By Emerald van Wyk
One fateful morning in July 2019, my world shattered as I discovered a lump in my breast. A wave of sheer terror crashed over me, leaving me breathless with fear. Desperate and trembling, I immediately reached out to my general practitioner, Dr. Lakha. His promptness in setting up an appointment for further investigation felt like a lifeline, yet the dread only deepened when he confirmed my worst nightmare.
Dr. Lakha confirmed that there was a lump present and that further investigation would need to follow. Without hesitation, Dr. Lakha referred me to the hospital radiology department and within a week, I held the results in my trembling hands. The word “biopsy” echoed in my mind, shattering my spirit.
But this was just the beginning of an uphill battle. My medical savings were depleted, leaving me helpless in the face of the biopsy’s daunting cost. The irony of my situation was not lost on me – I felt both relieved and trapped. On one hand, I was grateful for the brief reprieve, a moment to brace myself for the possibility that the lump might be malignant. But the crushing reality remained: time was of the essence, and every day I waited brought me closer to an uncertain fate.
In my darkest hour, I confided in my dear friend, Vanessa, explaining that I would have to wait until January 2020, when my medical savings would renew, to undergo the biopsy. Her concern was palpable, but all she could offer was her prayers. Little did I know, God had sent me an angel in the form of Vanessa. A week later, she called me with urgency, urging me to see Professor Carol-Anne Benn (a renowned surgeon and breast-disease specialist) at Helen Joseph Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. Vanessa assured me that Professor Benn wouldn’t turn me away, as she was a champion of equal healthcare for all. That phone call felt like a ray of hope breaking through the suffocating darkness.
When I finally met with Professor Benn, she didn’t hesitate. A biopsy was scheduled immediately. At that moment, I couldn’t help but feel that Vanessa had opened a door I hadn’t even known existed – God’s grace working through her.
The days leading up to my biopsy were agonising. On the morning I was to receive the results, my anxiety reached a fever pitch when I learned that Professor Benn had been called away to an international conference. Another week of waiting. Another week of torment. I clung to my Bible, finding solace in its pages as I prayed for strength to endure.
Finally, the day arrived. I sat down with Professor Benn, her words forever etched in my memory: the lesion in my right breast was malignant, but it was a slow-growing cancer. Invasive ductal carcinoma, stage 1. My world crumbled in an instant. The weight of that diagnosis was unbearable, like a heavy load of bricks on my back.
The news was a devastating blow, one that left me debilitated for days as I struggled to comprehend the enormity of what lay ahead. Yet, somehow, I found myself at Professor Benn’s practice at Milpark Hospital, greeted by a compassionate young woman named Zamo Mguli, the navigating nurse. Zamo’s kindness pulled me from the abyss, guiding me through the overwhelming process that lay ahead. For the first time in days, I felt a glimmer of hope, a determination to confront the demon growing inside me.
But the news kept getting worse. The MRI at Rosebank Clinic in Johannesburg, South Africa revealed more lesions, smaller but no less terrifying. I remember leaving the clinic, tears streaming down my face, overwhelmed by the horror of it all. Yet, even in my despair, I found a spark of positivity when I learned that a disciplinary committee of experienced doctors would decide my treatment plan. I knew then that God was guiding them, and I placed my faith in their hands.
The call came soon after, and the navigating nurse informed me that I would undergo a lumpectomy with reconstruction surgery, followed by radiation. The news brought a mix of relief and fear, but I knew I had to fight with every ounce of strength I had.
On November 14, 2019, my 90-minute operation was performed. I woke up the next day, surrounded by machines, my body fragile and my mind racing with fear. Being diabetic complicated everything, but with the careful management by Dr. Barend, the surgery was a success. Still, the aftermath was gruelling. I returned home with two drains attached to my body, a constant reminder of the battle I was waging. The pain was relentless, and the challenges seemed endless, but I pressed on, determined to heal.
Radiation began on January 21, 2020, and continued for 31 excruciating days. This was the most harrowing part of my journey. The anxiety was suffocating as I lay motionless, positioned in precise angles, terrified of making a wrong move. But I wasn’t alone. The other women undergoing treatment shared my fears, and their tears became my comfort. We were in this together, and somehow, that made it bearable.
I am eternally grateful to the multidisciplinary team who cared for me with such compassion and professionalism. To the radiation team at Netcare Clinton, your patience and dedication were a beacon of light during my darkest days. You treated me with kindness and understanding, even when I was at my lowest. And to my oncologist, Dr. Ramdas, who saw my anxiety and immediately referred me to my psychologist, Monica Austen – your holistic approach saved me.
But the road was far from over. During my annual gynaecology visit, my doctor discovered a large lump inside my uterus. Concerning factors were the sheer size of the lump and its placement (under usual circumstances, a lump like this is located on the uterus wall, making removal easier – but in my case it was in my uterus, making removal more risky). Being a breast cancer survivor and a diabetic patient added to my risk factors, so my gynaecologist and oncologist agreed that the best course of action would be hysterectomy.
On May 25, 2020, I underwent my hysterectomy. The prayers from various churches enveloped me, and I give God all the praise and glory for guiding me through yet another trial. God’s presence was undeniable throughout my journey, sending angels to support me along the way.
On September 29, 2020, during a consultation with Dr. Ramdas, I received the words I had longed to hear: I was cancer-free. The Lord’s mercy and grace had carried me through, and my heart swelled with gratitude.
Yet, the battle wasn’t entirely over. On October 6, 2023, I met with my new oncologist, Dr. Karen Motilall, who, along with Professor Benn, recommended another operation: a wide local excision of a breast sarcoma to ensure that any tiny lumps were benign. The procedure, though successful, was a severe test of my physical, mental, and emotional strength. This new chapter is fraught with uncertainty, but my resolve has never been stronger. I will continue to fight, to heal, and to trust that God will see me through, just as He has done before.
Reflections and Inspirations
I have always believed that like many cancer survivors, I am a living testimony. Every time I come through a major life challenge, I learn more about who I am and become a stronger woman because of it. With my renewed health, I strive to be a better person than I was yesterday. This path requires me to trust that the Lord’s purpose for my life has not yet been fulfilled. I have been put here on Earth to encourage and inspire, and I remain hopeful. God knows how this chapter of my life will end. I remind myself every day to allow the process to unfold and not be afraid to fear the unknown.
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Preparing for Breast Cancer Surgery: What You Need to Know with Dr. Tammaro
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