience
A 45-year-old single mother working as a software engineer discovered a rare gastrointestinal stromal tumor during a routine health checkup. Dr. Ballal performed laparoscopic resection, minimizing hospital stay so she could quickly return to caring for her autistic son. Her company provided flexible work arrangements during her two-month recovery, and she now advocates for corporate health initiatives. (Patient of Dr. S.)
An 18-year-old college athlete from an affluent family was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his femur during his basketball season. Dr. Ballal performed limb-salvage surgery with custom prosthesis implantation, working closely with physiotherapists to design a progressive rehabilitation program. After nine months of intensive therapy, he returned to recreational sports and is now studying sports medicine. (Patient of Dr. S.)
A 60-year-old farmer from a remote village presented with advanced oral cancer after chewing tobacco for decades. With limited family support, Dr. Ballal performed composite resection with free flap reconstruction, arranging temporary accommodation for the patient's postoperative follow-up. The patient's speech and swallowing functions were preserved, and he now mentors other villagers about tobacco cessation. (Patient of Dr. S.)
A 35-year-old transgender woman undergoing hormone therapy developed breast cancer. Dr. Ballal performed oncoplastic breast conservation surgery, carefully considering her unique anatomical and psychological needs in consultation with her endocrinologist. Her partner was actively involved in her care throughout the four-week recovery, and they now participate in LGBTQ+ healthcare advocacy. (Patient of Dr. S.)
An 8-year-old girl from a middle-class family was diagnosed with Wilms' tumor. Dr. Ballal coordinated with pediatric oncologists for neoadjuvant chemotherapy before performing nephrectomy. Her parents, both teachers, created educational materials about childhood cancer during her six-month treatment journey, which included both hospital and home-schooling sessions. (Patient of Dr. S.)
My 29-year-old wife's brain metastasis from lung cancer required emergency neurosurgery. Dr. Lakshmanan collaborated across specialties in a 12-hour marathon surgery. She's since completed her PhD defense and we welcomed our first child. (Patient of Dr. C.)
A 52-year-old construction worker with limited health literacy presented with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Dr. Ballal performed cytoreductive nephrectomy after using visual aids and simple language to explain the complex procedure. The patient's coworkers donated sick days to support his three-month recovery, and he now serves as a site safety officer emphasizing health screenings. (Patient of Dr. S.)
A 67-year-old retired classical dancer developed soft tissue sarcoma in her thigh. Dr. Ballal performed wide local excision with muscle flap reconstruction, specifically designing the approach to preserve her ability to demonstrate basic dance postures during her teaching. Her former students organized daily meditation sessions throughout her five-month recovery period. (Patient of Dr. S.)
As a 50-year-old journalist with metastatic colorectal cancer, I documented my journey. Dr. Lakshmanan's honesty about risks and his surgical innovation became the most hopeful chapter. My story has inspired a public health campaign. (Patient of Dr. C.)
A 41-year-old vegan nutritionist was diagnosed with colon cancer despite her healthy lifestyle. Dr. Ballal performed minimally invasive colectomy, working with dietitians to create a specialized plant-based nutritional plan for her recovery. She documented her two-month healing journey on social media, reaching thousands with evidence-based cancer prevention information. (Patient of Dr. S.)
A 29-year-old pregnant woman in her second trimester was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer. Dr. Ballal carefully timed the cytoreductive surgery between fetal development milestones, coordinating with obstetricians for continuous fetal monitoring. She delivered a healthy baby at 36 weeks and completed her cancer treatment while breastfeeding, with her mother providing crucial childcare support. (Patient of Dr. S.)
A 58-year-old Buddhist monk presented with hepatocellular carcinoma discovered during a monastery health camp. Dr. Ballal performed liver resection while respecting the patient's religious practices, arranging a quiet meditation space near his hospital room. The monastic community provided spiritual support throughout his four-month recovery, integrating traditional healing practices with modern medicine. (Patient of Dr. S.)
A 33-year-old professional chef developed gastric cancer with unusual genetic markers. Dr. Ballal performed subtotal gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction, collaborating with genetic counselors to develop a family screening plan. During his three-month recovery, the patient developed cancer-friendly recipes that are now featured in hospital nutritional guides. (Patient of Dr. S.)
A 76-year-old widower with early dementia was diagnosed with bladder cancer. Dr. Ballal performed robotic-assisted radical cystectomy with ileal conduit, working closely with the patient's daughter who managed his care. Their close bond helped navigate the challenges of his cognitive condition during the extended six-month recovery, with the daughter implementing memory aids for medication schedules. (Patient of Dr. S.)
A 7-year-old girl from a remote tribal village presented with recurrent episodes of unresponsiveness that her community attributed to spiritual possession. Dr. Ragunathan diagnosed her with absence seizures through prolonged EEG monitoring and started her on ethosuximide. The family initially resisted treatment due to cultural beliefs, but after Dr. Ragunathan spent hours explaining the neurological basis through simple analogies, they agreed. The child has been seizure-free for 8 months and now attends school regularly.
A 16-year-old nationally ranked swimmer developed sudden weakness in his right arm during training. Dr. Ragunathan discovered a rare brachial plexus neuropathy exacerbated by repetitive overhead motions. Instead of recommending complete cessation of swimming, he designed a modified training regimen with physical therapy. The athlete gradually returned to competition over 6 months and recently won a regional championship with adjusted techniques. (Patient of Dr. Ragunathan)
A 3-year-old boy from an affluent family with global developmental delay underwent extensive genetic testing that revealed a novel mutation in the SYNGAP1 gene. Dr. Ragunathan coordinated with international researchers to develop a targeted intervention plan combining medication, dietary modifications, and intensive therapy. The child showed remarkable cognitive improvements within 4 months, surprising even the genetic specialists. (Patient of Dr. Ragunathan)
An 11-year-old street vendor's daughter presented with progressive vision loss and headaches. MRI revealed a pilocytic astrocytoma compressing her optic nerves. Dr. Ragunathan arranged pro bono surgery and postoperative care. The tumor was successfully removed, and through vision therapy, she regained 80% of her eyesight. She now helps other street children access medical care. (Patient of Dr. Ragunathan)
A 14-year-old refugee from Myanmar developed psychogenic non-epileptic seizures triggered by trauma. Dr. Ragunathan worked with a translator and cultural liaison to build trust, then implemented a multidisciplinary approach combining cognitive behavioral therapy with family counseling. After 9 months, the seizures completely resolved, and the family began the process of social integration. (Patient of Dr. Ragunathan)
A 5-year-old with Rett syndrome was referred for management of progressive motor deterioration. Dr. Ragunathan introduced a novel combination of hand splinting and aquatic therapy that significantly improved her hand function and quality of life. The family created a blog documenting their journey, which has helped other Rett syndrome families worldwide. (Patient of Dr. Ragunathan)