Noida’s Bravehearts: Meet Four Times Cancer Survivor, Vijay Sabharwal

Noida: She is 69; has survived cancer not once but four times. And now, after battling death for two decades, Vijay Sabharwal, a former Central School teacher has turned counselor for other patients and is more than willing to help with her time and tips, anyone who is battling with cancer.
Despite her struggle with her health, Vijay today is a sprightly woman, with an active social life.Her only son lives in the USA, and she splits her time between social work, home and friends. She travels regularly to visit her son.
Vijay’s struggle with cancer episodes started over 20 years ago. “The first attack was in 1994. Initially the cancer could not be diagnosed and I was getting treated for varicose veins. Later, tests revealed that I had ovarian cancer. I underwent a surgery and prolonged chemotherapy. Recovery was slow, but I did come out of it,” says Vijay.
After this initial attack, for 14 years, Vijay had a normal life. She continued to teach; until 2008 when another attack came around. This time, it was a cancer of the mouth. “What initially seemed like a mouth-ulcer turned out to be cancerous. A special surgery was conducted by grafting tissues from other parts of the body to the mouth. I got over it this time round too.”
The next attack came four years later. In 2012, cancerous lumps were discovered in her lung and pelvis. Vijay underwent chemotherapy. A relapse of the same lumps occurred in 2014 for which she took radiation.
“It was at the time of the fourth attack that I said no to chemotherapy. I turned to homeopathy and started holistically managing my cancer. I have been doing very well ever since. Chemotherapy alone is not the answer to managing cancer. There are various ways of managing cancer and that is what I wish to share with cancer patients,” she says.
Vijay says stress is one of the main causes of cancer as well as the kind of food we eat. “Avoid acidic, deep fried food. Have more alkaline food like vegetable juices, fruits. Avoid things like vinegar. Try to eat raw fruits and vegetables which is very good for your body. Take lesser wheat have more rice. Drink green tea,” advises Vijay.
During her years of struggle, her husband, former airforce officer Dharamvir Sabharwal. “Vijay is a strong woman, she has fought against cancer relentlessly. Had it not been for her courage, she would not have been able to survive,” he says.
“Vijay is an example for many of us, who take many things for granted in life. She is a part of our social group, Humzoli where people are inspired by her suggestions and example. She participates in the local laughter club. She is an example of grit and hope,” Meena Vohra, Vijay’s long-time friend, neighbor and co-social worker states.
She also has tips for managing your stress levels and other lifestyle issues, “ Meditate, think positive thoughts, control your mind, join a yoga or laughter club, stay in the positive frame of mind, your health and well-being is in your hands, say yes to your survival spirit,” Vijay says.
So what kept her going through the darkest days of her suffering on hospital beds? “I had to live for my son and my husband, but more importantly, I had to live for myself. Survival is a fight; I could not have given it up so easily,” she says with a laugh.
Vijay now splits her time between volunteering for a homeopathy clinic, running social events and counselling other cancer patients. Live for yourself, eat sensibly and stay away from stress, is Vijay’s short advise for everyone. For more inspiration, you can always meet her.