Uvongo resident, Cali Matthee needs the community’s support.
After going through various stages of breast cancer treatment, she was in remission in October last year, but in November a new health challenge occurred.
Cali experienced debilitating pain between her right shoulder blade and spine and in December was diagnosed with metastasis to the lungs, more specifically pulmonary lymphangitic carcinomatosis, although this diagnosis cannot be confirmed without a biopsy.
As many survivors and families know cancer treatment does not come cheap, the Matthee family is asking for support.
After being on pain medication for years, Cali was diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis at the age of 21, at that stage there was no medical aid to fall back on and she had to continue with endometriosis medications, instead of going for the operation that was needed.
At age 24, a small lump formed in her right breast. After numerous doctor visits and ultrasounds, the mass was diagnosed as non-cancerous. A mammogram would have resulted in a more clinical diagnosis, however, doctors said that due to her age, a mammogram was too risky. Two years later in 2020, another lump formed and a third one a month later.
In November 2020, Cali was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer at the age of 26. It was one of her biggest challenges.
From the biopsy to all the blood tests, bone scans, heart tests, lymph node biopsies, and chemo, cancer took her ability to work and function normally.
The support from friends and family has been amazing and is what has kept her going, especially after having undergone a double mastectomy, lymph node removal surgery, 30 rounds of chemo (the ‘Red Devil’), and Herceptin and numerous MUGA scans to check her heart condition.
Cali will once again be a Cancer Warrior and has chosen to fight her new battle and will undergo a new barrage of chemotherapy to try and beat this dreadful disease.
According to her family, the treatment will require various doctor visits and almost weekly trips to Durban.
She is currently suffering from severe body and bone pain and insomnia, however her family and doctors are trying to find any way possible to get the best treatment to reduce the pain, however this requires funding.
To assist the Matthee family, Margate Round Table 46 is the administrator of all donations and funding sponsored towards her treatment, to ensure that it is used appropriately.
Former treasurer and Round Table member, Shane Woolley said the service organisation will assist the family in managing the funds.
“Round Table does not usually raise funds for a specific person and generally only supports causes as we do not raise sufficient funding to assist every individual, however, in this case, we have decided to assist by managing any money raised. These are for medical costs incurred during December 2022, to assist in transport for chemo and doctors visits going forward as well as any other medical costs,” explained Woolley.
Anyone wishing to support this good cause is urged to contact Round Table Margate 46 on 083 5661275 or Robert Matthee on 066 0036157 for more information.
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