Teen tells her story of surviving cancer … twice

On February 29, a Birchleigh North cancer survivor raised awareness for cancer and brought along encouraging tales.

About 20 guests were accommodated at Amanda Rabosiwana’s (49) home, which she opened to her fellow community members to be enlightened of the struggles faced by those who suffer from cancer.

“My journey started in 2016,” she said. “I was diagnosed with breast cancer.”

Amanda said she first noticed her one breast was sore and she was asked when she last had a mammogram. “It never crossed my mind; I wasn’t even sure what the procedure entailed.”

She went to a clinic to have it checked out as she felt a lump and had a spot-like rash on her breast. First it was thought she was had an abscess, but after two cycles of antibiotics it wasn’t clearing up and the pain continued.

After visiting her doctor, she went for a mammogram. Once the doctor discovered two lumps, she was sent for a biopsy which tested positive for stage three breast cancer.

“What immediately came to my mind was death. Chemotherapy was another battle on top of the fight. I became more sick but I reminded myself that cancer was just a word, not a death sentence.”

In time, Amanda started radiation and had to receive sessions every day for 31 days. Although she had won the battle against breast cancer, the cancer spread to the rest of her body. She is still receiving osteosarcoma and liver cancer treatment.

On February 29, Amanda was accompanied by nurse Elsie Pos, who shared key knowledge of how to take early preventative measures against cancer. She advised attendees to regularly go for pap smears and perform self-examination of their breasts every month.

Along with the awareness and advice, a teenager, Zanele Mabaso (15), shared her tough, yet encouraging story.

“I was diagnosed with stage four gland cancer in November 2011. I was seven. Since my cancer had reached stage four, I started with six cycles of chemotherapy. Once it was done, the cancer remained in my lungs and spleen,” she said.

Zanele had received radiation treatment to her lungs, but her spleen posed challenges as she couldn’t survive without one, and surgically removing it wasn’t an option.

“They decided to prescribe me another round of the strongest chemo. After the last chemo I was cured and went back to school.”

However, she suffered a setback not long after.

“The doctor said my cancer was back and all over my body. I had to receive another six cycles of chemo and a bone marrow transplant. During my six cycles I drank 80 pills a day.”

Following some complications and eventually having been weaned off the treatment, Zanele was yet again healthy. She showed attendees the certificate she received when she received her bone marrow transplant.

It is stories like Amanda’s that lead to action and a call for awareness of cancer within our communities, and inspiring tales like Zanele’s that make us appreciate every single day lived in health.

Also follow us on: