Young woman from Standerton continues to hope despite 10 years of cancer

Ronique Koch bravely fought cancer since she was 12 years old.

After her initial diagnosis of thyroid cancer in 2015, her life has been a whirlwind of doctor appointments, radiology and chemotherapy.

“I remember vividly the day I found out I had cancer. I had just come home from the hospital and found out my dog ran away.”

Koch explained she had tests done at the recommendation of her dentist.

She went in for a simple procedure in her mouth when the dentist noticed her swollen glands.

She was diagnosed with thyroid cancer that quickly spread to her lungs. The doctors told her she had two months to live.

“I got my diagnosis in October 2015 when the doctors told me I would likely not live to see Christmas,” Koch explained.

Koch’s was taken into surgery where they removed her thyroid gland, but the cancer persisted.

Koch spent the next several months with support from her family, teachers and school friends.

“I remember receiving a lot of gifts. Many people came to pray for me and I received a teddy bear, which I later passed on to another cancer patient with a note asking them to pass it on when they did not need it anymore,” added Koch.

To her astonishment, Koch outlived the two-month deadline on her life.

Today, 10 years later, she appears healthy and positive.

Though she has never been in remission, frequent doctor’s appointments have shown positive results, which amazed even her oncologist, Dr Danie Rentz.

Koch has taken a bold step four months ago to seize all medication and treatment for now, but will reconsider this if the need arises.

According to Koch, it took her several years to comprehend her condition.

“I did not grasp the extent of my disease at first; I did not fully realise what was happening to me,” she said.
Through dark times, she could also console her family.

She recalls telling her mother that only God knows what is happening inside her body.

Doctors told Koch that she could no longer participate in strenuous activities such as sports.

“I proved them all wrong and continued to play hockey and netball and participated in athletics,” she said.

Her favourite memories include joking with the doctors, hospital visits from family and her grandmother’s flask with hot tea on sick days.

“I did not care much for hospital food and hated the bland hospital rooms,” Koch explained.

If she could change one thing, she would make the cancer ward in the hospital brighter and more positive.

She admitted though she has a positive attitude, she often gets depressed because of her condition.

“As I grew older and understood more, I started getting sad about my condition, but the positive people in my life made the journey easier,” she explained.

“Some days are better than others; all we can do is hope for the best,” she said.

Koch is a teacher at Wise Owls Pre-school, living her passion for teaching.

She is looking forward to her wedding with Jonathan Porter in December.

“I am not only marrying my best friend, but my greatest supporter,” added Koch.

Through all the turmoil of her cancer battle, Koch could stay positive and lead a life filled with love and purpose.

Doctors and pastors who have been with her since her initial diagnosis continue to support her to this day.