Cancer survivor stories, now in Telugu

The Telugu version of 'I AM A SURVIVOR', a collection of powerful voices & stories of hope and inspiration of 108 cancer survivors, authored by renowned oncologist Dr Vijay Anand Reddy was released recently

The Telugu version of the I AM A SURVIVOR - 'Nenu cancer ni jayinchanu', a compendium of real life and awe inspiring stories of courageous cancer survivors, authored by renowned Oncologist and Director, Apollo Cancer Hospital, Dr Vijay Anand Reddy, was formally released, on Sunday.

Dr Sangita Reddy, Jt. Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals; Former ace left arm spinner Shri Venkatapathi Raju and Tollywood diva Ms Rakul Preet Singh, Mr Vijay Kumar, publisher, EMESCO books, the publishers of the book, released it at a program attended by the who's who of the city and brave cancer survivors.

Dr Vijay Anand Reddy, a cancer specialist with immense faith in his ability to provide succor to cancer patients, had the daunting task of conveying the bad word 'cancer' to patients and their near and dear.

This pronouncement invariably led the patients to a sense of deep remorse, depression and a feeling of distraught with life. This desperate state of the patients seemed to haunt him to no end.

He knew that most cancers are treatable with the advances in medicine and what was needed from the patient was the ability to be remain unfazed as far as possible from the impending agony and to bravely combat it.

His experience in treating such patients dictated that a positive frame of mind could mitigate the trauma and help conquer cancer.

He had no readymade solutions on how to impress upon the patients in their moment of immense despair, the need to maintain composure and battle it out with a tough frame of mind.

He also realised that no amount of counseling, consoling and attempts to boost their spirit, by the doctor, helps to allay their pain beyond a point.

It was during such attempts to counsel patients that he realised the need to pen the experiences of some of the warriors of cancer, who could successfully decimate the disease and are a true inspiration to every cancer patient.

The original English version took Dr Vijay Anand Reddy, aided by his wife Dr Sashi, over 3 years of toil, sparing most evenings and late nights, after a busy practice through the day, to compile I AM A SURVIVOR.

"I AM A SURVIVOR" shares powerful voices and stories of hope and inspiration of 108 cancer survivors.

The book gives the readers a rare insight into the courageous and heartfelt voyage of these patients, the initial helplessness and a despondent state of mind, how they recover from the jolt they experience on hearing the dreaded word cancer, pick up the pieces of their lives from scratch and gradually transform into incredibly strong cancer survivors.

The book is replete with the stories of several brave hearts who proved without doubt that cancer which is thought to be invincible, can be vanquished with sheer will power. Here is the gist of a few stories, which transformed from heart wrenching saga to a happy outcome.

"When a doctor says to a patient that everything will be fine. It doesn't appeal to the patient so much. When it comes from a patient who has gone through this journey successfully, it will make wonders!! certainly make a significant impact on the newly diagnosed patient.

Keeping this in mind I started talking to patients who come to my office even after they are cured for many years - will they be okay sharing their journey.

Normally, the answer is so often no! But most of my patients were kind and brave enough to share their stories!! I also started a club called freedom from cancer club where in cured patients are made members.

These members are already helping our patients on treatment on regular basis," says Dr Vijay Anand Reddy.