As Breast Cancer Awareness Month concludes, the Springs Advertiser spoke to a survivor who shared her touching story of resilience and courage.

Gugu Dlamini’s breast cancer journey began in April 2014, just days before her 36th birthday. What initially seemed like a minor concern soon became a life-changing diagnosis that tested her physically, emotionally and spiritually.

The 48-year-old Krugersdorp resident has faced breast cancer twice, first in 2014 and again in 2022 when she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.

She shared her journey from being diagnosed, the treatment process, physical and mental hardships and how she overcame them.

Take us back to the moment you first discovered something was wrong. What happened and what went through your mind when you received your diagnosis?

I don’t think anything can ever really prepare you for hearing the words, “You have cancer.”

In April 2014, a few days before my 36th birthday, I discovered a lump in my breast. I never imagined that my life was about to change so dramatically at such a young age.

Like many women, I hoped it was something minor that could easily be treated. My GP had also reassured me because the lump felt very small.

However, a week after discovering it, my diagnosis was confirmed, and my world stood still. All I could think about was my two children, a 15-year-old girl and an 11-year-old boy at the time.

For a moment, I couldn’t process what I was being told. I had so many questions running through my mind: Why me?

What happens now? Am I going to survive this? I kept asking God to spare my life for my children’s sake.

What was your biggest fear when you learned you had breast cancer, and how did you cope with the uncertainty of what lay ahead?

My biggest fear was death. I thought about leaving my children behind without a mother. I wondered whether I would live long enough to see them finish school, graduate, have children of their own and reach other milestones.

I was afraid of leaving them behind, the treatment, the pain and most of all, the unknown. My GP and surgeon were very supportive and optimistic before my first surgery and before I saw the oncologist.

I learned to take things one day at a time. Some days I felt strong and hopeful, while on others I was frightened and emotional.

How did the diagnosis change your life, both personally and in your relationships with family and friends?

Cancer changes you in ways that are difficult to explain to someone who has not experienced it. I had to take stock of my life and the decisions I had made.

I revisited certain lifestyle choices and friendships and I had to make peace with people, forgive them and ask for forgiveness as part of my emotional and spiritual healing.

My relationships also became more meaningful. I began appreciating the people who genuinely cared about me, checked on me, prayed for me and stood beside me during difficult moments.

The journey brought me closer to my children, and our relationship has grown from strength to strength. I also formed meaningful friendships through a support group.

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Can you describe one of the most difficult moments during your treatment and what helped you find the strength to get through it?

There were moments when I felt physically exhausted, emotionally drained and mentally overwhelmed. Some people had already written me off. When they looked at me, I could see their pity.

What made it particularly difficult was that life around me continued as normal while I was fighting a battle that others did not fully understand.

I drove myself to chemotherapy and radiation treatment. The journey taught me to ask for help, rest and allow myself to be cared for.

What kept me going was reminding myself why I was fighting: my children. I had a purpose. I kept telling myself, “This is a difficult chapter of my life but it is not the end of my story.”

Who or what became your greatest source of strength during your journey?

My greatest strength came from my faith, the love around me and my determination to live, especially for my children.I also found strength in moments of silence, when I could reflect, pray and gather my thoughts.

During this period, I learned to enjoy my own company and started journaling to put my thoughts on paper. Were there moments when you felt overwhelmed, frightened or ready to give up?

Absolutely. When I was diagnosed again in 2022 with stage 4 breast cancer, I was not ready for it physically, emotionally, psychologically or mentally. I was not willing to go through chemotherapy again.

It would be unfair to tell another woman that this journey is easy. It definitely is not.

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There were moments when I felt emotionally exhausted and questioned why I had to go through something so difficult again. Thankfully, my oncologist recommended a different treatment regimen that did not involve chemotherapy.

It was still difficult but not as difficult as chemotherapy had been for me.The second time, I took a more holistic approach to my well-being.

I changed my lifestyle and diet, started exercising, maintained meaningful relationships, reduced my workload to manage stress and explored natural healing approaches.

How did breast cancer change the way you see yourself, your body and your life?

Breast cancer changed my relationship with myself. As women, we sometimes put so much pressure on ourselves to look a certain way, to be beautiful, to be strong and to have everything together.

I underwent a double mastectomy, which involved removing both breasts. I was not ready for it but I understood the bigger picture: fighting the cancer. I accepted the change and was fortunate to receive size B breast implants.

I was also medically induced into menopause at the age of 36 and had to endure the associated side effects at a young age, including hot flushes, reduced libido, vaginal dryness, thinning hair and dry skin.

These experiences made me realise that my body is so much more than how it looks. It had been through something incredibly difficult, and instead of judging it, I learned to appreciate it.

Beauty is not only about physical appearance. It is also about resilience, courage, self-acceptance and the ability to rise after being knocked down.

Cancer changed how I value life. I no longer want to postpone happiness unnecessarily. I want to laugh, travel, love, celebrate and make beautiful memories because tomorrow is never guaranteed.

What did you learn about yourself during this journey that you might never have discovered otherwise? I learned that I am resilient. Ngiyenza izinto ziyenzeke – I make things happen. Now, I believe I can do anything I put my mind to.

I had always considered myself a strong woman, but cancer introduced me to a different kind of strength. I raised my two children, who are now responsible adults, on my own.

During this journey, I met my best friend, found love and got married.

I learned patience and gratitude. I also learned that I do not always have to be everything to everyone and that it is okay to be vulnerable.

Although I would never wish cancer on anyone, I am grateful for the lessons I have taken from my journey.

What does being a breast cancer survivor mean to you today, and what are some of the things you appreciate most about life now?

Being a breast cancer survivor means much more to me than simply having gone through treatment. It means I have faced something that frightened me deeply and come through the experience with a different appreciation for life.

I still live with anxiety, wondering whether the cancer could return and whether it could come back more aggressively. However, I have learned not to take ordinary moments for granted.

Waking up in the morning, spending time with loved ones, enjoying a meal, laughing until my stomach hurts, travelling and simply being present are blessings that mean so much more to me now.

Survival is not just about being alive; it is about choosing to truly live. I believe women should prioritise their health and not put off tests or check-ups out of fear.

Knowing your body and seeking medical advice when something changes are important steps towards taking care of yourself.

If you could speak directly to a woman who has just been diagnosed with breast cancer and is terrified of what lies ahead, what would you want her to know?

First, I would want to hold her hand and tell her that it is okay to be afraid, cry, feel angry, confused or overwhelmed. You do not have to pretend to be strong every single day.

I would also want her to know that a cancer diagnosis is not automatically a death sentence. There is treatment, medical support and hope. Many women have walked this journey and are still here to tell their stories.

Please do not ignore changes in your body or delay seeking medical attention because you are afraid of what you might hear.

Ask questions, understand your diagnosis, follow the advice of your medical team and surround yourself with people who genuinely support you.

Most importantly, do not lose yourself in the diagnosis. You are still a woman with dreams, a future, a personality, a family and a life that matters. Cancer may become part of your story, but it does not have to define your entire identity.

To every woman, whether you have been diagnosed or not, I want to say this: please prioritise your health. Know your body, go for your recommended screenings and do not ignore warning signs.

Early detection can improve outcomes. If there is one thing my journey has taught me, it is that life is incredibly precious.