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Chairman's Corner
Chairman's Corner
Deepali
Deepali
Ravi Ramakantan
Ravi Ramakantan
The only thing I noticed unusual about her, when she joined our department in May 2004 as a resident registered for MD was that she seemed older than the others. That, I learned later on was because Deepali was an “in service” candidate. Over weeks and months, I found her to be a quiet and confident worker, timid sometimes, bold at others.. someone who gave no cause for me to complain. Everyone told me she was very hard worker; though on a couple of occasions I had to give some minor “bhatti” to egg her on to do her best. She apologized and then I never did have anything to pull her up for!
The only thing I noticed unusual about her, when she joined our department in May 2004 as a resident registered for MD was that she seemed older than the others. That, I learned later on was because Deepali was an “in service” candidate. Over weeks and months, I found her to be a quiet and confident worker, timid sometimes, bold at others.. someone who gave no cause for me to complain. Everyone told me she was very hard worker; though on a couple of occasions I had to give some minor “bhatti” to egg her on to do her best. She apologized and then I never did have anything to pull her up for!
I am not one of those “hyper-friendly bosses” and as I have written here on these pages “I like to keep a safe distance” from residents. So, many residents’ goings-on and the internecine “residents politics” seldom escalate up to me - that privilege belongs to the Chief Resident or Deshi!!
I am not one of those “hyper-friendly bosses” and as I have written here on these pages “I like to keep a safe distance” from residents. So, many residents’ goings-on and the internecine “residents politics” seldom escalate up to me - that privilege belongs to the Chief Resident or Deshi!!
So, one not so fine day, I heard from one of the residents that Deepali had been diagnosed as having a carcinoma of the breast and that she was to be operated. At this time, she was seven months old in the department. In all my years as Chief, I have never heard such a shocking news Deepali then underwent surgery and chemotherapy. In two weeks time she was back in the department.. she seemed none the worse.. except for the inevitable wig.
So, one not so fine day, I heard from one of the residents that Deepali had been diagnosed as having a carcinoma of the breast and that she was to be operated. At this time, she was seven months old in the department. In all my years as Chief, I have never heard such a shocking news Deepali then underwent surgery and chemotherapy. In two weeks time she was back in the department.. she seemed none the worse.. except for the inevitable wig.
She had actually wanted to extend her leave; but I felt she would be better off at work and in retrospect both of us felt it was the right thing to do. Her inevitable leave of absence, on and off, was being adjusted; her co-residents were covering her calls and all seemed well till about one year later, another resident told me one morning “Sir, we have just done Deepali’s abdominal CT” and it looks like she may be having a carcinoma of the left ovary with peritoneal seedlings; ascites, pleural effusion and tiny lung nodules.
She had actually wanted to extend her leave; but I felt she would be better off at work and in retrospect both of us felt it was the right thing to do. Her inevitable leave of absence, on and off, was being adjusted; her co-residents were covering her calls and all seemed well till about one year later, another resident told me one morning “Sir, we have just done Deepali’s abdominal CT” and it looks like she may be having a carcinoma of the left ovary with peritoneal seedlings; ascites, pleural effusion and tiny lung nodules.
Around this time, her husband, Bhushan came visiting me. We talked a lot back and forth. He seemed to feel helpless and looking for advice. For me, being much older, it was easy to see things in a better perspective. I offered to have a long chat with Deepali. I think I gave her a bit of “pep talk” even as she started following up at the Tata hospital for one more surgery and courses of chemotherapy.
Around this time, her husband, Bhushan came visiting me. We talked a lot back and forth. He seemed to feel helpless and looking for advice. For me, being much older, it was easy to see things in a better perspective. I offered to have a long chat with Deepali. I think I gave her a bit of “pep talk” even as she started following up at the Tata hospital for one more surgery and courses of chemotherapy.
A surgery, several days of admission in the ICU, re-explorations, chemotherapy… all over, Deepali was back at work in a month's time. She continued to work with her co-residents stepping in to help with duties and calls whenever required. She had her MD exam coming. I told her that exams are a cake-walk if you have worked, there is nothing to worry about. At home, her husband and daughters encouraged her to study “Mummy, you have to complete what you have taken in hand” was the ‘advice’ from her 14-year-old Mansi.!!
A surgery, several days of admission in the ICU, re-explorations, chemotherapy… all over, Deepali was back at work in a month's time. She continued to work with her co-residents stepping in to help with duties and calls whenever required. She had her MD exam coming. I told her that exams are a cake-walk if you have worked, there is nothing to worry about. At home, her husband and daughters encouraged her to study “Mummy, you have to complete what you have taken in hand” was the ‘advice’ from her 14-year-old Mansi.!!
events of the past several years flew past me in super fast motion.. and I blurted out:
events of the past several years flew past me in super fast motion.. and I blurted out:
“Deepali, I want to write up a “Chairman’s corner on you”.. I feel others will draw inspiration from you.. I will need a couple of photos too”.. you can say “no”… if you do not want to…
“Deepali, I want to write up a “Chairman’s corner on you”.. I feel others will draw inspiration from you.. I will need a couple of photos too”.. you can say “no”… if you do not want to…
Without a moment’s hesitation she said “ Sir, I do not mind…”
Without a moment’s hesitation she said “ Sir, I do not mind…”
And friends, this is a the story of Deepali, one of my brave “bacchus” who fought two metachronous malignancies through several surgeries, and seemingly unending sessions of chemotherapy, fear, pain, anguish, anxiety and uncertainty. But she has stood on the strength of hope, girt with a love of life and the support of family and friends even as she continues to carry on with her professional and personal responsibilities. This a story of a husband and two young daughters (Mansi & Reeya) who supported their mother through times as difficult as life can throw up; of the caring of colleagues who stepped in for her at all times.. and the story of a few close friends who stood as pillars of her strength..
And friends, this is a the story of Deepali, one of my brave “bacchus” who fought two metachronous malignancies through several surgeries, and seemingly unending sessions of chemotherapy, fear, pain, anguish, anxiety and uncertainty. But she has stood on the strength of hope, girt with a love of life and the support of family and friends even as she continues to carry on with her professional and personal responsibilities. This a story of a husband and two young daughters (Mansi & Reeya) who supported their mother through times as difficult as life can throw up; of the caring of colleagues who stepped in for her at all times.. and the story of a few close friends who stood as pillars of her strength..
I am sure there are other ‘Deepali stories’ around.. many may have been influenced by them; but, this story of my Deepali is a special one for me…..an inspiration to celebrate 'every living day' of life that we are fortunate to have come our way.
I am sure there are other ‘Deepali stories’ around.. many may have been influenced by them; but, this story of my Deepali is a special one for me…..an inspiration to celebrate 'every living day' of life that we are fortunate to have come our way.
Deepali and Bhushan!! I salute your courage and understanding in giving me permission to reproduce your life's story for the whole world - pictures and all!!
Deepali and Bhushan!! I salute your courage and understanding in giving me permission to reproduce your life's story for the whole world - pictures and all!!
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