Hey all
wish u a very happy new year ahead and hope 2008 fulfills all your hopes and desires. Pray and wish fr the same for me and my family. I just know that 2008 will be so much better than the year gone by and I hope the worst is over for all of us. It is going to be a quiet New Years eve for us ..pretty much doing the same things. Zahir is in Mumbai getting an opinion on my reports from Tata memorial. Wish we could all be to gether as a family but let's keep that hope alive for next year.
So enjoy the day everyone and have a wonderful year.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
some dos and donts during chemotherapy from a well wisher
Some thoughts
Chemotherapy is not as bad as it sounds. Just that one needs to keep couple of things in mind so as to cope up with its side effects. All the below listed points are based on what I have seen and experienced during my mothers treatment.
Make yourself mentally strong to go through the process. Avoid all negative thoughts and just face it like any other treatment. Willingness to fight the odd is what would help you get over it soon
Family needs to be very supportive. It is the time when your loved one needs extra bit of love, affection, strength and most of all PATIENCE from you. While going through the treatment the patient wud have his/her own sets of lows and highs. He/she might get oversensitive at times or react in a manner that is not expected but then that should be handled well with the family members and after all its temporary and would soon be gone
Hair loss is another side effect. Some people experience in the first shot others get in 2nd or 3rd. But this thing is bound to happen. Not to miss that the hair are back the moment treatment is stopped. So one should not get worried about it. Hair fall is a sign of successful working of the medicine so in a way it’s good.
First 10 days after each cycle are crucial. Medicines make the blood cells go down and the patient becomes prone to catching infections. He/She might feel weak, nauseatic and the appetite too might go down. Mantra to handle this is short and light meals on regular intervals. People having any sort of infection should avoid getting close to the patient coz he/she might pick it fast. Pets with hair should be kept away. Blood cells start getting back to normal after 10-11 days and the energy levels for the patient automatically goes up. Just make sure that food intake is not hampered coz of any reason
Some people might get fever as well. Regular monitoring of the same needs to be done and doctor should be contacted incase it shoots up
One should not give up on socializing and meeting friends and relatives. Always remember that positive people will always get positive energy in you.
Cleanliness
Make sure the room where the patient is placed is dust free.
Sheets, pillow covers, towels to be changed on regular intervals
While cleaning or dusting the room make sure the patient is not around
Pets should be kept away at least for first 10 days of each cycle
Patient should wash his/ her hands before eating anything
Patient’s meals should be prepared with utmost cleanliness and I am sure all of us practice the same in our normal lives as well. Just that some extra precaution needs to be taken to avoid any sort of infection
Food
Nothing RAW to be consumed. Incidence of it carrying germs etc is high. During the entire treatment one needs to have only heated food. Fruits too should be avoided
Fresh juices and aerated drinks to be avoided. One needs to keep oneself fully hydrated so the patient will have to take regular intake of water and canned juices. Switch to boiled or sealed water (Aquafina, bisleri etc). Most of the times filtered water might coz stomach infection. Carry your own water very ever you go
Nothing to be consumed from outside till the time treatment is on.
Milk is a must, but the same can be avoided incase the patient has loose stomach or is experiencing nausea. Protein mixes can be added to the same
Coconut water is good but make sure that it is properly washed before a hole is dug to pour out its content. I glass a day would do wonders
Avoid hot drinks like tea and coffee
Sprouts can be consumed but only after boiling them. Vegetable too can be added to it inorder to enhance its taste, just that they should be finely chopped and should be heated well (sorte) before adding them to the sprouts.
Light meals on regular intervals to be taken in. But intake should not be stopped for any reason
Paneer again is a good source of protein. One can eat the same as a snack too. Just heat three to four slices in a pan, add salt and have it raw.
Patient can have anything as far as cooked food goes. Make sure you check with him/her before preparing the same. Taste buds also get affected during the treatment hence patient might not relish all that he or she used to. Patients also get fussy about food and that is where they will have to be handled liked kids.
Clothes and Hair
PURE Cotton is what needs to be worn during the entire treatment. Lot of heat is generated in the body and cotton clothes help reducing the same. Synthetic, mixed etc might make the patient uncomfortable. Try wearing loose clothes so that the body remains ventilated. For hair one can go for a wig. Make sure you go for the lightest one. Short hair cut is what I would recommend
Remember it’s just a phase and with Gods grace and blessing would soon pass away. All that is required is a strong will power and willingness to face the challenge. All the very best!!!
Chemotherapy is not as bad as it sounds. Just that one needs to keep couple of things in mind so as to cope up with its side effects. All the below listed points are based on what I have seen and experienced during my mothers treatment.
Make yourself mentally strong to go through the process. Avoid all negative thoughts and just face it like any other treatment. Willingness to fight the odd is what would help you get over it soon
Family needs to be very supportive. It is the time when your loved one needs extra bit of love, affection, strength and most of all PATIENCE from you. While going through the treatment the patient wud have his/her own sets of lows and highs. He/she might get oversensitive at times or react in a manner that is not expected but then that should be handled well with the family members and after all its temporary and would soon be gone
Hair loss is another side effect. Some people experience in the first shot others get in 2nd or 3rd. But this thing is bound to happen. Not to miss that the hair are back the moment treatment is stopped. So one should not get worried about it. Hair fall is a sign of successful working of the medicine so in a way it’s good.
First 10 days after each cycle are crucial. Medicines make the blood cells go down and the patient becomes prone to catching infections. He/She might feel weak, nauseatic and the appetite too might go down. Mantra to handle this is short and light meals on regular intervals. People having any sort of infection should avoid getting close to the patient coz he/she might pick it fast. Pets with hair should be kept away. Blood cells start getting back to normal after 10-11 days and the energy levels for the patient automatically goes up. Just make sure that food intake is not hampered coz of any reason
Some people might get fever as well. Regular monitoring of the same needs to be done and doctor should be contacted incase it shoots up
One should not give up on socializing and meeting friends and relatives. Always remember that positive people will always get positive energy in you.
Cleanliness
Make sure the room where the patient is placed is dust free.
Sheets, pillow covers, towels to be changed on regular intervals
While cleaning or dusting the room make sure the patient is not around
Pets should be kept away at least for first 10 days of each cycle
Patient should wash his/ her hands before eating anything
Patient’s meals should be prepared with utmost cleanliness and I am sure all of us practice the same in our normal lives as well. Just that some extra precaution needs to be taken to avoid any sort of infection
Food
Nothing RAW to be consumed. Incidence of it carrying germs etc is high. During the entire treatment one needs to have only heated food. Fruits too should be avoided
Fresh juices and aerated drinks to be avoided. One needs to keep oneself fully hydrated so the patient will have to take regular intake of water and canned juices. Switch to boiled or sealed water (Aquafina, bisleri etc). Most of the times filtered water might coz stomach infection. Carry your own water very ever you go
Nothing to be consumed from outside till the time treatment is on.
Milk is a must, but the same can be avoided incase the patient has loose stomach or is experiencing nausea. Protein mixes can be added to the same
Coconut water is good but make sure that it is properly washed before a hole is dug to pour out its content. I glass a day would do wonders
Avoid hot drinks like tea and coffee
Sprouts can be consumed but only after boiling them. Vegetable too can be added to it inorder to enhance its taste, just that they should be finely chopped and should be heated well (sorte) before adding them to the sprouts.
Light meals on regular intervals to be taken in. But intake should not be stopped for any reason
Paneer again is a good source of protein. One can eat the same as a snack too. Just heat three to four slices in a pan, add salt and have it raw.
Patient can have anything as far as cooked food goes. Make sure you check with him/her before preparing the same. Taste buds also get affected during the treatment hence patient might not relish all that he or she used to. Patients also get fussy about food and that is where they will have to be handled liked kids.
Clothes and Hair
PURE Cotton is what needs to be worn during the entire treatment. Lot of heat is generated in the body and cotton clothes help reducing the same. Synthetic, mixed etc might make the patient uncomfortable. Try wearing loose clothes so that the body remains ventilated. For hair one can go for a wig. Make sure you go for the lightest one. Short hair cut is what I would recommend
Remember it’s just a phase and with Gods grace and blessing would soon pass away. All that is required is a strong will power and willingness to face the challenge. All the very best!!!
Finally
Dear friends and family..i am blogging finally..yes i do admit that all these days the posts were being "ghostwritten" but today have decided to shed the laziness I am so well known for and that trait which drives ppl nuts and decided to start penning my thoughts
An ordinary uneventful day today..no doc visits, no blood tests, no injections,just one of your regular boring days...kept entertained by zoya. She picked up a few files in the morning and started marching towards the front door files tucked under her arm and on being asked where was she going, she replied "opish"..trying to fill in for mama I guess
Well thats for now..catch u all again a lil later...
An ordinary uneventful day today..no doc visits, no blood tests, no injections,just one of your regular boring days...kept entertained by zoya. She picked up a few files in the morning and started marching towards the front door files tucked under her arm and on being asked where was she going, she replied "opish"..trying to fill in for mama I guess
Well thats for now..catch u all again a lil later...
Monday, December 24, 2007
Day - 25th Dec 07 (XMas)
Today is X-Mas and its a festive spirit. Though we havent planned anything special. But I am happy that all my near and dear ons are wtih me and the best part is I am feeling very good today. There has been less caughing and no fever for last few days and I slept well also.
Zahir and Zu went for the pre xmas party in Cal club and they had a great time. They danced and generally chilled out and am glad they did that
Am planning to spend the day chilling out and watching TV and reading books...I saw Zahir get a cute santa-faced cake for all of us..zu will be delighted to see this when she is up...
Dad sent a mail with a concern on whether we will be able to manage the finances for this treatment. Though sometimes even i worry on how we are going to manage all this expenses, but Zahir is adament that he will take care of all this and I need to only focus on getting treated.
Although the fact that family ad friends have extended their support gives me so much joy and peace that I need not worry any more...time for me take a quick nap..much needed...will write more later...
Zahir and Zu went for the pre xmas party in Cal club and they had a great time. They danced and generally chilled out and am glad they did that
Am planning to spend the day chilling out and watching TV and reading books...I saw Zahir get a cute santa-faced cake for all of us..zu will be delighted to see this when she is up...
Dad sent a mail with a concern on whether we will be able to manage the finances for this treatment. Though sometimes even i worry on how we are going to manage all this expenses, but Zahir is adament that he will take care of all this and I need to only focus on getting treated.
Although the fact that family ad friends have extended their support gives me so much joy and peace that I need not worry any more...time for me take a quick nap..much needed...will write more later...
Friday, December 21, 2007
Day- 22-Dec-07 (Saturday)
Today I am going to meet the oncologist, Dr. R N Ghosh. Though my first call to his house was not so pleasant as the lady who picked the phone was very rude. Am worried if am going to be stuck with a rude doc....hmmm!! lets see
Also saw Zoya playing doctor doctor with her toys..trying to check, with her little stetho, the health of her animal family..specially kathbirali..which she call "kath bee bee"
rest later after I meet the doctor...let me get ready now..
Meeting with Mr Ghosh was very reassuring and he explained in detail the treatment plan. Its called R-CHOP, well very similar sounding to our regular "chops" ... he requested us to think over the various options and come back in the evening with our final choice
Zahir went dutifuly to meet him again in the evening and was told that the mystery of HL vs NHL continues. He suggested we do another round of slide review and IHC in Thakurpukur Cancer Hospital. So the earliest I can start with my much awaited Chemo is later next week. Till then I have wait and watch.
Also in the evening I had many guests, Bulbuils In laws, My office team, Mashi and Mesho and a whole jing Bang of Ma's friends... talked a lot and now giving rest to my throat..
I can see Zahir ferociuosly typing his way to glory on his laptop, trying to balance his job witand life...goodnite
Also saw Zoya playing doctor doctor with her toys..trying to check, with her little stetho, the health of her animal family..specially kathbirali..which she call "kath bee bee"
rest later after I meet the doctor...let me get ready now..
Meeting with Mr Ghosh was very reassuring and he explained in detail the treatment plan. Its called R-CHOP, well very similar sounding to our regular "chops" ... he requested us to think over the various options and come back in the evening with our final choice
Zahir went dutifuly to meet him again in the evening and was told that the mystery of HL vs NHL continues. He suggested we do another round of slide review and IHC in Thakurpukur Cancer Hospital. So the earliest I can start with my much awaited Chemo is later next week. Till then I have wait and watch.
Also in the evening I had many guests, Bulbuils In laws, My office team, Mashi and Mesho and a whole jing Bang of Ma's friends... talked a lot and now giving rest to my throat..
I can see Zahir ferociuosly typing his way to glory on his laptop, trying to balance his job witand life...goodnite
Amrita- Daily Progress Report
26.11.07
Monday
Admitted in CMRI, all tests including X-ray completd and blood donation organized
27.11.07
Tuesday
Operation start
Operation completed - Difficult equivalent almost to an open heart surgery according to Surgeon who was astonished how she could move around with such a condition.
Shifted to ICU. Saw the pieces of lesion kept in a jar, yellowish white, cleaned up to maximum extent
28.11.07
Wednesday
Conscious, less restless than before
Fully conscious, stable condition
Sleeping on sedation
Same condition, Dressing completed, under sedation
Fluctuating B.P., Heavy sedation, No bleeding
Seen by visitors under sedation, Functions normal
According to Saikat nothing to worry, Functions are in order
Ventilator to support lungs function, which is now apparently cleared of fluid. He has noticed slight wriggling of body. Solid food through stomach may start. No possibilty of further deterioration of condition. Blood transfusion has stopped. Heart having been pressed by the tumor is a little compromised.
29.11.07
Thursday
Vital signs are in order, Conscious, Condition better than before
Condition unchanged with sedaion
Condition unchanged with sedaion
Visited Mamun. She is fully conscious, but in lot of pain both from operation and ventilator. She was staring at the ceilng with a bit of dilated eyes. Efforts to withdraw ventilator gave rise to some respiratory distress.
30.11.07
Friday
Conscious and under sedation, Sleeping
Apparent clearing of lungs in the month of September is due to steroids, which had not helped the treatment leading to wrong diagnosis. Body is not yet strong to do natural breathing and hence ventilator helps in aiding. Everyday off ventilator will be attempted.
At 10.30 a.m., ventilator was taken out till 12.40 a.m. Later, it was taken out again for some time.
Visited Mamun. She is fully conscious and alert and was able to communicate. Her face was normal and appeared much better than before. Albumin was added to increase protein level in blood.
01.12.07
Saturday
Same condition, Ventilator on
Lungs had lost of fluid, particularly left lungs, hence will take a little longer time to be cleared. Saw her yesterday at 10 p.m. Mamun gave her a smile, which is very assuring.
She is fully conscious and alert and was able to communicate. Her face was normal and appeared much better than before.
Accrding to Doctor, it was an extremely difficult operation and it is a miracle that she has survived and he has taken a chance. She should not leave hospital, till she is fully fit. Many tubes are out and lungs is functioning almost 80 percent.
02.12.07
Sunday
Visited Mamun. Ventilator taken out from 2 P.M. and put on an oxygen mask. Able to talk with a bit of hoarse voice. Able to sit up and no discomfort exists. Breathing still shallow.
03.12.07
ICU
No ventilator for last 15 hours.
Mask replaced by oxygen tube. Diet given by mouth.
Had solid diet, comprising of fish, rice, dal etc. also tea and biscuits. All outside life support removed. May be shifted in a day so to room.
Bimanda had a telephonic talk with Zahir. Preliminary reports of slides show malignancy. Should be reconfirmed by another laboratory. Treatment should be with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation.
Amrita had a little disturbed sleep. Presently sleeping.
She is fine and normal and may be shifted to general ward in a day or so.
She has walked on her own. Only discomfort is cough and removal of phlegm. Report of the removed tissue mass shows Nodular sclerosis - Hodgkin's lymphoma.
She is fine. CMRI biopsy report along with slides handed over to Quadra for immunochemistry histology.
Shifted to room and called from room and appeared her original self.
In the room, with Zahir as attendant. Drainage from the bandages and coughing and breathlessness are the only constraints.
06.12.07
In the room, with Zahir as attendant. Drainage from the bandages and coughing are under control. According to Dr.Roy of Quadra, it is a very much treatable form of lymphoma. Report will be submitted after 7 days.
07.12.07
Self taken over as attendant. Continuous cough persists. Raised the bed for comfort.
Self taken over as attendant. Cough under control. Antibiotic, steam inhalation, nebulizer etc. continues.
Fever 99.4 degree. Given combiflame. Fever subsides.
Dr.Biswas visited. May be released in two or three days.
08.12.07
Had a good night's sleep. Well rested.
Dr.Rupak Bhattachayra visited and he checked the color of discharge, pain, stool, fever,walking, breathing, stitch removal, whether burning sensation in urine.
Situation continuously improving. Slight fever subsides.
09.12.07
Bimanda visits. Dr.R.N.Ghosh recommended for chemotherapy, who suggests 6 dosage in 6 months. Very much treatable. Before release suggests one dosage, depending on Dr.Biswas's recommendation.
10.12.07
Pain and fever in the evening persist.
11.12.07
No fever and slept well
12.12.07
Almost normal
13.12.07
Amrita - Deluxe room
Discharged from CMRI and returned home
14.12.07
Normal and had a good sleep. Self left for Dubai.
15.12.07
Slight fever and pain persist
16.12.07
Slight fever and pain persist. Vomitting tendency. Doctor recommended CT scan of abdominal and pelvic region. Spoke with mamun. Breathlessness persists. CT scan over. Zoya needed some medical attention.
17.12.07
Had a restful night and vomitting tendency is less.
18.12.07
Slightly disturbed sleep. All medicines will be gradually stopped. No vomitting tendency. To make appointment with Oncologist Dr.R.N.Ghosh
Amrita much better now. No fever and restful night. She is doing light office work. Quadra report says Lymphoma - B Cell. Nothing detected in CT scan of abdomen. After chemotherapy, should be extremely careful about infection from outsiders. Good drugs are available in tackling side effects.
19.12.07
All reports collected. No abnormality in the abdomen. Dr.Roy suggested another opinion from U.S.A. Very good medicine available of this type of cancer. Dr.Ghosh is a very good Doctor. Bulbuli coming on 15th January.
CT showed no remnants of tumor, but some fluid still in the lungs. Amrita cheerful and some fever subsides on its own. Diagnosis is Diffused B-Cell non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
20.12.07
Sounded o.k. with a little breathlessness. Appointment fixed on 22.12.07, Saturday morning with Dr.R.N.Ghosh at Jatin Baghchi Road. Bulbuli coming on 10th January to stay till 2nd April.
21.12.07
Zahir in Kolkata. Everything is ok.
22.12.07
Had a meeting with Dr.Ghosh, who suggested immediate start of chemotherapy, comprising of 3 months or 6 months cycle. Chemo to start as early as on 24.12.07 or 25.12.07 in Thakurpukur Cancer Hospital, with 2 days' stay each time. Chemo to be admistered every 3 weeks. Cost of each cycle will be approximately Rs.1.00 lakh.
Talked with Mamun, who is having constant bouts of cough and also breathlessness. According to Doctor, this is due to fluid in lungs and will go after Chemo. 6 cycles to be administered. Pain and fever still exist. Attending to light office work also.
23.12.07
CMRI finding different than that of Quadra. Difficult to start Chemo without proper diagnosis.
Roy and Tribedi ruled, as they outsource investigation and it will mean delay of 15 days. Decided to give slides and stock to Thakurpukur Cancer Hospital, who will confirm the findings, so that Chemo can start by the week end. Intermittent coughs persist.
Talked with Mamun. Voice is much clearer than before, though breathlessness exists. Cough is less and expectorant coming out. Continuous visitors in the house. Must be restricted after Chemo. Food normal. Zahir gone with Zoya to Calcutta Club for a children's party.
24.12.07
Mail from Viji Venkatesh (MAx fundation head, India of Novartis) shows that Dr.Ghosh is a good Doctor.
25.12.07
Going for Hepatitis B vaccination.
Voice ok. No fever or cough. Doing light office work. Still getting salary.
26.12.07
Chemo to be administered every 21 days, to complete all 6 cycles in 3 and half months
Date not finalized about start of Chemo, to be decided after receipt of report. Munu has offered financial assistance, if needed.
27.12.07
Spoke on phone. Sending mail to office for transfer to Kolkata. Zahir in Delhi since yesterday and will return for further attention.
CMRI - Hodgkins, Quadra - Non-Hodgkins. Medicines are different. Chemo to start possibly 1st or 2nd January.
28.12.07
Working on laptop. Outside food gives acidity.
Thakurpukur is not able to conclude findings. Zahir decides to send slide to USA and also to TIFR, Mumbai on Monday for confirmation.
29.12.07
O.K. otherwise
Thakurpukur is not able to conclude findings. Things in a mess there. Technicians avoiding responsibilty.
According to Dr.Ghosh, review shows that it is borderline case. Patient to be admitted on
03.01.08,
Chemo to start on 04.01.08. Conference held between Dr.Gupta, Dr.Ghosh, Bimanda etc. Zahir to go to Mumbai in Tata Memorial and also send slide to USA.
30.12.07
Amrita is ok and Zahir visiting Mumbai and Chennai.
31.12.07
Slight breathlessness exists. Heart was 70 percent effective just after operation, improvement from 40 percent before operation. No medicines except thyroid and vitamins. Planning to take one year break from work.
01.01.08
Acidity and nausea exist.
Monday
Admitted in CMRI, all tests including X-ray completd and blood donation organized
27.11.07
Tuesday
Operation start
Operation completed - Difficult equivalent almost to an open heart surgery according to Surgeon who was astonished how she could move around with such a condition.
Shifted to ICU. Saw the pieces of lesion kept in a jar, yellowish white, cleaned up to maximum extent
28.11.07
Wednesday
Conscious, less restless than before
Fully conscious, stable condition
Sleeping on sedation
Same condition, Dressing completed, under sedation
Fluctuating B.P., Heavy sedation, No bleeding
Seen by visitors under sedation, Functions normal
According to Saikat nothing to worry, Functions are in order
Ventilator to support lungs function, which is now apparently cleared of fluid. He has noticed slight wriggling of body. Solid food through stomach may start. No possibilty of further deterioration of condition. Blood transfusion has stopped. Heart having been pressed by the tumor is a little compromised.
29.11.07
Thursday
Vital signs are in order, Conscious, Condition better than before
Condition unchanged with sedaion
Condition unchanged with sedaion
Visited Mamun. She is fully conscious, but in lot of pain both from operation and ventilator. She was staring at the ceilng with a bit of dilated eyes. Efforts to withdraw ventilator gave rise to some respiratory distress.
30.11.07
Friday
Conscious and under sedation, Sleeping
Apparent clearing of lungs in the month of September is due to steroids, which had not helped the treatment leading to wrong diagnosis. Body is not yet strong to do natural breathing and hence ventilator helps in aiding. Everyday off ventilator will be attempted.
At 10.30 a.m., ventilator was taken out till 12.40 a.m. Later, it was taken out again for some time.
Visited Mamun. She is fully conscious and alert and was able to communicate. Her face was normal and appeared much better than before. Albumin was added to increase protein level in blood.
01.12.07
Saturday
Same condition, Ventilator on
Lungs had lost of fluid, particularly left lungs, hence will take a little longer time to be cleared. Saw her yesterday at 10 p.m. Mamun gave her a smile, which is very assuring.
She is fully conscious and alert and was able to communicate. Her face was normal and appeared much better than before.
Accrding to Doctor, it was an extremely difficult operation and it is a miracle that she has survived and he has taken a chance. She should not leave hospital, till she is fully fit. Many tubes are out and lungs is functioning almost 80 percent.
02.12.07
Sunday
Visited Mamun. Ventilator taken out from 2 P.M. and put on an oxygen mask. Able to talk with a bit of hoarse voice. Able to sit up and no discomfort exists. Breathing still shallow.
03.12.07
ICU
No ventilator for last 15 hours.
Mask replaced by oxygen tube. Diet given by mouth.
Had solid diet, comprising of fish, rice, dal etc. also tea and biscuits. All outside life support removed. May be shifted in a day so to room.
Bimanda had a telephonic talk with Zahir. Preliminary reports of slides show malignancy. Should be reconfirmed by another laboratory. Treatment should be with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation.
Amrita had a little disturbed sleep. Presently sleeping.
She is fine and normal and may be shifted to general ward in a day or so.
She has walked on her own. Only discomfort is cough and removal of phlegm. Report of the removed tissue mass shows Nodular sclerosis - Hodgkin's lymphoma.
She is fine. CMRI biopsy report along with slides handed over to Quadra for immunochemistry histology.
Shifted to room and called from room and appeared her original self.
In the room, with Zahir as attendant. Drainage from the bandages and coughing and breathlessness are the only constraints.
06.12.07
In the room, with Zahir as attendant. Drainage from the bandages and coughing are under control. According to Dr.Roy of Quadra, it is a very much treatable form of lymphoma. Report will be submitted after 7 days.
07.12.07
Self taken over as attendant. Continuous cough persists. Raised the bed for comfort.
Self taken over as attendant. Cough under control. Antibiotic, steam inhalation, nebulizer etc. continues.
Fever 99.4 degree. Given combiflame. Fever subsides.
Dr.Biswas visited. May be released in two or three days.
08.12.07
Had a good night's sleep. Well rested.
Dr.Rupak Bhattachayra visited and he checked the color of discharge, pain, stool, fever,walking, breathing, stitch removal, whether burning sensation in urine.
Situation continuously improving. Slight fever subsides.
09.12.07
Bimanda visits. Dr.R.N.Ghosh recommended for chemotherapy, who suggests 6 dosage in 6 months. Very much treatable. Before release suggests one dosage, depending on Dr.Biswas's recommendation.
10.12.07
Pain and fever in the evening persist.
11.12.07
No fever and slept well
12.12.07
Almost normal
13.12.07
Amrita - Deluxe room
Discharged from CMRI and returned home
14.12.07
Normal and had a good sleep. Self left for Dubai.
15.12.07
Slight fever and pain persist
16.12.07
Slight fever and pain persist. Vomitting tendency. Doctor recommended CT scan of abdominal and pelvic region. Spoke with mamun. Breathlessness persists. CT scan over. Zoya needed some medical attention.
17.12.07
Had a restful night and vomitting tendency is less.
18.12.07
Slightly disturbed sleep. All medicines will be gradually stopped. No vomitting tendency. To make appointment with Oncologist Dr.R.N.Ghosh
Amrita much better now. No fever and restful night. She is doing light office work. Quadra report says Lymphoma - B Cell. Nothing detected in CT scan of abdomen. After chemotherapy, should be extremely careful about infection from outsiders. Good drugs are available in tackling side effects.
19.12.07
All reports collected. No abnormality in the abdomen. Dr.Roy suggested another opinion from U.S.A. Very good medicine available of this type of cancer. Dr.Ghosh is a very good Doctor. Bulbuli coming on 15th January.
CT showed no remnants of tumor, but some fluid still in the lungs. Amrita cheerful and some fever subsides on its own. Diagnosis is Diffused B-Cell non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
20.12.07
Sounded o.k. with a little breathlessness. Appointment fixed on 22.12.07, Saturday morning with Dr.R.N.Ghosh at Jatin Baghchi Road. Bulbuli coming on 10th January to stay till 2nd April.
21.12.07
Zahir in Kolkata. Everything is ok.
22.12.07
Had a meeting with Dr.Ghosh, who suggested immediate start of chemotherapy, comprising of 3 months or 6 months cycle. Chemo to start as early as on 24.12.07 or 25.12.07 in Thakurpukur Cancer Hospital, with 2 days' stay each time. Chemo to be admistered every 3 weeks. Cost of each cycle will be approximately Rs.1.00 lakh.
Talked with Mamun, who is having constant bouts of cough and also breathlessness. According to Doctor, this is due to fluid in lungs and will go after Chemo. 6 cycles to be administered. Pain and fever still exist. Attending to light office work also.
23.12.07
CMRI finding different than that of Quadra. Difficult to start Chemo without proper diagnosis.
Roy and Tribedi ruled, as they outsource investigation and it will mean delay of 15 days. Decided to give slides and stock to Thakurpukur Cancer Hospital, who will confirm the findings, so that Chemo can start by the week end. Intermittent coughs persist.
Talked with Mamun. Voice is much clearer than before, though breathlessness exists. Cough is less and expectorant coming out. Continuous visitors in the house. Must be restricted after Chemo. Food normal. Zahir gone with Zoya to Calcutta Club for a children's party.
24.12.07
Mail from Viji Venkatesh (MAx fundation head, India of Novartis) shows that Dr.Ghosh is a good Doctor.
25.12.07
Going for Hepatitis B vaccination.
Voice ok. No fever or cough. Doing light office work. Still getting salary.
26.12.07
Chemo to be administered every 21 days, to complete all 6 cycles in 3 and half months
Date not finalized about start of Chemo, to be decided after receipt of report. Munu has offered financial assistance, if needed.
27.12.07
Spoke on phone. Sending mail to office for transfer to Kolkata. Zahir in Delhi since yesterday and will return for further attention.
CMRI - Hodgkins, Quadra - Non-Hodgkins. Medicines are different. Chemo to start possibly 1st or 2nd January.
28.12.07
Working on laptop. Outside food gives acidity.
Thakurpukur is not able to conclude findings. Zahir decides to send slide to USA and also to TIFR, Mumbai on Monday for confirmation.
29.12.07
O.K. otherwise
Thakurpukur is not able to conclude findings. Things in a mess there. Technicians avoiding responsibilty.
According to Dr.Ghosh, review shows that it is borderline case. Patient to be admitted on
03.01.08,
Chemo to start on 04.01.08. Conference held between Dr.Gupta, Dr.Ghosh, Bimanda etc. Zahir to go to Mumbai in Tata Memorial and also send slide to USA.
30.12.07
Amrita is ok and Zahir visiting Mumbai and Chennai.
31.12.07
Slight breathlessness exists. Heart was 70 percent effective just after operation, improvement from 40 percent before operation. No medicines except thyroid and vitamins. Planning to take one year break from work.
01.01.08
Acidity and nausea exist.
My day (21-Dec-07)
Today Zahir came at around 3 AM as the flight was postponed. The traffic of air passenger has increased so much now in India which is unimaginable.
anyways I spent the whole day without caughing and I am feeling very happy about it. However there was slight fever in the afternoon but that went away as quickly as it came.
anyways I spent the whole day without caughing and I am feeling very happy about it. However there was slight fever in the afternoon but that went away as quickly as it came.
Babai's Mail 21-Dec-07
Mamun,
I understand that you are accessing your mail and attending to light office work. I am glad to know that. For us professionals, work is the best therapy and to the extent, you can remain in touch with your work without straining yourself physically or mentally, it is a welcome step. The wonderful support you have received from your company management will also significantly contribute to your fast recovery.
You have gone through a traumatic experience. But the way you have faced and braved it is an example to all of us and will be an example to everyone, who will hear this story in the years to come. But for your indomitable courage, spirit and co-operation, Dr.Bhabatosh Biswas would not have taken up such an arduous task. We all salute you.
With every crisis, we face in our life, we come out stronger than before. It is the truth and I have experienced this umpteen number of times in my life. However, bizarre it may sound, sometimes, I almost welcome crisis in life. Whatever I am today is due to overcoming crisis one after another, small or big.
I imagine that your situation is somewhat like this. While you were reaching some destination, you suddenly came across a tunnel. The tunnel is very narrow and you will have to enter it, as there is no other way and you have entered it. You are crawling, you are forced to lie down, you have blisters on your whole body. But you have pushed and pushed and you are out of it. It is the suddenness of the existence of this tunnel that had bewildered all of us. But the worst is over and you can breathe easy now.
Bulbuli is coming on 10th January. That is great. I think that we must all work as a team and everyone has a role to play. Wherever one is, he or she can discharge the responsibility by employing time and other resources, not necessarily being physically together. Let us plan and execute how each one of us will contribute to this joint effort.
Take care.
Love Babai
I understand that you are accessing your mail and attending to light office work. I am glad to know that. For us professionals, work is the best therapy and to the extent, you can remain in touch with your work without straining yourself physically or mentally, it is a welcome step. The wonderful support you have received from your company management will also significantly contribute to your fast recovery.
You have gone through a traumatic experience. But the way you have faced and braved it is an example to all of us and will be an example to everyone, who will hear this story in the years to come. But for your indomitable courage, spirit and co-operation, Dr.Bhabatosh Biswas would not have taken up such an arduous task. We all salute you.
With every crisis, we face in our life, we come out stronger than before. It is the truth and I have experienced this umpteen number of times in my life. However, bizarre it may sound, sometimes, I almost welcome crisis in life. Whatever I am today is due to overcoming crisis one after another, small or big.
I imagine that your situation is somewhat like this. While you were reaching some destination, you suddenly came across a tunnel. The tunnel is very narrow and you will have to enter it, as there is no other way and you have entered it. You are crawling, you are forced to lie down, you have blisters on your whole body. But you have pushed and pushed and you are out of it. It is the suddenness of the existence of this tunnel that had bewildered all of us. But the worst is over and you can breathe easy now.
Bulbuli is coming on 10th January. That is great. I think that we must all work as a team and everyone has a role to play. Wherever one is, he or she can discharge the responsibility by employing time and other resources, not necessarily being physically together. Let us plan and execute how each one of us will contribute to this joint effort.
Take care.
Love Babai
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