Lisa Ray Recalls Battle With Cancer: Doctor Said You Have Five Years

Lisa

Ray, who made her acting debut with Hanste Khelte, has often spoken about her battle with cancer. The actress was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare form of blood cancer, in 2009. This was when Lisa was 37. Three years after she recovered, the actress relapsed around the time of her marriage in 2012. Again, it took many months for her recovery. In a recent interview with Aditi Govitrikar, the actress opened up about how multiple myeloma was considered a lot more scary earlier, as there were limited treatment options. Despite that, the Ishq Forever actress knew she would get through this.

Lisa Ray opens up about her cancer diagnosis

Speaking to Aditi, Lisa Ray revealed that the malignancy was deep in her bone marrow. The actress recalled she wasn't living her authentic life. She hadn't brought all the disparate versions of herself together. She admitted experience fear, however the actress never let it completely overwhelm her. Lisa almost had out-of-body experience and felt that she was going to get through this phase.

Despite the medical statistics she was given, Lisa chose not to immerse herself in the data. On the other hand, her family members researched about her cancer diagnosis extensively."The doctor literally had told me, 'You have five years,' and showed me statistics and data. I just literally felt like my psyche left the room when he started doing that. A little bit of delusion goes a long way. No matter what the statistics were, I didn't believe that was the signal I was receiving," shared Lisa, as reported by ETimes. The actress stated that a little of bit 'delusion' goes a long way. No matter what the statistics were, the actress didn't believe that was the signal she was receiving.

What did cancer diagnosis teach Lisa Ray?

Continuing the conversation, the actress revealed she learned the importance of community because of her cancer diagnosis. Before her diagnosis, Lisa was fiercely independent. She spoke about having a 'toxic independence' where she felt it was a sign of weakness to ask someone for help. The actress was also advised to keep her diagnosis private. However, Lisa couldn't understand why there was shame around cancer. The shame put her over edge, and Lisa decided to put down the load. On a concluding note, the actress recalled receiving support from strangers and everyone around her when she shared her vulnerable moment.