Two cancer diagnoses later and still going strong
For many people and their loved ones, being diagnosed with cancer is the same as being given a death sentence
POLOKWANE – For many people and their loved ones, being diagnosed with cancer is the same as being given a death sentence.
Raynolda Makhutle was one of them. This grandmother was diagnosed with cervical and ovarian cancer when she was 40 years old.
She was part of the Cancervive team that visited Polokwane over the weekend.
Cancervive is a special project of People Living with Cancer. The Cancervive campaign celebrates life by sharing the stories of cancer survivors, because a cancer diagnosis clearly doesn’t have to be a death sentence.
“I struggled with my (menstrual) cycle from the age of 16 years. When I was 30 years old, I went to a doctor, but he could not find the problem. For 10 years I went back but nothing improved. Then, when I was 40, I went to another doctor who diagnosed me. I also had a lumpectomy, which is a type of surgery used to treat breast cancer. During this operation only the malignant tumour and a surrounding margin of normal breast tissue are removed,” Raynolda explained.
She said during this time, she was married and had two children to raise. Apart from her first thought that she was going to die, her husband left her after her reproductive system was removed.
Raynolda was left bitter, angry and afraid. “But then I realised cancer was not a death sentence. I decided it was not going to help to wrap myself in a cocoon and feel sorry for myself.
“It was not the end of the world. I fought back.
“After a few years my husband came back, asking for forgiveness. I forgave him and we are back together,” revealed Raynolda.
She added cancer comes with a big stigma. “It is not only white people who get it. Or only women. Anyone can get it.”
She said that after she travelled with the Cancervive team for one year, she was instantly hooked thanks to the positive message they deliver.
“It is a message of hope. I decided to not keep quiet any longer. This is my full-time job now. I educate people about cancer; about being aware of the early stages of cancer and about life.”
Raynolda emphasised cancer was not in her family although her mother was diagnosed with it after her own diagnosis. She is now in remission and enjoys spending time with her family, especially her seven grandchildren, whenever she can.
