Sonali Bendre on cancer diagnosis: ‘The technician there said it’s like a Christmas tree inside. It had spread so much…’

Sonali Bendre recently shared the immense challenges she faced following her shocking cancer diagnosis in 2018. The news not only deeply affected her but also impacted her family life, she said.

“It was shocking. At times, I wondered how this could happen to me. I was doing a reality show when this happened. We were shooting every week. So, when you are in the public eye and you suddenly vanish, after which someone replaces you, there will be all kinds of talk about it,” she said during a chat with Shubhankar Mishra.

Sonali recounted the initial signs that prompted her to seek medical attention. She felt something was amiss and upon visiting the doctor, the diagnosis revealed a more serious situation than initially anticipated. Sonali said, “I could see it on the doctor’s face. When they did the PET scan, my doctor’s and husband Goldie Behl’s faces were white. I saw all the colour fading away from their faces.”

“The technician there said it’s like a Christmas tree inside. When you undergo a PET scan, the cancer cells light up, through which the doctors spot where all it exists. They said it had spread so much inside me that the scanning looked like staring at a Christmas tree. Initially, I was in denial. I tried to sleep it off. But nothing changed when I woke up. My husband made some quick decisions, and in two days, we were out of the country. I was fighting with him because Ranveer (her son) was not there as he was away at a summer camp. I told him to slow down and give me time to organize things. At one point, he snapped and told me to stop thinking of other things and focus on myself and staying alive,” she said, recalling her battle against Stage-4 cancer.

How to support your partner in tough times like these (file)

How to support your partner in tough times like these

Dr Gorav Gupta, psychiatrist and co-founder of Emoneeds explained this requires empathy, patience, and understanding.

“Firstly, it’s crucial to create a safe space for your partner to express their feelings and concerns without judgment. Listen actively and validate their emotions, letting them know that you’re there for them no matter what. Offer practical support by accompanying them to medical appointments, researching treatment options together, and helping with daily tasks as needed,” Dr Gupta explained.

He added that you must encourage open communication about their wishes and preferences for their care and future.

Taking care of yourself during this challenging time is equally important. Remember to prioritise self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones to recharge emotionally.

Dr Gupta advised seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist to process your own feelings and alleviate any stress or anxiety you may be experiencing. It’s okay to set boundaries and ask for help when needed, as caregiving can be emotionally and physically taxing.

By taking care of yourself, you’ll be better equipped to provide the support your partner needs.

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