GOOD MORNING DOCTOR
CHAPTER 3
ARRIVED AT AMRITA
MEDICAL COLLEGE.
Amrita Hospital isa well-known medical center in India. It is one of the largest medical college
in the country, spanning 125 acres with a total area of 3.33 million square
feet. The hospital has over 1,400 beds. Every day, more than 4,000 outpatients
come seeking treatment. Experienced doctors provide services here. On December
3, 2021, my mother and I arrived at Amrita Hospital. A few days earlier, we had
scheduled appointments with Dr. Sudhindra from the Gastrointestinal surgery
department, Dr. Pavithran from the Oncology department, and Dr. Haridas M. Nair
from the Radiation department. The appointments were arranged based on advice
from several friends in Kerala, Pune, and Bombay, including my daughter, Dr.
Manju Kurakar, and my son-in-law, Kuriyan Arimboor. Mr. Kuriyan Arimboor is a
Vice President at the highly esteemed Bajaj Company in Pune, and Dr. Manju
Kurakkar is a Reader at the Sinhgad Medical and Dental College in Pune. My
mother and I met with Dr. Sudhindra and discussed the situation. We reviewed
the reports from the colonoscopy and CT scan conducted at Kottiyam. After
thoroughly studying the reports and CDs, the doctor showed us the actual
condition of the illness. My son, Manu Kurakar, had come from Bombay to see the
doctor. Manu is working as a System Manager at SBI in Bombay. Manu’s wife,
Moncy’s father, mother Rashmi, and sister-in-law George were also present.
I was shocked by
the doctor’s detailed explanation about the illness. I hoped that life could
have ended already. Although I hadn’t seen the biopsy report, the doctor said
it was cancer and that it was at stage 3. Overcome with grief and unable to
bear the sorrow, I went out to the veranda, hiding my tears from everyone. My
mother, son, and others sought the doctor’s advice. Moncy came to the veranda
and sat beside me, saying, “Dad, please don’t be upset. Everything will be
alright. You will receive the best possible treatment available in the world.
There will be some difficulties for a while, but it will get better.” Moncy
stayed close to me, offering comforting words. My sorrow did not lessen. It
felt like darkness was closing in around me. For a while, I sat with my eyes
closed, saying nothing to anyone. I stayed like that for a long time, as if I
were in another world. When I opened my eyes, I saw that besides Moncy, there
was another person sitting beside me on my right. He appeared to be a destitute
man. He was crying and unable to speak. With his heart heavy with accumulated
grief, he was trying to steady his heartbeat. I approached the crying man and
asked, "What are you crying about?" He replied, "The doctor said
that my liver needs to be replaced immediately. It will cost at least 3 million
rupees." The man began crying again, breaking down once more.
I couldn't comfort
the man. I gently asked him, "Have you been taking any regular
medications?" He replied that he had never used any medication in his
life. I then asked if there was someone available to donate a liver. He pointed
to a person sitting on the opposite bench and said, "That’s my son. He has
agreed to donate his liver. He works in the army." The man appeared to be
around 55 years old. In the face of his grief, my own tears seemed
insignificant. I looked around and saw many others in the veranda, sitting in
silence, deeply distressed. They had also just seen the gastroenterology
doctor. I couldn't bring myself to ask about their reasons for sadness.
Meanwhile Surya’s mother, Rashmi, and Sali rushed to me and said they were
going to book an MRI scan for me and quickly left. Moncy stayed close to me. No
one went to have lunch that day, and not even a drop of water was consumed.
There were more than 60 people waiting to get an MRI scan that day. Based on
the recommendation of Rashmi's friend who works in the Radiology department, we
were allowed to have the MRI scan at 7 PM. We arrived at the Radiology
Department by 6 PM. By 7 PM, I went to the changing room to put on the uniform.
After changing, I waited in the veranda. After some time, we were admitted into
the scan room. There were two people already waiting there, and I joined them.
They informed us that the scanning would take at least 45 minutes.
I was unfamiliar
with MRI scans and their sounds, as this was my first experience with one. It
was only after undergoing the MRI that I came to understand what the procedure
involves. It is a scanning method used to capture the structure and function of
internal organs in the body. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a type of
scanning that does not pose any health risks, unlike other scanning methods.
Imaging technologies like X-rays and CT scans, which use high levels of
radiation, can be harmful to the body if used excessively. In contrast, MRI
(Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is fundamentally different. It employs a powerful
magnetic field to produce detailed images of the body's internal structures,
making it a safe alternative as it does not use harmful radiation. MRI scanning
provides a higher level of diagnostic accuracy. It works by creating a strong
magnetic field to scan the body. MRI is capable of imaging a wide range of body
parts, including muscles, joints, bones, nerves, spinal cord, soft tissues, and
blood vessels. It is particularly beneficial for examining the brain, neck,
abdomen, and pelvic region. However, some individuals may find the sounds
produced by MRI machines uncomfortable. Additionally, the procedure requires
lying still in a narrow, confined space for an extended period, which can cause
anxiety or discomfort for some people.
Patients with
certain medical devices such as pacemakers that regulate heart function,
implants used after bone surgeries, and infusion catheters should not undergo
MRI scans. This restriction is due to the powerful magnetic field and radio
waves used by MRI machines, which can interfere with these devices. MRI scans
are generally not performed on pregnant women either. Additionally, metal
objects like hospital beds, stretchers, and oxygen cylinders should never be
brought close to an MRI scanner. Bringing such items near the MRI machine can
cause them to move rapidly towards the machine, potentially causing severe
injury to individuals caught in the path. To prevent accidents, MRI machines
are installed in rooms with high safety standards that prevent magnetic fields
from escaping. A list of items that could pose a risk is displayed outside the
MRI room. The technician present will thoroughly inform the patient and their
relatives about these safety measures. All metal objects, including keys,
coins, and mobile phones, must be left outside the room. A metal detector is
used to ensure that nothing has been forgotten. If a patient requires medical
equipment, alternatives designed for use inside the MRI scanner are
recommended. For example, oxygen cylinders made of aluminum and titanium
implants are among the types of equipment that are MRI-compatible. By taking
the necessary precautions, MRI scanning remains one of the safest imaging
methods available.
It was my turn for
the MRI scan. I was guided towards a large machine and asked to lie down inside
it. The scan began, and what started as a small sound quickly turned into a
terrifying cacophony of various noises. For the first few minutes, I tried to
tolerate the intermittent sounds. As the intensity of the noises increased,
they became very disturbing to my ears. I felt as though I was trapped in a
large pit. I prayed to God and sought the intercession of Parumala Thirumeni,
enduring the relentless noise. I could hear the sound growing louder and
lasting longer. I asked out loud, "How much longer will this take?"
Someone responded, "About 20 more minutes." Oh God, 20 more minutes
in this confinement! I was not allowed to move my arms or legs, and I had no
idea how much time had passed. I closed my eyes and lay there, unsure if I had
fallen asleep. The noise eventually stopped, and I was surrounded by silence. A
technician came and lifted the top part of the machine, saying, "Get up,
the scan is finished." With his assistance, I got up, feeling a mix of
fear and frustration. I spoke to the staff, but they did not respond, likely
because they had been working since morning and were exhausted. When I exited
from the MRI room, I found Molly, Rashmi and Sali are waiting for me in the
veranda. It was already past 11 PM. By around 12:30 AM, Moncy and Rashmi headed
back to Thrissur, while Sali went to a nearby lodging close to the hospital.
Molly and I
returned to Kottarakkara in Joy's car. Throughout the drive, we received
continuous phone calls from my son Manu in Bombay and my daughter Manju in
Pune. My mother spoke with them, but I was unable to talk to anyone that day.
Overwhelmed by the weight of my sorrow, I sat silently in the car with my eyes
closed. We reached Kottarakkara around 4 AM, and there was no conversation
between us. Once home, I lay down on the bed, my mind troubled by various
thoughts. The next evening, Manu Kurakar arrived from Mumbai. We discussed the
treatment options extensively, considering recommendations from various hospitals.
Ultimately, we decided to proceed with treatment at Amrita Hospital. Within two
days, we received the biopsy report. As Dr. Sudhindran at Amrita Medical
College had predicted, the report confirmed the presence of cancer. It was
identified as Adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer found in the large intestine.
Cancer is one of the most distressing and feared conditions in today's world,
representing one of the most agonizing diseases known globally. The normal
processes of cellular creation, growth, and development maintain order in
bodily functions. However, when these processes become dysregulated, they can
result in physical illness. Cancer is marked by the excessive and uncontrolled
proliferation of cells.
Various factors
such as chemicals, radiation, pathogens, or lifestyle influences can trigger
the transformation of normal cells into cancerous ones. These factors can
initiate the disease by causing cells to grow uncontrollably. The term
"cancer" is derived from the Greek word "karkinos," which
means "crab," combined with "-oma," meaning
"growth." This terminology was chosen because the appearance of some
tumors resembled a crab with its spreading claws. Thus, the term
"carcinoma" came to represent cancer, reflecting the disease's
invasive and persistent nature. It is well known that every organ in our body
is made up of countless cells. The excessive and uncontrolled division of these
cells is simply referred to as cancer. The reason for the uncontrolled cell
growth is the mutations that occur in the DNA of those cells. Cancer cells
multiply and, after a certain period, enter the bloodstream. They then spread
to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph, proliferating the
disease everywhere. Cancers can be classified based on the location of the affected
organ. Cancers that occur in the nose, intestines, reproductive organs,
breasts, and bladder fall under the category of carcinoma. About 80% of cancer
cases belong to this category. Cancers that occur in muscles, bones, and
connective tissues are classified as sarcoma. Cancers found in the blood and
blood-producing organs are categorized as leukemia. Leukemia primarily affects
white blood cells.
Cancer that occurs
in the lymphatic system is classified as lymphoma. Cancers in glands such as
the thyroid, pituitary, and adrenal glands fall under the category of adenoma.
The term "primary site" refers to the organ where cancer begins and
spreads to nearby areas, impairing the function of that organ.
"Secondary" refers to the spread of cancer to other parts of the body
through the blood and lymph, leading to excessive and uncontrolled cell growth
in those areas as well. This is why early detection and treatment of cancer are
emphasized. If tobacco use is eliminated, it could prevent 50% of cancer cases
in men in Kerala. Fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens can help reduce the risk
of cancer to some extent. A healthy diet, regular exercise, avoiding
substances, and maintaining a positive mental state are all excellent for
cancer prevention. Women over 40 should perform self-breast examinations at
least once a month to detect breast cancer in its early stages. Additionally,
they should see a doctor at least once a year for a mammogram, which is a
special X-ray examination. Mammograms can also be done using ultrasound and
MRI. Men over 50 should have regular check-ups at least once a year to ensure
they do not have prostate cancer. Colon cancer can also be detected in its
early stages. If blood is observed in the stool, this disease can be treated
effectively in its early phase. Tests such as colonoscopy are available for
this purpose. Kidney cancer is one of the major health issues that causes
approximately 180,000 deaths worldwide each year. The kidneys, located on
either side of the spine above the waist, help filter waste and excess water
from the body. They also play a role in producing red blood cells, maintaining
bone health, and regulating blood pressure.
Kidney cancer
typically starts as a tumor within the kidney. As these tumors grow, they can
affect the kidneys' ability to filter blood effectively. The most common
symptom of kidney cancer is a change in urine color. Even a slight red tint can
indicate a problem in the kidneys. While this could sometimes be due to an
infection, it's important to monitor for blood in the urine and consult a
doctor for kidney cancer testing if such changes occur. Lung cancer's primary
cause is the increasing number of vehicles and the carbon monoxide they emit.
The heart is the only organ in the body that is not affected by cancer. Sudden
unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite can be warning signs of cancer.
Even well-educated individuals sometimes view cancer as a hereditary disease.
However, the hereditary component accounts for only about 5 to 10% of cases.
Cancer does not develop overnight, and its causes have not been fully
established. Factors such as environmental pollution, chemicals, viruses,
lifestyle, and genetics can all contribute to its onset. When someone is
diagnosed with cancer, it's essential not to hide the information from them.
They should be gently informed and helped to understand their condition. It's
important to empower them to face the illness. Isolation should be avoided; the
awareness that they are not alone is something their family and community
should provide.
It's not about
instilling fear or causing distress; rather, it's the responsibility of the
family and community to provide support and understanding. If 80% of patients
seek treatment in the early stages, they can often overcome the disease.
November 7 is observed as National Cancer Awareness Day, while World Cancer Day
is celebrated on February 4. When I learned that I had cancer, it brought
immense sorrow. I thought my life would be cut short, and the atmosphere at
home felt heavy with grief. Before long, we went to Amrita Hospital in
Ernakulam with the biopsy report and other scanning documents. We arrived at
the Amrita guest house around 8 PM.
When faced with
cancer or any debilitating disease, it is crucial for all family members to
stand together in support of the affected individual. Isolation can exacerbate
feelings of fear and despair, making the journey even more challenging. By
fostering an environment of love and understanding, family members can provide
the emotional strength and encouragement needed during difficult times. Sharing
experiences, engaging in open conversations, and participating in treatment
decisions can help the person feel valued and connected, alleviating the burden
of loneliness. Ultimately, a united family can create a powerful support
system, empowering the individual to face their illness with hope and
resilience.
No comments:
Post a Comment