The Color of the Water: A Bladder Cancer Story from Sandeep Memorial Hospital

 

Ravi, a 53-year-old city bus driver, first noticed a faint red tint in his urine. He ignored it, assuming it was nothing. But when it returned — along with burning and frequent urges — his wife, Kamala, insisted he visit Sandeep Memorial Hospital.

Dr. R.M. Sathish Kumar, calm and experienced, listened carefully and ordered tests. The diagnosis came back: bladder cancer. Ravi was stunned. He had never imagined something so serious could begin with such a small sign.

At the hospital, he learned that bladder cancer often begins with blood in the urine, a symptom many people overlook. Smoking, which Ravi had done for over 20 years, was a major risk factor. Thankfully, the cancer was caught early. Dr. Sathish Kumar performed a minimally invasive surgery to remove the tumor through the urethra — no major cuts, just skill and care.

With guidance and follow-up from the medical team, Ravi began to recover. He quit smoking, changed his habits, and started encouraging others to pay attention to their health.

At a local health camp months later, Ravi stood before a group of villagers, holding up a glass of water.

“If your urine changes color — don’t ignore it. I did, but I got help in time. You should too.”

At Sandeep Memorial Hospital, awareness saves lives — and people like Dr. R.M. Sathish Kumar make that possible every day.