Actor Sanjay Dutt once shared how he experienced that shock firsthand when he was told he had cancer. Recalling the early signs during the lockdown, during an interview with YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, he said, “It was a normal day in the lockdown. When I walked up the stairs, I was totally out of breath. I had a bath, I couldn’t breathe, I didn’t know what was happening, so I called up my doctor. In the X-ray, more than half of my lungs were covered in water. They had to tap the water out. They all were hoping it was TB (tuberculosis), but it turned out to be cancer.”
The news, he shared, was overwhelming at first. “How to break it to me, it was a big issue. I could have broken somebody’s face. So, my sister came, I was like, ‘Okay, I’ve got cancer, now what?’. Then you start planning this, we’ll do this and that… But I did cry for two-three hours because I was thinking about my kids and my life and my wife and everything, these flashes come and I said, I am going to stop getting weak.”
While the initial shock was difficult, Sanjay explained that determination became central to his journey. He revealed, “They told me that I’d lose hair and other things would happen, I’d vomit, so I told the doctor ‘mereko kuch nahi hoga (nothing is going to happen to me)’, I’ll not lose hair, I’ll not vomit, I won’t lie on the bed, and she kind of smiled. I did my chemotherapy, and I came back and I sat on that bike for one hour and I cycled, I did that day after day, every day. After every chemo (session) I did that. It was crazy, I used to go for chemo, Dubai, and then I used to go to the badminton court and play for two-three hours.”
Now focusing on his fitness, he added, “That is how you’re going to challenge this thing. Today, it’s been two months I have been going to the gym, I lost nice weight, I’m getting my muscles back, I am getting to be my old self.”
Coping strategies that can help patients and families in the first few days after a cancer diagnosis
Dr Mandeep Singh Malhotra, oncologist at Art of Healing Cancer, tells indianexpress.com, “Patients often experience fear, sadness, anger, and helplessness. Addressing this psychological impact early is essential because emotional health strongly influences physical recovery.”
In the first few days, he adds that patients and families benefit from honest conversations with doctors, seeking support from loved ones, and connecting with counsellors or support groups. “Most importantly, patients should be reassured that it is normal to feel overwhelmed, and professional help is available.”
Balancing physical activity with rest to avoid overexertion
Dr Malhotra says, “Yes, staying active during treatment can be highly beneficial. Light to moderate exercise helps reduce fatigue, improve mood, maintain muscle mass, and support circulation. However, balance is key. Overexertion can weaken immunity and cause exhaustion. Patients should follow their body’s signals, starting with low-impact activities such as walking, stretching, or stationary cycling.”
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Safe ways to rebuild strength and immunity after chemotherapy
After chemotherapy, the body takes time to regain stamina and immunity. Survivors should gradually reintroduce exercise, beginning with light weights and aerobic activities under professional guidance.
“A protein-rich, balanced diet, adequate hydration, and sufficient sleep play crucial roles in recovery. Precautions include avoiding overtraining, preventing infections in crowded gyms, and monitoring for unusual fatigue or pain. With patience and consistency, survivors can rebuild strength safely and steadily,” concludes Dr Malhotra.
