It was a Friday, 23 September 2011 when I decided to do a lump check on my breast. Strangely I noticed that there is a lump on my right-hand side. I called my family doctor in trying to secure for an appointment for Saturday. I couldn’t get one for Saturday as it was a holiday
(Heritage day).

My appointment was on Monday, 26 September 2011 at 14:45.

The doctor booked urgent mammograms and ultrasound scan. I was referred to a surgeon doctor as they wanted to do a biopsy. The biopsy can be conducted in two ways, I was told that it’s either they insert a needle or suck the fluid of tumor/lump or cut the lump and test it. I preferred cutting of the tumor and test the tumor. A biopsy was done on 10 October 2011. During this process I was always given a choice.

While waiting for my results, I was already preparing myself for positive or negative results. I decided to visit all my projects as to have current status so that when I am starting my treatment all those in the office are appraised with the status of my projects.

They called me on the 20 October 2011 while I was still away from the office. The doctor said out of 8 women who tested for breast cancer, 2 is diagnosed with breast cancer and it is so unfortunate that I am amongst that 2 and is in stage 3. A proposed treatment was discussed, but I did my own research after the diagnosis but did not google the diagnosis. When these news were delivered, I was with my husband who was at home being on suspension.

On the 20 th of October 2011, I felt two small lumps on my left breast and asked them to be removed before they turn into cancer cells. I was asked whether I would prefer a lumpectomy (breast –conserving surgery) or Mastectomy (removes the entire breast).

I chose mastectomy as I had my personal belief that if I do lumpectomy, some cancer cells will remain within that breast. I must say that year zaziduma /bad things were happening as I lost my younger brother on 10 January 2011 who was not sick. After having received these news, I had to drive to King Williams Town and perform my daily work duties. I stopped under a bridge and cried but funny enough, I never asked “why me“ Inga ibingangu mntwana kabani who must suffer. The treatment was discussed that it will be the mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone therapy. From the 21 October 2021 that is when I began the breast cancer journey. It was not easy especially the chemotherapy side effects but having said that I was a little prepared, I told cancer that “you have messed with a wrong girl”. A courage was given to me by late Siphokazi Jizana (MHSRIP). She gave me some information, books to read, information about claiming and what is covered under dread diseases. The reality sank in my mind when she showed me her breast prostheses. The journey wasn’t easy at all but I had these two words with me that is HOPE and FAITH. In HOPE – I was seeing light inspite of being surrounded by darkness and FAITH – let your faith be bigger than your fear I finished my chemotherapy on the 1 May 2012 and decided to celebrate that milestone by doing diesel depot race (15km) which was on the 4 th or 5 th May 2012. I had that few side effects includes hair loss, vomiting and constipation.

Immediately after I finished chemotherapy then I started with radiotherapy with its side effects but far better than those of Chemotherapy. I completed my treatment by hormone therapy which was given to me by means of tablets for a period of 5 years. Checks ups were done on 6 months intervals then went to yearly ones. I can safely say I am still on remission and grateful for that.

I have travelled the journey with its uncomfortable challenges, but I was always looking forward and convincing myself that it cannot be my end. My last was born was 16 month at that time. I had a prayer which says “please protect me Lord so that I can look after the three kids you blessed me with”

I was inspired by Siphokazi and Ndileka Mati . They both gave me this scripture reading, Isiah 43:2 – When you go through deep waters I will be with you.

As my cancer was not generic, I fought in such a way that it starts and end with me. Cancer taught me so many things that tomorrow is not guaranteed, we must live, love and fight. I have adopted a healthy living lifestyle. Anyone going through cancer requires the support from family, friends. You need to be emotionally, physically, and spiritually fit to carry through. As I end my story, I wish they can get a cancer cure, more cancer awareness and treatment in rural areas. “We were not promised a calm passage only a safe landing“