Mumbai: Television actor and cancer survivor Dipika Kakar continues her treatment journey with strength and transparency as she recently underwent another scheduled intravenous (IV) infusion as part of her ongoing medical care. The actor, who revealed her Stage 2 liver cancer diagnosis in May 2025, shared that the procedure has now become a routine part of her life, occurring every 20 to 21 days.
In a recent vlog shared by her husband, actor Shoaib Ibrahim, Dipika Kakar was seen resting on a hospital bed, appearing visibly tired while receiving infusion therapy. The couple offered an honest glimpse into their current reality — one filled with hospital visits, medical monitoring, and emotional challenges, particularly as they balance parenthood alongside treatment.
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A Routine Infusion, But Not Without Fatigue
Speaking candidly in the video, Shoaib explained that Dipika’s hospital visit involved more than just her regular immunotherapy session. Her doctors had noticed that her iron levels were slightly low, prompting them to administer iron through an IV infusion.
“A couple of things came up,” Shoaib shared. “Her iron levels were a little low the last time, so they’re giving her iron through an IV as well. After that, I think we’ll head home in another one-and-a-half to two hours.”
Although the procedure was planned and controlled, Dipika Kakar admitted to feeling slightly unwell during the process.
“Everything’s good,” she reassured her fans. “I just feel a little dizzy because they gave me a medicine beforehand as pre-medication, which causes drowsiness. That’s all. Otherwise, everything is absolutely fine.”
Her calm and composed demeanour reassured viewers, many of whom have been closely following her recovery journey since she first spoke about her diagnosis.
Day-Care Procedure Brings Relief
One of the significant updates shared by the couple was that Dipika Kakar did not require overnight hospitalisation this time. Unlike a previous session that required admission for an entire night, the latest infusion was completed as a day-care procedure, allowing her to return home the same evening.
“Last time, we had to get admitted for an entire night,” Shoaib said. “But this time, we’ve managed to get it done as a day-care procedure so that we can reach home to Ruhaan tonight. This has now become a routine every 20–21 days.”
The ability to return home quickly has become especially important for the couple, given their responsibilities as parents to their young son, Ruhaan.
The Emotional Impact on Their Son Ruhaan
Beyond the physical challenges, Shoaib also opened up about the emotional toll that Dipika’s treatment journey has had on their family — particularly on their son.
“He’s been getting a little cranky lately,” Shoaib revealed. “As he’s growing up, he’s becoming more attached to Dipika, especially over the past month because I wasn’t home, Papa wasn’t home, and Dev bhaiya wasn’t there either. It’s just Dipika, Dipika, Dipika.”
The repeated hospital visits, changes in routine, and Dipika’s occasional absence due to treatment have understandably affected their child. Shoaib’s candid remarks resonated with many parents, highlighting the often-overlooked impact of long-term illness on young children within a family.
From Diagnosis to Surgery: A Difficult Phase
Dipika Kakar first revealed her Stage 2 liver cancer diagnosis in May 2025, shocking fans and colleagues across the television industry. Shortly after the diagnosis, she underwent a 14-hour-long robotic surgery to remove a tumour reportedly the size of a tennis ball.
The surgery was complex and involved the removal of approximately 22% of her liver, along with her gallbladder. Despite the seriousness of the procedure, Dipika’s recovery was described as steady and resilient.
Following the surgery, Shoaib had shared a hopeful update, stating, “She recovered with remarkable resilience. Today, I can confidently say she is free of cancer, though some treatments are still underway. I feel immense pride in her perseverance throughout this struggle.”
While the surgery successfully removed the tumour, doctors recommended continued monitoring and additional treatments to ensure long-term health.
Immunotherapy and Ongoing Medical Care
As part of her post-surgery care plan, Dipika Kakar began immunotherapy sessions after doctors detected two new cysts in her liver earlier in June 2025. Immunotherapy, while often effective, requires regular monitoring, scans, and blood tests — all of which Dipika Kakar continues to undergo.
In February 2026, she underwent a minor procedure to remove a 13mm liver cyst, a development that, while concerning, did not require extensive surgery. According to the couple, her doctors have not suggested any major surgical interventions at present.
Her treatment plan focuses on preventive care, immune support, and early detection of any changes.
Dipika Kakar on Side Effects: ‘Nothing Severe’
Dipika Kakar has consistently chosen honesty over dramatization when speaking about her treatment. In a previous video, she addressed concerns about side effects from immunotherapy.
“As such mujhe iska koi side-effect ‘side-effect’ nahin feel hua,” she explained. “Of course, jab apki body mein itna heavy drug jaata hai to thoda bahaut mehsoos hota hi hai.”
She further elaborated that side effects, when present, were temporary and manageable.
“Kabhi 1–2 din ke liye lethargic feel karte ho. Kabhi thoda temperature aa jata hai. Kabhi kuch hota hai,” she said, adding that she once experienced severe back pain and a mild fever, possibly due to a viral infection rather than the treatment itself.
Her measured explanation helped normalize the experience for many viewers who may be unfamiliar with immunotherapy.
Strength, Transparency, and Public Support
Throughout her journey, Dipika Kakar has received overwhelming support from fans, fellow actors, and well-wishers. Her decision to share updates openly — without exaggeration or fear — has been widely appreciated.
By allowing audiences into moments of vulnerability, fatigue, and uncertainty, Dipika and Shoaib have helped bring attention to the realities of cancer recovery, which often extend long after surgery.
Their updates highlight that recovery is not a single milestone but a continuous process, involving physical care, emotional resilience, and family support.
Life Beyond Treatment: Taking One Day at a Time
While Dipika continues with regular infusions, scans, and blood tests, the couple remains focused on maintaining normalcy wherever possible. Returning home on the same day, spending time with their son, and maintaining transparency with fans are all small but meaningful victories.
Medical professionals rely on Dipika’s frequent tests to make informed decisions about her care, ensuring that any changes in her health are addressed promptly.
For now, Dipika remains optimistic, grounded, and determined — navigating her recovery journey one step at a time.
Dipika Kakar’s ongoing treatment underscores that life after a cancer diagnosis involves persistence, patience, and consistent medical care. While the road to recovery continues, her calm outlook, family support, and transparent communication have turned her journey into a source of strength for many.
As she undergoes routine IV infusions every few weeks, Dipika’s story stands as a reminder that healing is not always dramatic — sometimes, it is quiet, steady, and deeply human.
