Beating cancer and embracing ‘boho chic’

CRAZY friends, humour, a Jackie Kennedy scarf and lots of bling can go a long way to beat the blues – even in the midst of a cancer battle.

This is according to cancer survivor Cherona Dannhauser, speaking about how she tackled her worst days on the road to healing.

‘It took one event in my life, back in 1996, when I was severely sun burnt to trigger the damage, but the full extent only became evident years later.

‘What started as one lesion became an endless battle of biopsies and surgeries – almost like fighting wild fire.’

Needless to say, Cherona became a sunblock advocate, because prevention is always better than cure.

‘I am known to drive people crazy about the importance of wearing sunblock every day and to re-apply every hour in the outdoors.

‘I am also extremely appreciative of the state-of-the-art oncology centre in Richards Bay.

‘It made my radiation treatment so easy, because I had my treatments at 9am every morning and thereafter I could go straight to work again.

”Normal’ could continue and that is what I longed for – for my family to be untouched by my treatments as far as possible.

‘My lowest point was losing my hair. It took my then 7 year-old son to remind me that though I was hairless, I was healing.

‘To those facing the battle, my advice is: buy an awesome wig, spoil yourself with soft silk scarves and learn the art of drawing beautifully curved eyebrows.

‘Purchase big hoop earrings and colourful beads and bangles – it is time to embrace ‘boho chic’.

‘Find a friend or two who are able to look past the fear and pain of a sick friend. We all need some solid rocks and one or two crazy girls.

‘I never underestimate the value of regular check-ups.

‘I tell myself if I catch it quickly, it is merely a little hot spot and not a life-threatening lesion.

‘My cancer journey has been a blessed one, filled with loving support, awesome doctors, technicians and machinery.

‘I have had many ups and downs.

‘But, it is knowing that God wants what is good for me, that makes me realign my thought pattern when negativity and fear seeps through the cracks.’

Cherona will be sharing her testimony at the 4Ts conference at the Richards Bay Christian School on 31 October from 10am to12 pm.

Tickets can be obtained from Marita Fick on 083 4683341, Moments of Grace Bookstore and Hairstreaks.

Read more inspiring stories on cancer survivors HERE