AT 66 years old, Merebank resident Lynette Balliah has faced not one but two cancer diagnoses, yet she continues to live by her motto, “Get up, dress up and show up.” Despite enduring countless chemotherapy sessions and a lifetime of sessions to go, Lynette’s resilience has never wavered.

Also read: Little cancer fighter continues to defy the odds

Her battle with cancer began in October 2018 when she was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. This came at a particularly difficult time in her life as her son had been involved in a serious accident in the UK, leaving him on a ventilator in ICU for 26 days. As a mother, Lynette was already emotionally fragile, and the cancer diagnosis felt like another devastating blow.

“I was not surprised with the diagnosis as my mother, sister and brother had all fought cancer. Tragically, my mother and brother lost their fight to cancer but were survived by my sister. All I could think was, if Jesus could keep my sister alive for so many years, He could certainly help me. Hope was key to my recovery,” she said.

The journey was far from easy. Lynette began her radiation treatments shortly after her diagnosis. Despite the emotional highs and lows, she was determined to stay strong, supported by her husband, Gordon, and their children, Darren, Chanel and Dale, as well as her grandchildren, who live overseas. “My support structure was everything. Their love and concern meant everything,” she said.

In 2019, Lynette received more challenging news: a diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukaemia. This meant even more chemotherapy, but Lynette remained determined.

She held onto her motto and found strength in the simple joys of life, like dancing in the rain, baking, cooking and listening to music. Lynette said her faith played a vital role in maintaining her strength. Daily prayer calls with her sister and the unwavering love of her family kept her grounded. “This battle really strengthened my relationship with God. Though things were dark, my belief that the light would follow kept me going,” she said.

A key turning point in her battle came when doctors initially recommended a double mastectomy. However, Lynette and her husband sought a second opinion from their family oncologist, Prof Johan Petrus Jordan, in Richards Bay. His advice saved her from surgery as the radiation therapy had successfully shrunk the tumour. Lynette said she found immense gratitude in those moments when she realised that even though many people who had surrounded her were suffering from severe side effects, she was one of those people who could still withstand her treatments.

Now, Lynette dedicates her time to inspiring others facing cancer. “Don’t be afraid of the dark, for the light and sun will surely rise. Keep being strong, and remember, this journey is not just about you but also about your family and friends,” she said.

She also encourages loved ones of patients to offer small but meaningful support. “Treat your loved ones as you would on any other day, just with a little more kindness and love,” she said.

Today, Lynette continues her chemotherapy treatments, filled with hope and determination. “Cancer is not a death sentence. With hope and prayer, you can go a long way,” she says with conviction.

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