A 'Padded Bra Support' program has been organized at Narayani Community Hospital, Bharatpur, with the aim of encouraging breast cancer survivors to live their lives with self-respect.
What you should know
Inner Wheel Club of Buddhanagar (Cancer Survivors Group) has conducted the first ever 'Padded Bra Support' program in Nepal for breast cancer survivors at Narayani Community Hospital, Bharatpur.
The program, organized with the slogan 'Live with Dignity', aims to encourage women who have survived breast cancer to live with self-respect. According to the club officials, since many women experience a loss of confidence due to the physical changes that occur in their bodies after surgery, it is believed that such support will not only make them feel better physically but also mentally.
Dr. Bhaktaman Shrestha personally donated Rs. 100,000 to the club. Similarly, Narayani Community Hospital has also donated Rs. 150,000.
Dr. Bhaktaman Shrestha, while recounting his experience of having his first breast surgery in 2053 BS, said, 'With the love and encouragement of family and society, it is possible to fight the disease and live a long life.' He expressed happiness at seeing his first patient, Bobby Shakya, 29 years ago, still living a healthy and active life and inspiring others. Dr. Bhaktaman Shrestha said that more than 2,700 women have undergone breast cancer surgery till date.
A cancer survivor who participated in the program also donated Rs 21,000 and gave a message that positive thinking can bring new enthusiasm to life. Similarly, according to Devi Kumari Acharya of Gaindakot, along with cancer, she also has to take cholesterol, blood pressure and thyroid medicines regularly. But she is still living an active life. According to her, healthy eating, positive thinking and a happy mind make life easier.
According to Nanimaya Tamang, president of Inner Wheel Club of Buddhanagar, the club was established three years ago. According to her, the club has been regularly supporting and conducting awareness programs for the rehabilitation of women who have survived breast cancer.
Founding president Tara Amatya said that she is continuing the campaign to spread awareness about the lifestyle and behavior to be adopted after cancer.
Club Secretary Bobby Shakya is an exemplary survivor who has managed to recover after a long struggle with breast cancer. About 29 years ago, her first breast surgery was performed by Dr. Bhaktaman Shrestha. 10 years later, cancer reappeared in the other breast, which was also performed by Dr. Bhaktaman. Two years later, when the disease spread to the bone, she had to undergo chemotherapy and then the bone healed, she said. Although her skin was affected after some time, the disease was completely under control after the last treatment in 2067 BS and she is now living a healthy life. According to
Secretary Shakya, the main objective of the club is to provide artificial breasts or padded bras where needed. According to the
organizer, this program has given a positive message that 'cancer is not the end, but the beginning of a new life' by increasing the confidence and self-esteem of women who have survived breast cancer, and with the aim of breaking the fear and misconceptions about cancer in the society.
18 breast cancer survivors participated in the program. Most of them were operated on by Dr. Bhaktaman Shrestha.
