Manisha's Breast Cancer Survival Story – Treatment by Dr. Sandeep Nayak
PATIENT DETAILS
Clinic/Hospital Name: MACS Clinic, Bangalore
Patient’s Name: Manisha
Patient’s Age: 38
Gender: Female
Patient Background
Manisha, a 38-year-old working professional and mother of two, led an active and healthy lifestyle. She was someone who never skipped her workouts, ate nutritious food, and prioritized her well-being. Cancer was the last thing she ever expected to face.
Her life took a sudden turn when she discovered an unusual lump in her breast. Initially, she dismissed it, assuming it was just a temporary swelling or hormonal change. But as days passed, the lump became firmer and more prominent. That’s when she decided to seek medical advice.
Symptoms
Manisha first noticed the lump while working out. It didn’t hurt, so she ignored it for a few days. But as she kept checking, it became more noticeable. That’s when she decided to visit her gynecologist.
“I was in two minds about whether to see a doctor. It wasn’t painful, so a part of me thought I was overreacting. But something told me to get it checked. I remember my gynecologist being very calm and reassuring. She told me, ‘Even if something is wrong, don’t worry, we are here to help you.’ That really put me at ease.”
Her gynecologist recommended a mammogram to get a clear picture of what was going on.
Diagnostic Method
The mammogram results were concerning, prompting her doctor to refer her to an oncologist. When the oncologist reviewed her reports, he advised a biopsy to determine the nature of the tumor.
“Hearing the word ‘biopsy’ scared me. It made everything feel real. Until that moment, I was hoping it was just a harmless lump. I had so many questions in my mind—What exactly is breast cancer? How long would the treatment take? What procedures would I have to undergo? The doctor patiently explained everything, which helped me mentally prepare for what was ahead.”
Disease Diagnosed
The biopsy confirmed that Manisha had stage 2 breast cancer. The news was devastating. She needed time to process it before sharing it with her loved ones.
“I sat alone for a while after hearing my diagnosis. I kept asking myself, ‘Am I ready for this? Can I handle it?’ Before I could break the news to my family, I had to accept it myself. When I finally told my husband, Amit, he just froze. He refused to believe it and insisted on getting a second opinion. A family friend suggested meeting Dr. Sandeep Nayak, and that was one of the best decisions we made.”
Understanding Breast Cancer and the Treatment Plan
Dr. Nayak explained breast cancer in simple terms and how different treatment approaches depend on immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing.
“Dr. Nayak was incredibly patient with us. He didn’t just throw medical terms at us—he sat down with a cup of tea and explained everything in a way that made sense. He told us, ‘Breast cancer doesn’t always cause pain, which is why early detection is so important. Your cancer is at stage 2, which means it’s treatable, and we’ll map out a plan together to get you through this.’ His words gave me so much hope.”
Manisha and her husband had many concerns:
- How would chemotherapy feel?
- What side effects should she expect?
- What would the surgery involve?
- How would their daily lives, work, and parenting be affected?
Dr. Nayak addressed every concern, ensuring they felt prepared for the road ahead.
Treatment Plan and Post-Surgery Guidelines
Chemotherapy
Manisha underwent six chemotherapy sessions before surgery to shrink the tumor. The experience was physically and emotionally exhausting, but she chose to focus on the positive.
“Chemotherapy was tough. There were days I felt completely drained, and my body ached in ways I never imagined. But I decided that instead of fearing it, I would turn every session into a small victory. My family supported me in the most heartwarming ways. After my final session, they surprised me with a ‘No More Chemo’ cake. That moment made me realize how much love surrounded me.”
Surgery and Breast Reconstruction
Dr. Nayak performed a skin-sparing mastectomy, which removed the entire breast tissue while keeping the skin intact. This allowed for immediate breast reconstruction using Manisha’s own tissue, preserving a natural appearance.
During genetic testing, doctors discovered she had a BRCA gene mutation, which increased her risk of ovarian cancer. To prevent future complications, Dr. Nayak recommended removing her ovaries during the same surgery.
“I was nervous about surgery, but Dr. Nayak reassured me. He explained, ‘By doing both procedures together, we reduce recovery time and achieve a better cosmetic outcome.’ That made so much sense. Knowing I was in expert hands gave me confidence.”
Post-Surgery Guidelines
After the surgery, Dr. Nayak provided detailed post-operative care guidelines:
- Regular follow-ups to monitor recovery.
- Physiotherapy to regain arm movement.
- A high-protein, balanced diet to aid healing.
- Emotional support through counseling and survivor groups.
“I had moments of doubt, especially when I saw my reflection after surgery. But my family and medical team reminded me that I had fought something much bigger. Dr. Nayak always said, ‘Your body has changed, but you are still you.’ That stuck with me.”
Outcome
Manisha recovered well, and her surgery was a success. Today, she is cancer-free, enjoying life with her family, and focusing on her health.
“It’s been over a year now, and I feel stronger than ever. The journey was tough, but I came out of it with so much gratitude. I have a new perspective on life, and I don’t take anything for granted.”
Long-Term Expectation
With regular medical check-ups, a healthy diet, and an active lifestyle, Manisha’s long-term prognosis is promising. She is determined to stay vigilant and inspire other women to prioritize their health.
“If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that early detection saves lives. I tell every woman I know—if you notice something unusual in your body, don’t ignore it. Get checked. It could make all the difference.”
Patient Feedback
“I can’t thank Dr. Sandeep Nayak and his team enough. The way he explained everything, his calm and reassuring nature, and his expertise made me feel safe throughout this journey. I wish every cancer patient finds a doctor like him—someone who truly cares, listens, and gives them the best possible treatment. Today, I am living proof that cancer is not the end. With the right care and mindset, you can come out stronger.”
Manisha’s journey highlights the importance of early diagnosis, expert medical care, and unwavering resilience in overcoming breast cancer.