Breast cancer awareness: A family’s story

As October highlights the importance of breast cancer awareness, Express took a closer look at a Terenure family’s journey when their mother was diagnosed in 2009 at the age of 47.

Marietjie lost her battle to breast cancer in 2012 after three years of fighting. She was 50 years old.

Her daughter, Mariette, elaborated on her perspective as the eldest child who, along with her younger sister, brother and stepfather, stood by their mother’s side to offer love and care.

“Before her diagnosis, she had a suspicion of what was wrong as there were signs of lumps in her breast. A few days after her initial appointment at the doctor to get the results, I ran into her when she was briefed,” Mariette said.

As the doctor gave Marietjie her diagnosis, she was told that she had six months, maybe a year, left to live.

“The cancer was aggressive and it had progressed considerably. At that time, the condensed medical terms go over your head as you simply want to know what necessary steps can be taken.

“It was terrifying to face the reality. At the same time you try to be strong,” Mariette said.

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It was only later when the shock made way for reality that Marietjie experienced emotional turmoil in the wake of her illness; however, Mariette said it didn’t deter her from the physical fight.

Earlier in her life, Marietjie had undergone a hysterectomy, after which she was prescribed hormone treatments. The doctor said in his diagnosis that hormone therapies can be a cause of cancer.

Marietjie was later faced with her first mastectomy, followed by treatments of chemotherapy and radiation, as the cancer had spread to the other breast.

“My mother talked to me a lot and after the first surgery so we wonder what it next. I bought her special bras and fashioned a filler pad that would balance the appearance of her removed breast.”

Mariette said her mother felt like her womanhood diminished after the mastectomy.

“The psychological toll of the procedure weighs heavier than the physical impact of losing something so essential to a woman.”

Marietjie’s grandchildren were her comfort when she was weak, pale and bedridden. Mariette said none of the support offered felt like a burden as she simply took care of the person who raised her to be a strong woman.

How did Marietjie’s fight affect the way Mariette views being aware of cancer?

“Contrary to what people would like to hear, my mother’s condition only made me weary to a certain extent. I feel like if I were to fall sick the way my mother did, I would rather live out my days not knowing.

“I would spend the remainder of my days in the hope of dying naturally, instead of putting my body through so much pain, suffering and stress.”

One December evening Mariette said that she sensed her mother knew her time had come.

“As I lifted her one last time to tuck her into bed, my mother simply held my hand and told me how much she loved me. I instantly knew, and a few hours later she was gone.”

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