In June 2014 I was forced to see the doctor by family, friends and colleagues because I was complaining about a lump in my right breast that was paining. I then went to hospital and they did 2 needle biopsies. The first test came back as it being fibroadenomas and the second sample they sent away. I left the hospital feeling optimistic and relieved. I believed that the second test would come back giving the same result.
Exactly 2 weeks later I was called back for a mammogram an ultrasound. The results were sent to the doctor on the same day. On the 20th June 2014 I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 29. My lump was measured at 6cm. Upon hearing the news I did not know what my reaction was supposed to be. All I could manage to ask was “Are you serious?”
My doctor explained what would happen going forward. Immediately I saw the Oncologist and she explained that the lump has attached itself to my chest muscle and I will have to do chemotherapy before surgery. All I thought about was losing my hair and feeling sick because that is what I saw in the movies. I came home and reality still did not hit me until a week later.
I then made a decision that this is not the end for me but only the beginning of my journey to tell my story. A wise woman said something to me that stuck. She told me “You are not your breasts”. So my breast does not define who I am, my faith in God does. So I have complete faith that he will heal me.
I am still fighting breast cancer and I won’t give up. I thank my family, friends, colleagues and my amazing boyfriend for all the love and support.
Cape Town, South Africa