SUCCESS STORY
The Cancer Institute (W.I.A) also known as Adyar Cancer Institute is a public charitable voluntary not-for-profit institution that is dedicated to the service of cancer patients since 1954.
What Our Patients Say
They say
I got diagnosed with throat cancer in the year 1999. I was a chronic smoker in the past, because of which I developed cancer. I received radiation, but the disease was not completely cured. Then I underwent surgery, following which I lost my voice. In those days, I did not have anyone tell me how it would be after surgery. So I found it difficult to cope. Hence, now I wanted to help those patients who are undergoing treatment for head and neck cancers and provide adequate information as a fellow survivor. I started counselling cancer patients and briefing them about esophageal speech and options of voice prosthesis, even before surgery. This is making them feel confident to go for surgery. I am even training the patients for esophageal speech. I am able to provide this service to fellow patients as the HCL foundation is providing me adequate support in terms of transportation. It is a commendable help and provides satisfaction to me as well. I thank the HCL foundation for providing this support through the Department of Psycho-oncology.
Mr Sharfudeen
Survivor of throat cancer
I got diagnosed with cancer in the year 2011. I got scared initially but did not want to delay much, hence came to treatment immediately. I underwent chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, following which I had a permanent colostomy bag to pass motion. Initially I had difficulty in adjusting to it physically and emotionally and it took some time. When I was diagnosed, I was very scared and there was no one to counsel me at that time. So, now I want to help patients deal with it and support them. I started meeting rectal cancer patients before treatment and counselling them for treatment. I could see the difference in patients when speaking to a survivor. Patients ask a lot of questions about post cancer phase and I provide possible information to my knowledge along with emotional support. I am thankful to HCL foundation for providing transportation support for me to travel to the hospital for the said purpose and Department of Psycho-oncology for initiating this service to cancer patients.
Mrs Mozhiyarasi
Survivor of rectum cancer
During the treatment process, I felt sad after surgery seeing my physical appearance. Most of the times, I used to worry about losing a breast. I was feeling sad thinking about how to go outside and attend social functions. My husband was very supportive and he used to encourage me. I was crying when getting discharged from the hospital as I had to meet relatives and family members. They used to comment about my disease and mocked me. I used to feel outraged and think it was because I lost a breast. When I started using this breast prosthesis, my confidence level went high. It is very helpful and I don’t feel guilty and embarrassing when I attending functions. It is very soft and comfortable. I would like to thank Cancer Institute (WIA) and HCL Foundation for giving this prosthesis. It is a good and honourable service to all patients.
Mrs D
Survivor of breast cancer
After removal of the breast, I was crying because feeling feminine is important to any women. I used to be silent during the treatment process, because I got upset whenever my treatment procedures were discussed. I worried about the side-effects of chemotherapy. I started worrying that I lost my breast even before the surgery. I started feeling scared and perplexed about my future. After the surgery, my relatives and neighbours started commenting on my disease, every time I walked in the street and also were not vet very welcoming. Also, whenever I saw myself in the mirror, I felt that my physical appearance was very different from usual. I was very upset. But when I started using breast prosthesis, I felt very comfortable to step out of the house. I am able to go to shops, meet people and feel confident. The prosthesis feels very natural and comfortable. I would like to thank HCL Foundation and Cancer Institute (WIA) for giving this prosthesis.
Mrs Bharathi
Survivor of breast cancer
I was diagnosed with cancer in the year 2021. I was shocked to see myself when I started losing hair during chemotherapy. I avoided going outside and even talking to my own family. Suddenly losing all of the hair was very difficult in addition to a cancer diagnosis. Seeing my difficulties, my family discussed with the hospital staff and we came to know about the provision of hair wigs provided at the hospital. I approached the concerned department and got the wig at free of cost. When I started using it, I felt very comfortable beyond my imagination and started feeling confident too. I was able to go out without hesitation and talk to everyone normally. I was using the wig for 3 months throughout the course of chemotherapy. My family also was happy seeing the changes in me. I am very grateful to HCL foundation and Cancer Institute for providing this support to cancer patients.
Mrs S
Survivor of Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia
My wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. She used to have long hair before the treatment and was very proud of that. Unfortunately, she started losing all her hair during the treatment. She became very dull and started losing interest in any social activities. Her mood was always down. Seeing her state, the doctors referred us for hair wigs. Initially she was doubtful if it would help her in any way, but was surprised to see how she felt so comfortable with the wig. She became too comfortable in a way that she started wearing it whenever she steps out of the house even to the hospital when coming for treatment. She says when she sees herself without hair, she feels like a patient but when using wig, she feels confident. We thank the Cancer Institute and HCL foundation for providing wig to help cancer patients feel better.
Caregiver of Mrs. T
Survivor of breast cancer