Patient Stories - Add Your Story
"BEATING breast cancer
Regular breast examinations can save your life.
After I found a lump in my breast I went to the clinic, and was immediately referred to hospital. The doctor did a biopsy which confirmed I had breast cancer. I was shocked. I knew nothing about cancer and there’s no history of cancer in my family. My family were upset – they said I was cursed because I had a job, which made some neighbour jealous. I told myself I’m going to do exactly what the doctor told me – I needed a mastectomy. My family was against any medical treatment – they wanted me to see a traditional healer, so I made a booking for the op without my family’s knowledge.
One of the toughest moments was losing my hair due to chemo, but I told myself I’m still beautiful without my hair. The side effects of the chemotherapy were severe. Instead of quitting I held on. It made me stronger by the day no matter how I felt physically. At that time my son was three years old. I told myself I’m young, I have a bright future ahead of me. I still want to take my son to his matric dance. My positive attitude and dreams made me wake up and fight..
What helped me cope
• Sharing my feelings.
• Asking my doctor when there was something I didn’t understand.
• Keeping my family updated with the latest information – giving them pamphlets to read.
When you’re diagnosed with cancer, it’s not the end of the world or death sentence. Take it as a challenge. Accept it and beat it!
“Today I’m happy with my decision. Sometimes you have to listen to your inner voice.
Don’t give up: life is too precious.”
Helpful advice:
When in treatment you need all the help you can get. No one should walk this road alone. If you’re on your own, you start to have a negative attitude and want to give up on life.
"
submitted by Mandithiza
Regular breast examinations can save your life.
After I found a lump in my breast I went to the clinic, and was immediately referred to hospital. The doctor did a biopsy which confirmed I had breast cancer. I was shocked. I knew nothing about cancer and there’s no history of cancer in my family. My family were upset – they said I was cursed because I had a job, which made some neighbour jealous. I told myself I’m going to do exactly what the doctor told me – I needed a mastectomy. My family was against any medical treatment – they wanted me to see a traditional healer, so I made a booking for the op without my family’s knowledge.
One of the toughest moments was losing my hair due to chemo, but I told myself I’m still beautiful without my hair. The side effects of the chemotherapy were severe. Instead of quitting I held on. It made me stronger by the day no matter how I felt physically. At that time my son was three years old. I told myself I’m young, I have a bright future ahead of me. I still want to take my son to his matric dance. My positive attitude and dreams made me wake up and fight..
What helped me cope
• Sharing my feelings.
• Asking my doctor when there was something I didn’t understand.
• Keeping my family updated with the latest information – giving them pamphlets to read.
When you’re diagnosed with cancer, it’s not the end of the world or death sentence. Take it as a challenge. Accept it and beat it!
“Today I’m happy with my decision. Sometimes you have to listen to your inner voice.
Don’t give up: life is too precious.”
Helpful advice:
When in treatment you need all the help you can get. No one should walk this road alone. If you’re on your own, you start to have a negative attitude and want to give up on life.
"
submitted by Mandithiza
"BEATING colon cancer
When oral hygienist, wife and mother Wadeedah Jaffer was diagnosed with cancer at nearly 47, she was shattered. However, with medical care and the love of family and friends, she’s on the road to recovery.
When I was diagnosed with a malignant polyp in my colon I was shocked and terrified. Then I decided I wasn’t giving up on life – I need to raise my children!
My first appointment with the oncologist was overwhelming. I couldn’t spell the words he was using. Starting 12 cycles of chemo was a challenge, and I had to find a way of accepting and growing with it. I decided to talk freely about my cancer and to read as much as I could about it. Reading about cancer felt like learning for an exam that I had already written and failed.
When it came to talking about my cancer, I was at ease to share. However, I became aware that some people felt uncomfortable enquiring about my health, as they didn’t want to upset or depress me. They didn’t realise I’d made a decision to talk about cancer and not avoid the topic like the previous generation. A few people bombarded me with information about products that claimed to be able to cure cancer.
While I watched the DVDs and read the pamphlets, I found it just added pressure. I was also told that chemo is a poison and can kill you, and that I should rather use herbal remedies. I’d already decided on my course of treatment and often felt that these other approaches disturbed me.
Despite the many cancer survivors, I was confronted with the fact that many people associate cancer with death. That’s when I decided to surround myself with people who could help me be positive on my journey to health.
Often, when a serious illness like cancer occurs, you can be tempted to withdraw to try and deal with it. I felt that I couldn’t do it alone. I’ve come this far with the help of everyone I know. I’ve heard cancer only happens to special people and that it’s a gift. My illness proved life pulls people to you; I got unconditional love from my husband and children. More importantly, it’s been a period of growth, an opportunity to learn to value every day and live more consciously.
“I decided I wanted to surround myself with people who could help me be positive on my journey to health.”
Helpful advice:
I made a decision to talk about cancer and not avoid the topic like the previous generation, but there were times I was shaken by people’s thoughtless comments.
"
submitted by Wadeedah
When oral hygienist, wife and mother Wadeedah Jaffer was diagnosed with cancer at nearly 47, she was shattered. However, with medical care and the love of family and friends, she’s on the road to recovery.
When I was diagnosed with a malignant polyp in my colon I was shocked and terrified. Then I decided I wasn’t giving up on life – I need to raise my children!
My first appointment with the oncologist was overwhelming. I couldn’t spell the words he was using. Starting 12 cycles of chemo was a challenge, and I had to find a way of accepting and growing with it. I decided to talk freely about my cancer and to read as much as I could about it. Reading about cancer felt like learning for an exam that I had already written and failed.
When it came to talking about my cancer, I was at ease to share. However, I became aware that some people felt uncomfortable enquiring about my health, as they didn’t want to upset or depress me. They didn’t realise I’d made a decision to talk about cancer and not avoid the topic like the previous generation. A few people bombarded me with information about products that claimed to be able to cure cancer.
While I watched the DVDs and read the pamphlets, I found it just added pressure. I was also told that chemo is a poison and can kill you, and that I should rather use herbal remedies. I’d already decided on my course of treatment and often felt that these other approaches disturbed me.
Despite the many cancer survivors, I was confronted with the fact that many people associate cancer with death. That’s when I decided to surround myself with people who could help me be positive on my journey to health.
Often, when a serious illness like cancer occurs, you can be tempted to withdraw to try and deal with it. I felt that I couldn’t do it alone. I’ve come this far with the help of everyone I know. I’ve heard cancer only happens to special people and that it’s a gift. My illness proved life pulls people to you; I got unconditional love from my husband and children. More importantly, it’s been a period of growth, an opportunity to learn to value every day and live more consciously.
“I decided I wanted to surround myself with people who could help me be positive on my journey to health.”
Helpful advice:
I made a decision to talk about cancer and not avoid the topic like the previous generation, but there were times I was shaken by people’s thoughtless comments.
"
submitted by Wadeedah