SHARPEVILLE — A 48-year-old breast cancer warrior from Sharpeville is fighting for her life and appealing for help to afford life-saving medication after years of battling the illness.

Eva Mathato Mthembu first noticed a pimple-like mark on her breast nipple while bathing in 2019. Although she immediately consulted a doctor, the issue was initially dismissed as nothing serious.

Over the following months, more pimples appeared, accompanied by a clear, sticky liquid mixed with traces of blood. A mammogram yielded clear results, leading health facilities to repeatedly reassure her that nothing was wrong.

Despite her deteriorating health and persisting symptoms, Mthembu visited various clinics and hospitals seeking help without success.

A breakthrough finally came in January 2025 when a hospital performed a biopsy for the first time. The results returned the following month, confirming Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, HER2-positive, Grade 3, which is a very aggressive form of breast cancer.

Mthembu was referred to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital to begin chemotherapy.She completed eight brutal cycles of chemotherapy alongside three cycles of Herceptin, a targeted anti-cancer drug designed to fight cell growth.

Her journey took a devastating turn in October 2025 when doctors informed her that the cancer had spread to her bones and other areas of her body, advancing to Stage 4. Consequently, the hospital halted her chemotherapy and Herceptin treatments, explaining that the state would no longer administer Herceptin due to the advanced stage of the disease.

Following medical advice, Mthembu underwent a mastectomy on November 27.

“In December, when I was supposed to go for radiation, it was denied. I was then referred to palliative care, where they could assist with managing my pain and my mental, social, and spiritual care. Now the cancer is breaking my bones; I cannot sleep because of the pain. I take morphine about eight times a day.”

Mthembu needs help to raise R63 000 to pay for a 12-month course of Herceptin treatment.

“The only way to stop the cancer from spreading to other organs of my body is to get Herceptin. This will buy me more time with my loved ones.”
Mthembu says that she does not regard the donation as money, but as a lifeline.

“My husband and my two kids have been such a strong support system for me. My daughter has definitely been my pillar, and she pulled me through even at times when I wanted to give up.”

Despite that, her life has changed drastically. Mthembu remains hopeful that the treatment will give her a shot at leading a normal life.

Donations can be made to:
Bank: Nedbank
Account Number: 1208868004
Account type: Savings Account