The way we view cancer has drastically changed during the past ten or so years. It used to be embarrassing for women to confess they had breast cancer. However, the situation is being improved these days. The term “cancer” is no longer a frightening six-letter phrase that must be said in whispers and low voices. There are even support groups available for both the patient and their family members.
It is crucial to talk about it to move ahead. Tahira Kashyap, a writer and filmmaker, wife of Ayushmann Khurrana, battled breast cancer with strength and courage.
In 2018, Tahira realised that her right breast was becoming heavy. She did find this suspicious after googling the symptoms. Both Ayushmann Khurranna and Tahira went to Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai for checkup. After MRI and mammogram scans, the couple got to know that Tahira was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was found to have high-grade DCIS, or situ ductal carcinoma. In a nutshell, the proliferation of cancerous malignant cells inside a defined space. Precancerous or Stage 0 breast cancer is another name for this condition.
Tahira became shocked when she realised that she has cancer at the age of 35. She has no family history of being diagnosed with breast cancer. Still, she got it and she felt that cancer can happen to anyone. The other shocking thing happened, cancer now reached stage 1A from stage 0. The couple was petrified after getting this shocking news. Ayushmann and Tahira both stood like a rock and decided to face this deadly disease.
The doctors suggested Tahira Kashyap two treatments i.e. mastectomy and chemotherapy. Mastectomy is a surgical procedure in which all or part of a person’s breast tissue is removed. Tahira with a brave heart accepted all the suggestions from doctors and started her treatment at Kokilaben Hospital. She was being treated under Dr Mandar Nadkarni, a top oncologist specializing in breast cancer. After going through a mastectomy, it left with a huge scar on her breast. Surgery and draining of fluid caused immense pain in the breast. Tahira on her Instagram post shared that after the surgery she calls herself the “half-Indian version of Angelina Jolie (since only one breast was involved)!”.
The next treatment she had to go through was gruesome chemotherapy. On 1st December 2018, her chemotherapy started with 12 sessions. After completing 6 chemo sessions, Tahira penned a note on Instagram sharing her chemo journey. After 6 chemo sessions, Tahira started losing hair. Chemotherapy is a tiresome treatment that affects mental and physical health.
On 5th January 2019, after the last chemo session, Tahira was declared cancer-free. She battled cancer with strength, hope and courage. She took to Instagram and shared about how happy she was after fighting this deadly disease.
Tahira is a mother of two. After going bald due to chemo treatment. her son used to tell her not to come and play near his friend’s area. Please wear a cap. Tahira did deal with such moments because she understands that kids feel embarrassed to see their mother’s indifferent look. However, her kids later understood what their mother is going through and supported her. Tahira also thanked her family members and especially her husband Ayushmann Khurrana who supported and stood with her thick and thin.
Tahira shared that throughout her treatment she practised Nichiren Buddhism. It has taught her how to be mentally strong in tough situations. On National Cancer Awareness Day, 2020 Tahira Kashyap shared a photo from her last chemotherapy session; salutes healthcare workers in a heartfelt note of gratitude. She also thanked her doctor Dr Mandar Nadkarni for the immense support and the right guidance for her treatment.
Despite the challenges she faced, Tahira remained optimistic and used her platform to spread positivity and hope. She documented her journey in a book titled “The 12 Commandments of Being a Woman,” where she talks about her experiences with breast cancer and shares insights on womanhood, self-love, and resilience.