Ravina Kashyap - Colon Cancer
My Story – by Ravina Kashyap, Stage IV Colon Cancer Survivor, USA
“Hello. My name is Ravina Kashyap. I am a colon cancer survivor and I am grateful to BCH for giving me the opportunity to share my story.
In April 2014, I landed up passing out and at the doctor’s office, we found out that I was severely anemic so I had to have a blood transfusion at the hospital, where they also performed a colonoscopy. To our utter shock, I was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer. We were in total disbelief. I had to have an emergency surgery called a Colectomy, where they removed about seven inches of my colon. Stage 3 cancer is when cancer has invaded not only the infected organ but also the lymph nodes around it. Thus, I needed to have months of chemo, called Folfox, every two weeks, for a total of 12 rounds.
During chemo, I lost over 20 pounds of weight and most of my hair. I was declared NED in Nov 2014. But in 2016, during a routine scan, they found two metastasis in my lungs and I was re-diagnosed to have stage four colon cancer in the lungs. We treated it with chemo and radiation called Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy, or SBRT.
I had stopped working since my initial diagnosis but this time I was determined to do what I wanted with my life. It is said, life is short, but it could very well be true in my case so I wanted to do all that I had imagined so I started working part-time in a Title I school, teaching under-privileged kids. It has been the most rewarding work of my life. I proved my doctor wrong as he worried that I would get all kinds of infections from working in a school. Also after the initial diagnosis our family decided to spend time and resources to travel the world and fulfill my dream. Over the past 5 years Traveling kept me healthy and my spirits up and truly sane.
I had put myself in the hands of a higher power and I was taken care of.
In 2017, they again found two more tumors in the same lung and this time they subjected me to stronger radiation. We did not go for chemo as my body was not reacting well to the drugs.
My husband and kids have been my biggest support system and we all refused to accept this disease. We have fought it together thrice and we hope to beat it all together. I have had a very supportive community of friends, and I felt that by talking about my prognosis I can give back to the world. I want to tell everyone that has had to encounter cancer to not lose hope and fight it bravely.
Cancer is a word no one wants to hear from their doctor but find your support and don’t give up to the very end. Cancer has taught me many things and one is not to take anything for granted and to be a fighter for yourself. You are your own biggest advocate. Find like-minded people and others like Breast Cancer Hub, for support.
My advice to people is to have a colonoscopy by age 50. If you have gut issues, like reflux or persistent abdominal pain, then a colonoscopy at any age is a must. These days, colon cancer is striking in younger people. Also, if you have had a history of colon cancer in the family, a colonoscopy after 35-40 is important.
Another way to detect colon cancer is to get screened with stool samples especially if you notice blood in your stool. There is a kit called Cologuard, which you can find on www.cologuardtest.com.
My last word of advice is to do what you love and keep the fighter spirit alive”.
We are thankful to Ravina Kashyap for sharing her motivational journey with us
Dr Lopamudra Das Roy, on behalf of our Breast Cancer Hub family
Mrs. Ravina Kashyap, Stage IV Colon Cancer Survivor, speaks about her inspiring journey!
Hats off to Mrs. Kashyap, an inspiration to the society! So proud of Mrs. Ravina Kashyap for coming forward, sharing her story, and providing her valuable insights on early symptoms and screening processes!