Five years after Saloni developed a swelling in her right foot, a biopsy revealed that she had cancer. Diagnosed with recurrent soft tissue sarcoma, this 35-year old woman, the wife of a daily labourer, had her foot operated upon after which she had 38 sittings of chemotherapy. Eventually her right leg had to be amputated below the knee.

CanSupport’s home care team first visited her in her tiny dwelling in August 2008 after she was referred to us by the Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital at AIIMS. On examining her, they discovered that besides an ulcer on the amputated stump, she had severe pain in her lower back and right thigh, burning on urination and symptoms of dyspepsia. She had been prescribed medicines by AIIMS but couldn’t afford to buy any.



The team immediately started her on an aggressive and effective pain control regimen and antibiotics for the ulcer. All the medicines were provided to her free of charge. The ulcer was dressed with antibiotic ointment and the nurse taught Saloni how to take care of the stump herself. Within days Saloni’s pain was brought under control and she and the team were able to address other pressing issues in her life.

Saloni lives with her husband and a 10-year-old school going daughter in a small rented room. The husband, a labourer, earns a daily wage; his monthly income is around Rs. 2000 per month. Saloni worries about her disease, her husband’s meagre earnings and the uncertain future of their daughter. Sharing these concerns with the counselor on the home care team, she has found self-confidence and peace and has rediscovered her faith in God. She has overcome her despair and sense of helplessness and is hopeful of a cure. Today, she dreams of walking with the aid of an artificial limb and has asked the home care team to help her find a donor.

Name changed to protect identity