Tollywood actress Hamsa Nandini, who is known for her appearances in movies like Naa Ishtam, Bhai, Srirastu Subhamastu, Jai Lava Kusa among others have been diagnosed with breast cancer. On Monday, she shared a photo of herself in her bald look due to her treatment and opened up about her battle with cancer and her ongoing chemotherapy.
"No matter what life throws at me, no matter how unfair it may seem, I refuse to play victim. I refuse to be ruled by fear, pessimism, and negativity. I refuse to quit. With courage and love, I will push forward," she wrote.
Hamsa added, "4 months ago, I felt a tiny lump in my breast. That very moment I knew that my life was never going to be the same. 18 years ago I had lost my mom to a dreadful disease and I had since lived under its dark shadow. I was scared." ALSO READ:Bigg Boss Telugu 5 WINNER: VJ Sunny WINS Nagarjuna's Show; Actor Takes Home Trophy, Rs 50 Lakh Prize Money And A Bike Worth Rs 25 Lakhs
"Within a couple of hours, I was at a mammography clinic getting the lump checked out. I was asked to immediately meet up with a surgical oncologist who suggested that I needed a biopsy. The biopsy confirmed all my fears and I was diagnosed with a Grade III Invasive Carcinoma (Breast Cancer). After a plethora of scans and tests, I walked bravely into the Operation Theatre where my tumour was removed. At this point, the doctors confirmed that there was no spread and I was lucky to have caught it early. A silver lining," she added.
However, after doing further reports, she was tested positive for BRCA1. She has now completed nice cycles of chemotherapy and will now undergo seven more cycles.
"The relief was short-lived as I tested positive for BRCA1 (Hereditary Breast Cancer). This means that I have a genetic mutation that almost guarantees that I would have a 70% chance of another Breast Cancer and a 45% chance of Ovarian Cancer throughout my life. The only way to mitigate the risk is through some very extensive prophylactic surgeries which I need to undergo before I can claim Victory. Currently, I have already undergone 9 cycles of Chemotherapy with 7 more to go. I have made myself a few promises:- I will NOT let this disease Define My Life and that I will fight it with a Smile and Win. I will get back on screen Better & Stronger. I will tell my story so that I can help Educate & Inspire others. And, I will Consciously Celebrate Life & all it has to offer," she wrote.
Image Source:Instagram/HamsaNandini/PR