Cancer Returns: Woman battles ‘silent killer’ twice in years

By Sharda Bacchus

After being diagnosed with breast cancer and following treatment and surgery, Nandranie Deochand thought she had overcome the biggest challenge in her life.

But her hopes were shattered three years ago when the cancer returned.

Despite the daily challenges, Deochand chooses to remain resilient and is positive that she will again survive what she described as a “silent and deadly” killer.

“Fighting cancer is not an easy thing. It’s a hard thing. My pain always comes before I can ever say anything about the way I feel.

“It’s someday up and somedays down. You can’t do the things that you normally do. You can’t go about playing an active part in things that you love to do,” Deochand said on Friday.

Deochand was one of the speakers at the Ministry of Home Affairs Cancer Awareness health fair.

She shared that having been initially diagnosed with breast cancer years ago, she took the necessary treatment and even had surgery.

Upon completion, her test results returned negative. The cancer was gone. But it appeared not for long.

“I take treatment, I had to do surgery and at the end, 2004, it came back.

“I am now battling cancer again. I can’t explain myself but it is very hurtful and painful,” Deochand said.

Three years ago, she said the cancer returned.

Things got worse in June this year when she lost her biggest supporter, her husband to the same illness.

For years, Deochand said her days have not been the same. She cannot do the things she once enjoyed.

“I lost my husband in June with cancer and to know that I am battling again, I have no support by myself. But with God’s grace and prayer keep me standing.

“I hope and pray that fighting this battle by myself and with God I will overcome it because I tell myself there is no cancer in me. I am determined there is no cancer in me and I will get it over,” she noted.

Deochand is urging persons to get regular check-ups and follow their doctor’s advice.

“Cancer is a silent and deadly killer. By the time you know it, you are already gone so please take the doctor’s advice. Early detection saves lives,” Deochand said.