Surviving cancer together
Thousands of people are diagnosed with cancer each year and one of the most heart-breaking aspects about the disease is how it affects the family of the victim.
POLOKWANE – This family was hit with a double blow when Mercia Booysen and her mother, Denise were both diagnosed with cancer.
However, their story has a silver lining as both women can now call themselves survivors.
“I was diagnosed in 2007 and Mercia in 2013. I have breast cancer and lymph cancer. Mercia only has breast cancer,” Denise explains.
She says she discovered a lump in her breast while shaving. “I looked in the mirror and saw a lump. I never went for a mammogram.”
Mercia says she went for a mammogram which revealed spots on her breasts. Her doctors advised her to return for another test in two years and when she did, she was diagnosed with cancer. “It was early enough and I did not need chemotherapy. I only had radiation,” she says.
Both women lead healthy lifestyles now, they eat healthy food and attend boot camp (an exercise programme for women). They go for regular check-ups, tests and mammograms.
“I would advise other women to look after themselves and to care for themselves,” Mercia says, while Denise emphasises early detection.
“The earlier you detect cancer, the better. Then you can get treatment earlier.”
