#BreastCancerAwarenessMonth: Amanzimtoti resident turns struggles into strength
Tertia de Wet, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer, has transformed her cancer journey into something positive.
WITH October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Tertia de Wet of Amanzimtoti shares her cancer journey and how she maintains a positive outlook on life.
Last year September, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer. “This means the cancer moved immediately from the breast to the lymph nodes and to my bones. It is not curable, but it is treatable. I have remained on various chemo treatments, which is ongoing,” said De Wet.
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Although full days of chemo have been tough at times, she said she is blessed with minimal side effects. “I live by the motto to let the doctors look after me medically, and I ensure that I keep a strong, positive mind. I believe this has helped me to still have quality of life. I have been surrounded with lots of love and support from family and friends,” said De Wet.
The Amanzimtoti resident was recently invited to share her story at a speakers’ evening held by the Rotary Club of Amanzimtoti. Rotary’s Neil McDonald said it was wonderful to listen to their guest speaker who has so much faith and hope for the future.
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De Wet said, “Many people have been inspired and encouraged by my positive outlook on my cancer journey. The Rotary Club approached me to share some of my experiences over the past year. I spoke of the low moments, but mostly about the way I transformed my cancer journey into something positive. I started counselling and encouraging others by forming a cancer support group for the local community.”
The Team C Cancer Support group, which she established in July, meets regularly at the Amanzimtoti Methodist Church hall. Various medical specialists visit the group of cancer patients and their supporters as guest speakers.
De Wet has also been invited as a guest speaker for Kingsway High School’s Cuppa for the Cansa High Tea on World Palliative Care Day, October 14.
For more information about her cancer support group, contact Tertia de Wet on 072 856 3949.
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