Chemotherapy Treatment in India

Navya Saxena, a 42-year-old architect and...

Navya Saxena, a 42-year-old architect and mother of two young children, was diagnosed with Stage II triple-negative breast cancer after discovering a lump during a self-exam. A lifelong non-smoker and fitness enthusiast, the diagnosis came as a profound shock. Following a lumpectomy, her oncologist, Dr. Sharma, recommended an aggressive course of adjuvant chemotherapy to target any remaining microscopic cancer cells and reduce the high risk of recurrence specific to her cancer type. Navya underwent 16 cycles of chemotherapy over five months. The treatment was grueling; she experienced severe fatigue, nausea, and temporary hair loss, which she found particularly distressing. Her husband and parents formed a tight support circle to manage the household. Six months post-treatment, scans showed no evidence of disease. The emotional journey was a rollercoaster: initial terror and grief for her family, followed by a determined, sometimes numb, focus on getting through each cycle. After treatment, while relieved, she grapples with 'scanxiety' before each follow-up but has found a new perspective, cherishing daily moments with her family and slowly returning to part-time work.