What comes to your mind when you hear the term cancer? For most of us, a wave of emotions and a sense of deep empathy wash over us as soon as we hear this term. It invokes feelings of fear, sorrow, and an acute awareness of the immense challenges that individuals facing this formidable disease endure. But why is a cancer patient always seen with sympathetic eyes? Why is it always believed that cancer is a disease that puts an end to life?
Well, here is an inspirational story of a 49-year-old cancer survivor, Alaknanda Dasgupta, who defeated cancer with her twirling feet. She found solace in her passion and refused to give up on the painful chemotherapies. Even complete bedrest or 30+ stitches could not restrict her life to tears and depression. She kicked the cancer challenge with “ghungroo” on her feet and kissed goodbye to the life-ending disease.
- Who is Alaknanda Dasgupta?
- Ovarian Cancer Survivor – Fought early signs and symptoms
- Even 36 Stitches could not break her spirit!
- “Being a Dancer, my numb feet were the biggest fear and not cancer!”
- Battling Chemotherapy while performing
- Lively advice from a 50-YO Cancer survivor
- Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Alaknanda Dasgupta?
Alaknanda Dasgupta is a Noida-based Kathak artist who has been teaching and performing for the past three decades. Trained by none other than the master himself, the late Pandit Birju Ji Maharaj, Alaknanda Dasgupta started learning Kathak only at the age of 6 years. Today, this 49-year-old classical dancer is a perfectionist herself who prioritizes her art before everything in life.
A workaholic by nature, mother of two sons, and a Brand Ambassador of the government’s “Swacchha Bharat Abhiyan”. She was focused on one of the biggest productions of her life when her body took unexpected turns that changed her forever!
Ovarian Cancer Survivor – Fought early signs and symptoms
Alaknanda Dasgupta is a brave cancer survivor whose story was not an ordinary one. She was experiencing menopause in life when right after getting her period the spotting did not stop for 12 days straight. Here she knew that something was not right and rushed to her gynecologist. After a CT scan, the doctors found an unusual lump in her left ovary and suggested an immediate operation.
But, she was working on one of her biggest productions, “Maharas” so she denied the immediate operation and went ahead to perform by hiding this news from her family members. After a grand houseful event, she disclosed everything about her lump to her family. Right after that, she was taken for surgery. Being a dancer, it was expected that she would have glowing skin without any marks or injuries so Alaknanda Dasgupta opted for laser surgery. Little did she know that this lump in her ovary would leave permanent marks on her body, despite a laser operation.
Even 36 Stitches could not break her spirit!
The operation was supposed to last 4-5 hours but it took 12 long hours leaving everybody in panic. After the surgery, the doctors showed concern about the lump, as they believed there was something not normal about the way it looked. Upon examining it properly, they disclosed that it was not a normal lump but cancer. When Alaknanda Dasgupta got to know that she had stage 1 ovarian cancer, it shook her for a second. She was instantly asked to get admitted for a proper cut operation.
On one side were her upcoming shows and events, commitments made months ago; on the other side was her struggle for life. However, Alaknanda Dasgupta opted for both but first she went to complete her commitments. So, she performed, and just after it, she was on a hospital bed with stage 1 ovarian cancer to be operated on. This operation took a toll on her body as she had 36 stitches on her lower abdomen region and was advised a complete 2-month bed rest.
“Being a Dancer, my numb feet were the biggest fear and not cancer!”
When she regained consciousness after her operation, she discovered a loss of sensation in her feet, marking the first stage of panic in her whole journey of fighting against cancer. As a classical dancer, she faced multiple challenges in life with a smile but even the thought of not dancing again in life was scaring her. So, she ditched her 2-month bed rest after 14 days and started her riyaz slowly just so that she could keep her feet moving.
Battling Chemotherapy while performing
One month after her surgery, the chemotherapy started. Alaknanda Dasgupta needed six chemo sessions to defeat cancer completely. But she did not stop dancing. Between her third and sixth chemotherapy, Alaknanda Dasgupta did 15 shows and explained that dancing was her strength to get out of the situation. After the first chemotherapy, her hair started falling off so she went to Haridwar and chopped it off herself before Cancer took it from her.
Embracing her baldness, she used to perform without covering her head with bold eyes and dark lips to complement her beauty. However, revealing her bald head for the first time to the audience was quite a challenge for her but she wore it beautifully with power and grace. After finishing her mind-blowing performance on the iconic song “Chhap tilak”, she tossed her cap into the audience, exposing her shaved head for the first time to the audience. She was honored with 10-minute-long clap and appreciation, which boosted her confidence even more!
Lively advice from a 50-YO Cancer survivor
By god’s grace, it was Alaknanda’s happy mental health and early diagnosis that helped her recover fast but her cancer journey was never a smooth one. Just like others, chemotherapy broke Alaknanda Dasgupta as well. She could not get out of her bed or eat properly for days after chemotherapy sessions and developed a sense of loneliness too. But she always remembered that there are people suffering more pain than her and at least she has her loved ones who are worried about her, praying for her speedy recovery. It was for them that she developed this spirit of fighting cancer and bouncing back stronger.
Today Alaknanda Dasgupta advises every person that no matter what battle you are fighting in life, remember to win it for the people you love and never surrender to pain and distress. Alaknanda Dasgupta continued her passion for Kathak after fighting cancer and stands strong as an undefeated woman. Mad4India salutes her spirit and wishes to see her grow happy, healthy, and more successful with time!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone survive ovarian cancer?
Yes, if detected at an early stage, you can beat ovarian cancer easily. Alaknanda Dasgupta is a living example of it.
What are the initial symptoms of ovarian cancer?
The initial symptoms of ovarian cancer are easily ignored, as they include spotting for days, bloating, weight loss and discomfort in the pelvic area.
At what age does Ovarian cancer occur?
It usually starts at the time of menopause, i.e. between the age of 55 to 64.
Who is at high risk of ovarian cancer?
The women who experienced early menarche and late menopause and also the women who never got pregnant in life.
How to avoid ovarian cancer?
It usually depends on some natural factors, however, you be cautious by eating a healthy diet and maintaining your target weight.
If you loved reading this inspiring story of the brave Alaknanda Dasgupta, then do give a read to the story of Sindhutai Sapkal Who Lived In Crematory, Cooked On A Dead Man’s Flame, But Never Gave Up; Inspiring Story Of A Mother Of Thousands.
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