New Delhi: Star cricketer Yuvraj Singh, addressing the media for the first time since he was diagnosed with the disease, said that he is thankful to god to have his life back.
The player of the tournament in the 2011 cricket World Cup said he concealed his ill-health for a long time and played with breathing problems during the tournament. He was happy to be surrounded by friends and families during his treatment.
Excerpts from the press conference:
Armstrong inspired me
“Cyclist Lance Armstrong helped a lot and he was an inspiration in my fight against cancer. Lucky the cancer got detected early. Presence of my mother gave me strength,” he told reporters.
Was in denial initially
“I was in a denial initially. I concealed my ill-health for a long time. I had breathing problems during World Cup. I gave myself pep talk. I battled breathing problems. I was cheerful even after cancer was detected,” he added.
Thankful to God
“High protein diet helped. Thankful to God that I got back my life. Am happy, I am alive.”
Cricket future uncertain
He also said he will back in the field in a couple of months. “My cricket future uncertain, don’t know what future holds. It will be a great achievement if I get back to the field. At the moment I am trying to live like a normal person,” he said.
Sachin’s positive talk helped
He said he met Sachin in London and his postive talk helped him in his battle. “Sachin Tendulkar always spoke positively and always inspired me. It is difficult but not impossible to overcome cancer. If I can overcome everyone can,” he added.
Cancer gone, scars remain
“Cancer is out of my system, but scars are yet to be healed.”
Missed Sachin’s hundredth hundred
“I wanted to be part of the team when Sachin Tendulkar scored his hundredth hundred but unfortunately I couldn’t be. It was sad. It was frustrating to watch match when I was away from cricket.”
He concluded the media conference by thanking everyone for their support during tough times. “I am thankful to BCCI, family, friends, media and the whole nation for the support.”
After undergoing nine weeks of chemotherapy the swashbuckling southpaw returned home on Monday to a warm welcome from fans. He was treated for a rare germ cell cancer between his lungs.
The Man of the Tournament from 2011 World Cup, which India won after 28 years, had gone to the United States for treatment in January. Yuvraj last played for India in November 2011.
What is Mediastinal germ cell tumour?
Mediastinal germ cell tumor is a rare form of cancer. It develops from reproductive cells. Mediastinum is the area that has heart, windpipe, food pipe and blood vessels. It is frequently the site of involvement of various tumours.
There are various diagnostic tests for germ cell tumour, but usually CT scan is undertaken. Other diagnostic tests include chest x-rays, blood tests to measure tumour markers etc. The treatment depends on its type that the patient is suffering from. The common treatment courses are chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery or a combination of them.
