Dipika Kakar’s Courageous Battle and Recovery from Liver Cancer

Renowned television actress Dipika Kakar, widely recognized for her memorable role in Sasural Simar Ka, has courageously opened up about her ongoing battle with liver cancer. In a heartfelt conversation during a recent episode of Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa’s popular podcast, Dipika shared intimate details about her diagnosis, treatment journey, and the emotional toll the illness has taken on her and her family.

Facing the Diagnosis with Courage and Faith

Dipika revealed that despite leading a healthy lifestyle, the diagnosis came as a shocking surprise not only to her but also to her doctors. “Honestly, my surgeon, Dr. Somnath Chattopadhyay, and my family physician, Dr. Tushar Shah, were equally surprised. Despite their years of experience, they couldn’t explain how this happened to me,” she said. Doctors speculated that some form of toxicity might have been involved, but no clear reason was ever identified. Dipika herself reflected, “I have never smoked and have always tried to maintain a balanced lifestyle. Yes, I enjoy food, but nothing extreme or unhealthy to that degree.”

The Early Signs and Misdiagnosis

Dipika recounted the early symptoms that first alerted her to a serious problem. Initially, she believed the discomfort was related to gallbladder pain, which began around the time she was pregnant with her son, Ruhaan. During pregnancy, medical tests are primarily focused on the baby, and her liver function tests and blood reports showed no abnormalities.

However, after delivery, the pain persisted and worsened, affecting both sides of her abdomen severely. “The pain became unbearable, and I told my husband Shoaib that something was seriously wrong,” she shared. Initially, doctors treated the pain as acidity, but when it didn’t improve, further investigations were conducted.

Discovery of the Tumor

Further tests, including a CT scan, revealed the presence of stones in her gallbladder, but more alarmingly, a 9-centimeter tumor was found on her liver. Dipika’s doctor prescribed medication to manage symptoms initially, but when the pain returned, additional tests confirmed the severity of her condition.

She explained the crucial role of advanced diagnostic imaging in her treatment: “In the first week of November, I’ll be undergoing my FAPI scan again. A FAPI scan is similar to a CT scan but is specifically used to detect cancer cells in the body. It helps doctors understand how far the cancer may have spread before starting surgery or treatment.”

Treatment and Current Status

Dipika underwent surgery where approximately 22% of her liver, including the entire 11-centimeter tumor, was successfully removed. She expressed relief and gratitude that the cancer was confined to the tumor itself and hadn’t spread elsewhere. “During my last FAPI scan, no cancer cells were found anywhere else in the body,” she said.

Currently, Dipika is on oral targeted therapy, a treatment similar to chemotherapy, designed to attack cancer cells and prevent recurrence. This therapy is scheduled to continue for two years. Regular monitoring, including blood tests and tumor marker assessments, has so far shown positive results, with no signs of the cancer returning.

The Road Ahead: Vigilance and Hope

Dipika emphasized the importance of ongoing vigilance in her recovery process. “We have been regularly monitoring my condition, and thankfully, all results have been coming back normal. But periodic scans are necessary to keep everything in check,” she said.

Despite the emotional and physical challenges, Dipika remains resilient and hopeful, leaning on her faith and family support to navigate this difficult journey. Her openness about her health has resonated with many fans and serves as an inspiration to those battling illness.