Zerodha CEO Nithin Kamath’s wife, Seema Patil, opens up about battle with cancer, chemotherapy; expert shares tips to cope

India has recently been declared as the Cancer Capital of the World by Apollo Hospitals’ Health of the Nation report. As such, it is not uncommon to know of someone, close or distant, who is dealing with cancer and chemotherapy. Even Zerodha CEO Nithin Kamath‘s wife, Seema Patil, opened up about her ordeal with breast cancer in 2021 and the subsequent chemotherapies for 10 months before she was declared cancer-free.

“Chemotherapies are really bad. The first time I got the chemotherapy done, it hit me, and I did not know what was happening, better to die than go through this. But the second time around, I decided that instead of just lying on the sofa, let me walk a little; that might change something — and it did. The second chemotherapy, when things started to go south, I went for a walk, and I recovered faster,” said Seema, on endurance athlete Dilip Kumar’s podcast– The Other Side.

Notably, she vouches for preventive health screenings even if you have been fairly healthy and have a good lifestyle.

Chemotherapy, one of the most common treatments for cancer, can be a challenging journey for patients. While it is designed to target and kill cancer cells, it often comes with various side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and hair loss. To cope with these symptoms, some patients find relief in complementary therapies like acupuncture or mindfulness techniques, said Dr Atul Narayankar, consultant medical oncologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road.

Chemotherapy is administered to treat cancer (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

During chemotherapy, it is important to focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Dr Narayankar advised: 

*Eat a balanced diet recommended by your healthcare team, including nutrient-dense foods that support your immune system.
*Engage in regular exercise within your energy limits and according to your doctor’s recommendations.
*Avoid smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and illicit drug use, as they can interfere with your treatment.
*Maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding constipation is important to reduce the risk of infections. “Chemotherapy can have a significant impact on your immunity hence it’s vital not to ignore symptoms like extreme weakness, fever, oral ulcers, or diarrhoea and inform your treating doctor about it at the earliest,” said Dr Narayankar.
*Maintain clear and open communication with your healthcare team throughout your chemotherapy treatment.

“They are your primary source of information and support. Share any concerns, fears, or questions you may have. This will help your healthcare team provide personalised guidance and support throughout your treatment journey. It is important to be in touch with your cancer care team during and after chemotherapy sessions,” said Dr Narayankar.

Managing stress and promoting calmness during chemotherapy is also essential.

Dr Narayankar recommended the following

*Consider incorporating stress-relief techniques such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or mindfulness practices into your daily routine. “These practices can help reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, and enhance overall well-being,” said Dr Narayankar.

*Surround yourself with a supportive network of family and friends who can provide encouragement and comfort during challenging times. Remember to prioritise rest, allowing your body the time it needs to heal and recover from the impact of chemotherapy treatments, said Dr Narayankar.

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