The bombshell. Wow! The day I was diagnosed with cancer. It was January 2013 on my regular mammogram, my test results came back positive. That day I had decided to go to my doctor by myself and drove back home in so much denial. I could not believe it, it could not have been me.

So faithful to the Lord, a very important member in my community, a very supportive mother to my children – ‘Why me?” I asked myself.
I confronted my husband that evening, so confidently my husband suggested that we go and visit another doctor in Pietermaritzburg for a second opinion.

By the end of January I did a scan and it was indeed true. I had cancer…stage two. My world changed. I remember coming back home to my adorable children, I smiled at them and soaked myself in bath water for hours. I cried, and asked God: “Why me Lord?”

I could not get answers and that made me even more frustrated. My husband came back home from work, he came to our room and brought me flowers and told me everything would be okay. The next day we both decided to tell our children about my diagnosis, to prepare them for most of the unexpected experiences of the treatment.

That was the saddest day of my life. My last born, a boy, came to me and held me tight. “Mum, please don’t die, I need you.” I knew from that day on that I had to fight for my life. In February 2013, I underwent a mastectomy, Luckily it was a successful procedure. Straight after that I met with my oncologist who explained what were my suitable chemotherapy and radiation treatments.I then waited for my drugs to be delivered. Hopelands Cancer Centre contacted me to come for my chemotherapy.

When I arrived at Hopelands, I was workshopped about what to expect and all other expectations and experiences. The centre itself gave me so much hope. All the staff members are welcoming, they know all of the patients by their names. I was done with my first chemotherapy. I received so much support from the church, at home and friends. The Cansa Relay for Life also gives me hope. It wasn’t easy at times because there were many times when I looked at myself in the mirror and almost could not recognise myself.

I lost my hair, my complexion changed and I also lost weight. Through prayers and support I survived and here I am today, healthy and going strong. This journey has taught me so much about myself. As a cancer patient, it is so important to maintain good health and hygiene. Also report all your experiences to your oncologist, never ignore any discomforts you may encounter during this journey.
Well, I thank God for giving me this second chance in life.

Today I am stronger and beautiful. I’m so grateful for everyone in my life who fought with me through this time. I’ve learnt that as a survivor, I have brothers and sisters who care for me from the Cancer Support Group. Therefore I have no fear, God is with us.

Submitted by Mrs RD Peerbhay