How gritty Shila Devi triumphed over ovarian cancer

Residing in a remote village of Bokaro District in Jharkhand, senior citizen Shila Devi silently endured the burden of her pain for six long months. At the advancing age of 71 and suffering from epilepsy, diabetes and chronic kidney disease, life was tough for her. Unbeknownst to her family members, Shila Devi was also bearing the immense weight of a large ovarian mass.

Fearing the financial consequences of sharing her ailment with her children, who work as truck drivers, Shila Devi sought help in secrecy. Desperate for relief, she turned to a local quack doctor who promised an easy solution – applying hot burnt neem leaves to her abdomen, with hopes that the cyst would burst and collapse. This misguided attempt at traditional treatment proved futile.

Finally, unable to bear the pain any longer, Shila Devi mustered the courage to seek help and was brought to Ranchi Cancer Hospital and Research Centre. Upon careful examination, it was determined that upfront surgery was the best course of action. Despite her co-morbidities and advanced age, the absence of other diseases that could potentially hinder the surgery gave hope for a successful intervention.

While the preliminary diagnostics of the economically disadvantaged woman was covered through RCHRC’s Beneficiary Support Fund, Shila Devi’s surgery was performed under the Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY. With the support of RCHRC and the Government scheme for the needy citizens, Shila Devi availed of best-in-class treatment without any financial burden on the family.

Led by Dr Amitesh Anand, the surgical oncology team comprising of Dr Ruta Bhise, a gynaec-oncologist and Dr Abhiram Bhoyar, an onco-surgeon, carried out the operation on her to ensure the best possible outcome. Aided by the expertise of anesthetists, Dr Mohammed Shafi Imran and Dr Vikas Sonwane, they navigated the complex process cognizant of Shila Devi's medical history.

The operating theatre buzzed with determination and focus as the team delicately removed the entire ovarian mass, taking precaution to prevent the rupture and spread of any cancer cells. The colossal mass, weighing approximately 12.6 kg, was finally severed from Shila Devi's body. It was a triumphant moment, a battle won against an invisible enemy.

However, the fight did not end there. Shila Devi's large burn wounds over her abdomen posed a significant risk of infection post-operatively. The proficient hands of OT technicians Ajit, Basu and Raza ensured that the intricate details of the surgery were meticulously executed. The dedicated staff nurses Sunita, Rajni and Shalini provided unwavering care and attended to her every need with patience and compassion.

As Shila Devi emerged from the haze of anesthesia, her journey towards recovery began. An expert team of healthcare professionals at RCHRC guided her through the often-tumultuous recovery process, offering solace and support. With each passing day, Shila Devi's strength and resilience shone through, a testament to the indomitable spirit within us all.

As much as it is about modern medicine’s triumph over a potentially lethal disease, Shila Devi's story is also one of bravery and perseverance. Though her path was fraught with challenges, she exemplifies the power of resilience and the triumph of the human spirit. The entire medical team involved in her care is humbled to have played a role in her remarkable journey, a journey that reminds us all of the incredible strength within each of us to beat the odds.