Renée (Ney), South Africa

It all began with a self examination test while lying in my bed. Feeling a lump on my left breast, unknowingly thinking it was serious. Taking into account, my family history of Cancer, it did however raise concerns. I had to visit my local clinic the very next morning which was indeed the best decision I had made. I was examined by a female doctor who had confirmed that a lump was present in my left breast. I was then referred by the same doctor to the breast clinic at a local hospital for further investigation. I was advised to have a biopsy done. On the 4th May 2017 results were confirmed. Stage 2 Invasive Lobular Carcinoma, Type Of Breast Cancer.

Treatment and emotional toll was the biggest challenge as well as financial stress. Upon the 1st chemotherapy administered to me, I felt like I was dying literally. My body felt strange as I was dripped and could feel the flow of liquid or medicine traveling through my entire body. Giving me a strange tickling feeling. Vomiting began from the very 1st chemo and continued throughout the treatment. Emotionally I felt like no way out and mentally I was so confused and had no idea what would happen moving forward. My cancer was aggressive and the pain was unbearable. I felt weak, drained, no appetite, fear, stressed and indescribable feelings of dying.

I was blessed to have had my family support me through each day. My kids were young at the time and my hubby stood by my side also with fear. At the time I came into contact with support from Cansa. One of the counselors had visited me at home and we had an afternoon full of more understanding in my diagnosis and journey. My family was present. I was grateful and continued to reach out to more support in the journey from experts. I had ongoing communication with Cansa and more support as treatment began, I interacted with many individuals diagnosed with Cancer. As well as the Healthcare professionals who gave me more support. I also joined a support group at the time. The support gave me hope to continue to fight and not give up. It gave me resilience and strength to overcome the challenges I encountered through my journey. Support made me stronger and lifted the weight of fear off me."I know the word cancer shakes your world, but hear
ne when I say this: you are stronger than anything
living inside you.
There will be days you feel tired, scared, or
overwhelmed - and that's okay. None of those
feelings make you weak. They make you human
Take it one day at a time.
Some days you'll fight hard. Other days you'll simply
breathe - and that counts too. Healing isn't linear.
Progress isn't loud. But every single step forward is
still a step.
Let people love you.
Let them help you. Let them sit with you. Let them
remind you that you're not walking this path alone
There is strength in accepting support
Your body is fighting for you, not against you.
Trust that. Talk to yourself kindly. Rest when you
reed to. Celebrate every small victory, because they
matter.

If I look back now, I was actually blessed to have had great care and support from the healthcare system back in 2017. Compare to now as we fight for better care in cancer. My oncologists and radiologists clearly explained my medical diagnosis including treatment options and benefits for me. I had a good relationship with the healthcare system and did not struggle when I raised any of my concerns then. I was fully attended to throughout my treatments and checkups at the hospital. All tests were conducted and concluded.

I know the word cancer shakes your world, but you are stronger than anything
living inside you.
There will be days you feel tired, scared, or
overwhelmed and that's okay.
Some days you'll fight hard. Other days you'll simply
breathe - and that counts too. Healing isn't linear.
Progress isn't loud. But every single step forward is
still a step.
Let people love you.
Let them help you. Let them sit with you. Let them
remind you that you're not walking this path alone
There is strength in accepting support
Your body is fighting for you, not against you.
Trust that. Talk to yourself kindly. Rest when you
reed to. Celebrate every small victory, because you matter.