Info Centre - Reports

CPAA's Rehabilitation Centre

For the last 33 years, CPAA has strived for the "Total Management of Cancer" as a disease in India. The philosophy encompasses the entire gamut of cancer related activities starting from raising awareness to early detection to insurance to patient care. One of the most important components is, without doubt, Rehabilitation. This month read about the laudable efforts of our Rehabilitation centre.

Cancer treatment is expensive and prolonged, involing as it does, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Even the well to do find that funds run out fast. This is especially true for patients coming from outside Mumbai for treatment. They are often left with no source of income. Relatives who are initially sympathetic also reach the end of their tolerance. And living in Mumbai can be prohibitively expensive. Finding a decent place to stay becomes increasingly difficult.

Even for those living within Mumbai, the debilitating side effects of treatment make it difficult for patients to continue with their earlier jobs. Unsympathetic employers are reluctant to allow time off from work, making it difficult to keep appointments for treatment.

And yet, cancer patients need to be kept busy to prevent their brooding, and like all of us, they derive dignity and self respect from being able to take care of themselves and their own. Realizing this, CPAA started the Rehabilitation Centre in 1987, with the objective of helping poor and needy cancer patients or their relatives find gainful and appropriate employment. Over the years, the Rehabilitation Centre has been successful in rehabilitating over 15,000 patients and their family members.

The centre specialises in a number of different activities including tailoring, stationary fabrication, printing, and manufacture of diyas and prostheses. Patients and/or their relatives are employed here and given training, as required, to make them self-sufficient. During the training period, they are given a monthly wage, conveyance expenses, children's school fees and medical aid. If necessary, they are also given rations from the Food Bank. They are allowed time off as required for their treatment. The supportive environment boosts morale. A number of Rehabilitation Centre employees have subsequently found gainful employment outside the association making use of the training imparted here.

If you watched Bombay Doordarshan in its early days, you could not have missed Manju Gupta - she was the first newscaster and newsreader, presenting programmes in both Hindi and English. In 1974 when she moved to the US along with her husband, she worked at Cornell University Medical College during the day and attended a course in Television and Film Production at night. When she returned to India in 1982, she joined Doordarshan again, a move that would eventually bring her to CPAA. In 1984 CPAA organized a Cancer Exhibition, which was inaugurated by the then President of India, Giani Zail Singh. Manju was sent to cover the event and worked for 5 days with us, making a feature presentation about our activities.

"Mr. and Mrs. Sapru convinced me to leave Doordarshan and join them," remembers Manju. During the next two years, Manju made 5 low cost audiovisuals for CPAA. These were greatly appreciated and raised awareness about our activities and us.

Soon afterwards, Manju was assigned to the newly sanctioned Adams Wylie Memorial Hospital where the Red Cross had given space to CPAA. The centre had just started, with one person and a single machine. "I would visit exhibitions looking for ideas," says Manju, "to see what was selling. I identified unique items with the view to value addition." One such item was the homely diya. Manju's daughter, Salone, was roped in to jazz it up and 10 years on, our designer diyas sell like hot cakes at exhibitions in Mumbai and Pune. They even find a market abroad. 27 boxes of diyas were sent to Barcelona, Spain this month.

Manju has used her creativity to develop a range of merchandise. Each item is produced with an eye to detail. "We want our clients to come to us again and again. If we do not make a competitive piece, we may have one sympathetic purchase, but there will be no follow up. The first time that I took a sample to Taj, the hotel got our piece copied but did not buy from us. The next year, they came to us and they have remained loyal over the years." Today CPAA makes all their linen requirements, be it tablecloths, aprons, napkins and placemats. The environmentally friendly laundry bags found at every Taj location in India are also made by CPAA, screen printed with the unique logos and colours of the respective hotel.

A new item that has been introduced recently is scented candles in glass containers and jelly wax candles in stained glass containers. They are embellished with sparkles and other decorations. Mobile, rectangular, medium and small size jute bags with flowers, lace and decorative buttons have also proved extremely popular. A box making unit has been acquired for making gift boxes and jewellery boxes with silk and cotton covering.

A product that CPAA is justifiably proud of is the in-house developed breast prosthesis. Self-image is an important part of the recovery process following a mastectomy or breast removal. Older patients also had problems of imbalance when walking. Also the exposed chest could be easily hurt by even minor bumps. CPAA therefore decided to develop low-cost, high-quality breast prosthesis in-house. Manju Gupta, who was accompanying a relative undergoing medical treatment in New York's Sloan Kettering Memorial Hospital at the time, investigated the various kinds of foam, silicone liquid and solid breast prostheses available, then returned and developed a prosthesis based largely on Indian material.

CPAA's economical, fully washable breast prosthesis, is soft and fully washable (important in view of the hot and humid climate), gives an extremely good cosmetic appearance, and costs about Rs. 400 versus Rs. 6000 for the imported models. The prosthesis is fitted at the Smt. Panadevi Dalmia Cancer Management Centre under the guidance of a sympathetic and fully qualified technician.

Over the years, the rehab centre has helped a large number of persons. A typical example is that of Rajeshwari Gopal Shinde. Rajeshwari's husband, Gopalsuffered from blood cancer. They were put in touch with CPAA through social workers at Nair Hospital. Gopal was working as a driver in a private firm, but had to give up his job due to the sickness. So we offered the then 23-year-old Rajeshwari a job in 1987. She was given nursing training during camps conducted by CPAA. In order to enable her to work, we even baby-sat her 7-month-old daughter. We also helped them out with medicines, ration, clothes, and prosthesis. When Gopal died in December 89, we helped Rajeshwari with funeral expenditures and supported her emotionally. We got her daughter admission in a convent school, paying for the child's tuition fees, and chipped in with medicines for her daughter when she was found to be suffering from tuberculosis. Meanwhile, Rajeshwari learnt tailoring at our Rehabilitation Center, so that she was able to earn her livelihood. When Rajeshwari got remarried, we helped her with marriage expenses and attended her wedding to give her moral support. Unfortunately, her second husband also passed away in 2002. Today Rajeshwari bravely struggles to cope with her double tragedy while trying to make a happy home for her daughter. Her work at CPAA making breast prostheses for breast cancer patients helps her to support herself and her daughter and her cheerful demeanor helps patients to come to terms with their own tragedies.

Executive Director, Manju Gupta is ably assisted by Benita Quadras, Ashwini Chalke, Maria Lopez and Regina Peters. The team has reason to be proud of their achievements in helping cancer patients to find self reliance and dignity.

Neeta More conducted an awareness lecture for residents of a slum in Nehru Nagar. About 55 persons attended the talk

Alka Kapadia addressed 45 persons of a Senior Citizens Club. 50 lady employees at RPG Group Ceat Tyres were told about gynecological cancers. Anti tobacco lectures were held at Behram Jeejeebhoy and Mulund Commerce College.

Mrunal Marathe spoke to students of Pendharkar College regarding cancer and its prevention. 50 students attended the talk.

27 camps and OPDs were held during the month of June and 28 during July. Camps were held at Ekta Group Mahila Mandal (Ghatkopar); Giants Group of Byculla; Lions Group of Mankhurd; Nai Jyot Seva Bhavi Sanstha (Worli); The Family Welfare Agency (Lower Parel); Chandrabala Charitable Trust (Ghatkopar); Unity Charitable Trust (Charni Road); Aga Khan Jamatkhana (Andheri); YMT Homoeopathic Medical Centre; Pawapuri Cooperative Housing Society (Kandivli); Mahendra and Mahendra (Borivli); Desai Clinic; Dev Nursing Home and Naval Clinic (Powai) (2 each) and Ekta Group Mahila Mandal (Matunga) (one camp).

A total of 874 people, 335 males and 539 females were screened in the camps and clinics in June and 815 people, 248 males and 567 females in July. 490 people were advised follow up.

12 OPDs and clinics were held during June and 14 during July. 247 males and 380 females were screened. 180 people were advised follow up.

A 61-year-old lady was detected with cancer of the thyroid during the first mandatory screening prior ton registration under Cancer Insurance Policy and is undergoing treatment at Tata Memorial Hospital. Special thanks go to Bharat Petroleum for sponsoring World No Tobacco Day badges and to Hindustan Petroleum for sponsoring t-shirts, banners and camps.

The Smt. Lila Kishanchand Shahani Clinical Diagnostic Centre screened 344 persons during June and 351 persons during July. 1621 tests were performed, out of which 1203 were pathology tests. 252 sonography, 107 x-ray and 36 mammography investigations were carried out. An ECG facility was also recently introduced. 23 ECGs were performed.

During June 140 people were examined, of whom 53 had come for the first check-up and 87 for renewal check up. Rs 1,92,610 was disbursed towards the 4 claims settled during the month. During July 96 people were examined, out of whom 46 had come for the first check-up and 50 for renewal check-up. Rs. 1,85,275 was disbursed against the 3 claims made during the month. 144 claims have been settled to date. Due to the increase in service tax levied by New India Assurance Company as well as reduced interest rates, the insurance department was compelled to change the policy from whole life cover to 20 years and by August 21st it will be come a 15 year coverage.

Three policyholders were detected with cancer during June and July. A 71-year-old man was detected with multiple myeloma and is being treated at Breach Candy Hospital. A 29-year-old employee of Godrej and Boyce, was detected with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and is undergoing treatment at Hinduja Hospital. This is the first time in the 9 years that the CIP has been in effect that a person has been detected under the corporate policy. A lady policyholder was detected with multiple myeloma.

773 patients and 777 patients were aided, counseled and given guidance at our locations in Mumbai-Srimati Panadevi Dalmia Cancer Management Centre; at Nair Hospital Radiation Centre; Cama & Albless, Wadia and Tata Memorial Hospitals; and at Bharat Sevashram Sangh in June and July respectively. Almost 1300 patients availed of ambulance facilities, including 92 patients who availed of the stretcher service for long distances. 150 persons were given clothes, 70 packets of biscuits and 55 boxes of Complan and Feredol were distributed. 39 home and institutional visits were made. 8 of our patients expired during the two months.

PATIENT CARE AND REHABILITATION (SUMMARY)

273 patients and 325 patients were aided, guided and counseled by CPAA's Halima Aurangabadkar at Tata Memorial Hospital's Golden Jubilee Block Room No. 189 during June and July respectively. 850 packets of biscuits were distributed. 66 patients were given clothes, 16 kgs of sweets were distributed.

19 referred cases were helped. 38 ward visits and 14 home visits were made. 44 patients were given medicines and toys were distributed to 40 children. 393 patients were given Complan and Horlicks. 1267 patients utilized the ambulance facility including 1188 who used the shuttle service between TMH and Dadar station.

6 cartons of Complan (Sabira Apa), 3 cartons of Becochew, a box of biscuits (Zakia Topiwala), nine boxes of Diabetic Resource (Naseema), 37 boxes of Resource (Alka), 25 packets of Milo (Ms. Lalpursa), 2 boxes of Complan and 3 boxes of Horlicks and 1 kg of sweets (Laxmi), 16 dozen oranges, biscuits and sweets (Mr. Ratna Parikh), 5 bottles of Horlicks (Nadi) were distributed to deserving patients. 92 umbrellas (Babloo and Samir) were distributed during the monsoons. Ms. Anita Thevar arranged for 20 children of the Brain Tumour Foundation to watch the movie Lion King at the Fame Adlabs in Wadala. A donation of Rs. 5000 was received from Mr. R. Ramnarayanan. Halima also arranged for the payment of school fees for two children through the Sahayata Trust. Many thanks to all the generous donors.

Mrunal Marathe counseled 28 patients, 18 males and 10 females during the months of June and July. There were 9 cases of head and neck and 4 cervical cancers, 5 cases of cancer of the abdomen and 10 other cases of cancer.

A 45 year-old woman attended the Palliative Care clinic along with her husband. It was only after two sessions that Mrunal was able to break the reserve of the couple that had been bearing their trauma stoically. Finally they shared their troubles with Mrunal. The couple had no children or other form of support and found themselves deeply in debt as a result of the treatment costs. They had been forced to take loans from many sources, near and far. Although the lady said she was prepared for the worst, she was unhappy at the huge obligations she would leave behind on her husband's shoulders. "We are used to poverty, " she said, "but we cannot bear obligations." Truly cancer has the capacity to wear away the last vestiges of pride and dignity of a patient and their families. .

15 new patients were registered during the month of June and 13 patients during July. 599 patients attended follow up of whom 157 patients are undergoing chemotherapy. 50 patients were counseled and given guidance and Vinaya Chacko visited 5 patients in their wards. 8 group meetings were held. 65 patients were given packets of Complan, 50 persons were given biscuits and 50 sets of clothes were distributed.

65 patients were counseled and given guidance by Iva Athavia during June and 52 patients during July. 99 ward visits were made. 35 patients were provided guidance regarding alternative therapy. 10 patients were provided ambulance service. 10 terminally ill patients were referred to Shanti Avedana Ashram. 10 group meetings were held to give advice on diet and hygiene. Rs. 20,015 was donated towards medicines and radiation costs. 5 packets of chocolates, 6500 strips of multivitamin capsules, 52 packets of nutritional supplements and 10 bags of clothes were distributed.

182 patients were counseled and given guidance at the Counseling Cell at Nair Hospital Radiation Department by Iva Athavia during June and July. 75 ward visits were made. 10 terminally ill patients were referred to Shanti Avedana Ashram. 57 patients were given information about alternative forms of medicines. Rs. 24,515 was donated towards radiation treatment in the two months. 11 bottles of chocolates were distributed. 82 bottles of Feredol, 10 boxes of clothes and 63 boxes of Complan were donated.

Iva Athavia counsels patients at Bharat Sevashram Sangh, Vashi every Friday evening. 87 patients were counseled and guided during June and July. 27 patients were visited in their rooms. 16 group meetings were held regarding hygiene and diet. 25 patients were given information regarding alternative treatment. 4 boxes of books were distributed. 4,000 strips of multivitamin capsules were also donated..

The Rehabilitation Centre adopted six new patients during June. A total of 96 patients were helped. 9 cases of mastectomy were attended and breast prostheses were provided. About 226 patients were given rations worth Rs. 27,719. Rs. 20,810 was spent on teachers' salaries, for patient education and vocational training. Rs. 1.09 lakh was spent on patients' wages and Rs. 45,847 was spent on welfare activities, conveyance and diet supplements.

Cancer Patients Aid Association Monthly Review is compiled by Dr. Shubha Maudgal and printed by Mr. Suresh Mishra at Saraswati Printing Press

Please write in with your comments to: Smt. Panadevi Dalmia Cancer Management Centre, Anand Niketan, King George V Memorial,
Dr. E. Moses Road, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai-400 011
Phone: 24924000, 24928775, Fax: 24973599,
Email: webmaster@cpaaindia.org