ROBOT CORPS

He emerged victorious, no longer a victim but a true conqueror. The battle against cancer had been fought and won, and the enemy had been driven out. The surgeon’s words echoed in his ears: “Your scans are clean. Ninety-five percent of the cancer is gone.” The general, known for his affable nature, quipped with a smile, “Why only 95 percent? Are you keeping the remaining 5 percent for yourself?”

Dr. Sudhir Rawal, the Medical Director and Chief of UroGynae Surgical Oncology at RGCIRC, responded, “General Sahib, let’s leave that 5 percent in God’s pocket.”
Commissioned as an officer in 1965, Aditya Jung Bahadur Jaini had dedicated his life to frontline soldiering, leading with courage and inspiring his troops for forty years. But little did he know that another battle awaited him—one he would have to face as a follower.
More than a decade after retiring from the army, General Jaini discovered he had bladder cancer. The disease had been silently lurking within him for over a year, but he had dismissed the warning signs. “I saw traces of blood in my urine, but I paid little attention to it,” he chuckled, reminiscing. “I thought it was due to drinking less water. After all, there are more important things to indulge in.”
Unbeknownst to him, those streaks of blood were among the common symptoms of bladder cancer. Initially dismissed as non-specific, the condition worsened over time. General Jaini sought medical help at the Army Research and Referral Hospital (R&R), where the truth revealed itself—a biopsy c
onfirmed that he had early-stage muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

While the possibility of removing the tumors existed, the extent of the disease made it high-risk. The cancer could spread beyond the bladder or recur if it infiltrated the bladder muscle. Radical cystectomy, the surgical removal of the bladder, was recommended by R&R. General Jaini embarked on a journey, searching for treatment options and hope.
Amidst his search, his daughter, a senior scientist in oncology in Cleveland, Ohio, came to his rescue. She recommended Dr. Sudhir Rawal, the renowned robotic surgeon at RGCIRC, known for his outstanding work. General Jaini had found his beacon of hope.
The initial fifteen-day wait for an appointment turned into a pleasant surprise. Dr. Rawal, the busiest robotic surgeon in the country, called back and offered to meet the general at his convenience. Overwhelmed by the surgeon’s gesture, General Jaini knew he was in capable hands. He expressed his gratitude, saying, “I believe I was just very lucky to have come to RGCIRC. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here today, recounting my story.”
In a serious discussion with Dr. Rawal, General Jaini realized that a repeat trans-urethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) was necessary to determine the next steps accurately. Without a recording of the previous procedure, a repeat TURBT would provide more objective insights. The surgery revealed whether the cancer had invaded the bladder muscle, which would impact the treatment plan.

General Jaini and Dr. Rawal explored different treatment options, such as BCG therapy, but the best course of action was determined to be radical cystectomy—a challenging and complex surgical procedure. With bravery in his heart, the general embraced the daunting climb ahead.

The surgery involved the removal of not only the bladder but also other uro-genital organs to prevent relapse. Thanks to the robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery, which minimized blood loss and accelerated recovery, General Jaini was discharged from the hospital within days. He had taken the leap, and he emerged on the other side, a survivor and an inspiration to others. General Jaini’s recovery was swift and remarkable, aided by his determination and the support of his family and medical team.
Throughout his treatment, General Jaini remained steadfast and positive, never losing his sense of humor. He engaged in conversations with fellow patients, sharing stories of hope and resilience. He became an advocate for bladder cancer awareness, using his own experience to educate others about the importance of early detection and seeking timely medical intervention.
As he regained his strength, General Jaini resumed his active lifestyle, embracing physical fitness and outdoor activities. He found solace in nature, relishing every moment as a precious gift. The battle against cancer had transformed him, instilling a profound appreciation for life and a renewed purpose to make a difference.
General Jaini continued to collaborate with Dr. Rawal and the team at RGCIRC, participating in cancer research initiatives and fundraising events. He dedicated his time and resources to support organizations working towards advancements in cancer treatment and care.
His story of triumph over adversity spread far and wide, touching the lives of many. General Jaini became a beacon of hope for cancer patients and their families, a symbol of resilience and strength. He received numerous accolades and honors for his bravery and contribution to the field of cancer awareness.
In his own words, General Jaini said, “Cancer taught me the true value of life. It taught me to cherish every moment, to never take anything for granted. I am grateful for the opportunity to fight this battle and come out stronger on the other side. I hope my journey inspires others to never give up and always believe in the power of hope.”
General Aditya Jung Bahadur Jaini’s story continues to inspire and uplift those facing their own battles with cancer. His unwavering spirit and determination serve as a reminder that with the right mindset, support, and access to quality medical care, it is possible to overcome even the most challenging circumstances.
As the years passed, General Jaini’s legacy grew, leaving an indelible mark on the fight against cancer. His journey stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the unwavering hope that resides within us all.