A 70-year-old woman from Alwar, Rajasthan, knows survival is a battle. She fought breast cancer seven years ago. She underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation. She followed every medical instruction carefully. She rebuilt her life around routines and appointments. For seven years, she believed she had conquered cancer.
An Unexpected Second Diagnosis
Then came a shocking twist. Doctors diagnosed her with pancreatic cancer. This was a completely new and different disease. It was entirely terrifying. Yet, when she walked into the clinic, she remained composed and steady. She faced this new challenge with quiet confidence. Having fought once, she believed she could fight again.
A Surgeon's Perspective on Two Different Battles
Dr. Archit Pandit, Director of Surgical Oncology at Fortis Escorts on Okhla Road, was her doctor. He explained the stark difference between her two cancers. "As a cancer surgeon, I knew this battle would not resemble her first," he told TOI Health.
He detailed the contrast. Breast cancer has seen remarkable advancements. Survival rates, screening, reconstruction, and adjuvant strategies have improved greatly. Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most difficult cancers to treat globally. It progresses silently, is detected late, and offers limited surgical windows.
"The difference between the two diseases is not just anatomical — it is existential," Dr. Pandit emphasized.
Overcoming Medical Complexities
The woman faced additional health challenges. She was diabetic and hypertensive. She had neuropathy from her previous chemotherapy. Age-related cardiac concerns had also developed. Genetic analysis, including BRCA and other relevant panels, came back negative. This ruled out a syndromic or hereditary pattern.
Before any treatment decision, doctors conducted extensive staging and metastatic evaluation. Her PET-CT scan showed no distant spread. This single piece of information changed everything. It opened a door pancreatic cancer patients rarely get — a curative surgical option.
The Robotic Surgical Breakthrough
The woman underwent a robotic-assisted Whipple procedure. This surgery is complex even for younger, healthier patients. For elderly individuals, risks are higher. Potential complications include:
- Delayed gastric emptying
- Pancreatic leaks
- Infections
- Cardiac events
Despite these risks, her recovery was remarkable. She was mobilized early. Doctors discharged her home on the seventh postoperative day.
The Unsung Heroes: Family Support
Dr. Pandit identified a crucial turning point in her journey. It was not just the PET scan or the robotic technology. "Her ecosystem of support made the real difference," he said.
Her son and daughter-in-law provided unwavering support. They attended every consultation. They absorbed every instruction. They ensured she remained medically and emotionally anchored.
"In oncology, family is often the unsung part of survival," Dr. Pandit reflected. "In her case, it was as vital as any treatment delivered inside an operating theatre."
Reclaiming Life's Milestones
Today, the woman is nearing eight decades of life with dignity that defies disease. Her family will celebrate her 50th wedding anniversary on 26th January. Dr. Pandit has been invited as a guest for that evening.
"It is rare for a surgeon to see such moments," he said. "To witness a patient not only survive but reclaim milestones that illness threatens to erase. That invitation overwhelmed me in a way outcomes data never can."
He reflected on how clinicians measure survival. They use months, years, recurrence curves, and overall survival statistics. But sometimes, survival is measured differently. It is measured in the ability to sit next to one's spouse, cut a cake, pose for photographs, and have grandchildren running around the house.
The Heart of Oncology
"That is why this case remains so close to my heart," Dr. Pandit concluded. "It reminds me that oncology is not just about treating disease. It is about protecting life as it is meant to be lived."
This story from Alwar is more than a medical case. It is a testament to human resilience, advanced medical care, and the indispensable role of family in the fight against cancer.
