BORN: 28 JANUARY 1963

DIAGNOSED 11 FEBRUARY 2016

I decided to share my journey which I feel is empowering so that it can help others. I thought if this can happen to me it can happen to anyone in the world. It made me think how all these women my age, younger, older are suffering with cancer. While I was writing my journey, it made me think about a lot of things, I decided to put great effort to support and become part of this organization. The first thing that I want you to know is that everyone has their own journey with cancer, and no one is better or worse easier or harder because we are all unique individuals bringing our own life experience to our table during this time in our lives.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer on the 11 February 2016.  Battling with cancer has changed my life. A day doesn’t go by, that I do not think about how fortunate I am to be alive. Thanks to my wonderful family and awesome friends that stood by me gave me all their love and support on my journey. I was so lucky to find amazing support group Wings of Hope, who supported me after I went for my mastectomy surgery, to the left breast and removed 8 lymph nodes under my arm all cancer-free.  Diagnosed breast cancer stage II, two weeks later, I started chemotherapy. I went to my first meeting very scared didn’t know what is expected but the team was so friendly and helpful. I met Jill Broughton, who gave me so much love and support. She stood by me every chemo treatment that made me so strong and brave. I started reading and learning about the treatment that made me strong and gave me better knowledge. Chemotherapy after surgery can help destroy the remaining cancer cells that were missed during surgery so that made me stronger to have my treatment. I had beautiful long hair when I met with DR DANIEL A VOROBIOF Sandton oncology. The first thing I had asked if my hair will fall off and he replied yes.  That hurt me the most of all, but he told me don’t worry you will have it back and will grow better.  Before my treatment, I went and had my hair cut off that was extremely sad, I just cried but had to cope with the pain. I went for my first treatment my hair started falling out.  It was not nice at all, very painful but I just stayed strong. Chemotherapy made me very sick hair loss, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth sores, skin and nail changes, as well as problem to function with an effective memory. At times laying on my bed giving up never wanted to live, didn’t know what to do asking God to take me away as I couldn’t handle the pain.  One day I asked myself why me?  As the days went by I said to myself do not be selfish fight cancer, it was given to me for a reason, to spread my wings and support our warriors and survivors and their loved ones out there. My two years with treatment were not easy but I stayed strong focused and brave. I never gave up my fight with my battle. I went to my meetings at WINGS OF HOPE I enjoyed being there listening to everyone’s journey was the best thing in my life. As a program and service to help people with cancer and their loved ones understand can manage their lives through treatment and recovery, and find their support as I wish and promised myself when I was sick.

I do feel different, but I can’t quite articulate how.  I’ve come out the other side of this, and I’m still not exactly sure how to define the difference other than to say I’m grateful, of course, but its more than that. I thank GOD every day for giving me my life back and making me a normal person to enjoy living. Breast cancer education and hope to the women of South Africa. Because breast cancer is not a death sentence in fact 95 % of women survive breast cancer when detected early.  Like me, not everyone knows that. Because the more we talk about breast cancer the more we empower women facing the disease and fight. We can make a difference in the fight against breast cancer. Whatever you decide it’s important to do what’s right for you not compare yourself with others. Your friends and family members may share some of the same feelings. If you feel comfortable then you can share your journey with them. It’s normal to ask why me? It’s normal to be angry at cancer, you may also feel anger or resentment towards your health care providers, your healthy friends, and loved ones. Anger often comes from feelings that is hard to show, fear of dying, panic, frustration, anxiety, helplessness, for some people it feels better to stay busy. If you have the energy, try taking part in activities such as music, crafts, reading, or learning something new. When I started to feel guilty that I caused my illness, I was thinking of how little kids get cancer. That made me realize that cancer can just happen to anyone. It isn’t your fault, so don’t take the blame for anything. Even if you feel out of control, there are ways you can take charge. It may help to learn as much as you can about your cancer the more you know the more control you’ll feel. I have never made cancer a problem in my life, never stopped working, driving, enjoying my life with friends and family, going out dancing, showing support, giving the love to my family and grandchildren. If I can do it you can too.  What’s stopping you?