When 61-year-old Salma Kapoor from Gurugram received the devastating news that she had not one but two types of cancer—breast cancer with lymph node involvement and thyroid cancer—it felt like her world had turned upside down.

Yet, instead of giving up, Salma chose to fight with everything she had. And by her side, every step of the way, was Dr. Archit Pandit, Director and Head of Surgical Oncology at SHALBY Sanar International Hospitals, whose skill and dedication became her beacon of hope.

It all started with a routine check-up. A mammogram and ultrasound revealed a dense, irregular mass in Salma’s left breast. A PET/CT scan confirmed the worst—breast cancer that had spread to her lymph nodes. But that wasn’t all. The scan also detected a growing nodule in her thyroid, later diagnosed as papillary thyroid carcinoma. Facing two simultaneous battles, Salma made a choice: she would not let cancer define her.

“I was overwhelmed when I first heard the diagnosis,” recalls Salma. “But then I met Dr. Pandit. His confidence and clarity gave me the strength I needed. He assured me that we could beat this together.”

Dr. Pandit, known for his expertise in complex cancer surgeries, devised a plan to address both cancers in a single operation. Salma underwent a breast-conserving surgery, where only the cancerous tissue was removed, saving her breast. At the same time, she had lymph node dissection, a near-total thyroidectomy, and a modified neck dissection to eliminate the thyroid cancer.

“Salma’s case was one of the most challenging yet inspiring journeys I’ve been a part of,” says Dr. Pandit. “Despite facing two life-threatening diagnoses, she remained remarkably brave. Our goal was not just to treat her cancers but also to preserve her quality of life. Saving her breast through conservation surgery was an important part of that.”

The surgery was a success. Just three days later, Salma was discharged, her wounds healing well and her spirits renewed. Speaking about her journey, she said, “The thyroid cancer was a silent one—I didn’t even know it was there until the PET scan for breast cancer revealed it. Dr. Pandit and his team supported me emotionally and physically throughout this ordeal. I owe them my life.”

Today, Salma is back with her family, cherishing every moment and embracing the second chance at life she has been given.

Dr. Pandit reflects on the case with pride and humility. “Salma’s story is a reminder of the incredible resilience of the human spirit. With the right medical care, timely intervention, and a strong will, even the toughest challenges can be overcome. She’s an inspiration to us all.”

Salma’s journey is not just a story of survival—it’s a story of hope, determination, and the transformative power of expert care. Her triumph over cancer serves as a reminder that even in life’s darkest moments, there is light waiting to be found.