“My journey of hope”
Being diagnosed with cancer is a devastating rollercoaster of emotions; a journey which not only changes the body but also character, dreams, goals and that which fills our lives.
Seven women share their journey of hope, the lessons they've learned and their dreams for the future.
Tanya Schietekat lives in Otjiwarongo and was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 39. “The moment I was told I have cancer, I felt dumbstruck, a feeling of “who, me?”
The journey through treatment was a rollercoaster of emotions and physical changes. As the months passed, there was always a new challenge to overcome. But today my cancer is in remission.
My message to fellow Namibians fighting the disease is firstly to have a positive mind shift towards your diagnosis. Once that is done, 80% of the fight is won! Also, take things day by day. Remember that you are now the most important person and you want to survive this.
You need your rest, not stress. Take comfort in your safety blanket, your family and friends. With a great support system in place, you will be able to travel this road. God gives enough light to see the next step and that is all you need.
It is a slow and arduous road to recovery, but to me it was a life-changing experience and definitely worth it.
Cancer teaches you to love and appreciate life and to not take it for granted. I am thankful for my second chance and see it as God working through me to inspire hope to those who are still running the race.”
Bonita Roux lives in Windhoek and was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 31. “The journey through treatment was tough and scary, but also encouraging and has lead me to be brave and significant. I am a superhero with super survivor super powers and today my cancer is in remission.
My message to fellow Namibians fighting cancer is “you are so much stronger than you think! Be brave, be a warrior, live and have fun because none of us know if tomorrow will come.”
Beatrice Kaoseb was diagnosed with cervical cancer at the age of 40. “I was scared and shocked when my gynaecologist informed me that I have stage II cervical cancer. He assured me that with treatment, I will be OK. I was referred to the Namibia Oncology Centre to start my treatment in March 2016. The treatment included six weeks of daily radiation and chemotherapy once a week. I didn't know what to expect during the treatment and was worried about my two daughters, age 17 and 18, who lost their father in 2008. I was scared and could only think that I was going to die.
During the second week of treatment I became ill and I was in and out of hospital. The worst part was the side effects of the radiation. I was not well-informed on what radiation really is. At the end of my treatment, I was very ill and admitted to intensive care for post-radiation damage to my bladder and uretra which resulted in renal failure and total incontinence.
As a result I was unable to work from March 2016 to August 2016 and I lost 22 kilos.
In November 2016 I went for a scan and it revealed the cancer was back. I couldn't believe it. In March 2017 I decided to go for a PET-scan in Cape Town. All the glory to God! No cancer was detected, so I am currently in remission.
Due to damage to my bladder, I had to undergo a urostomy procedure which is permanent. It was not an easy decision as it entails a whole lifestyle change to wear urostomy bags.
My message to fellow Namibians, especially women, is to make sure to have your Pap smear at least once a year. Cancer is not a death sentence. I want to encourage family members to lend your support to cancer sufferers. Treatment can make you miserable, feel drained and loose hope. I got 100% support from my family, my colleagues and my employer, FNB Namibia.”
Lynette van Wyk lives in Mariental and was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 49.
“The moment I was told I have cancer, I was alone and it did not really register. On my way back home, I thought how I was going to share the news. Tears ran down my cheeks. I decided to send SMSs to my family, my husband and children, my mom, brothers and sisters.
Prayers meant a lot and carried me through and my faith grew stronger. Through chemotherapy, I met a lot of people who were travelling the same road as I was. We supported each other and shared advice. After completing the chemotherapy, I had a mastectomy of my left breast in September 2013. Today, four years later, I'm in remission.
My message to fellow Namibians fighting cancer is to keep the faith, stay positive and in prayer, live healthy and never give up! I am a surviving, living example of what can be endured and overcome.”
Kania Vlok lives in Windhoek and was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 46.
“I was in hospital when my surgeon came in to break this terrible news. I asked him if the drip I had on can be taken out. His answer was 'no, not immediately'. All I wanted and needed to do, was to run, fast and far. It was fight or flight, I wanted to run!
My gynaecologist came to see me that same evening, confirming the news. I was sure I was in a twilight zone somewhere!
The journey through treatment was sometimes not nice, difficult, emotionally up and down, feeling sick, feeling better, negative, positive, miserable, but also life changing.
By Jesus Christ's wonderful grace and mercy, I chose to stay positive and fight, to get up after falling. I chose life!
Today my cancer is back, but under control. I had ovarian cancer in 2015 and breast cancer in 2016. This year, the ovarian cancer reoccurred. I'm currently on chemo pills, because I had a terrible allergic reaction to the IV-chemo after two and a half years of chemo. The chemo pills are working and my cancer marker blood count is coming down.
My message to fellow Namibians fighting cancer is not to be too hard on yourself. Take your day step by step, eat healthy, rest a lot, exercise a bit if you can, listen to your body, be positive and avoid stress. Surround yourself with positive people and make contact with fellow cancer patients, especially the ones who have the same cancer as you have. Talk about yourself and your cancer, you don't have to suffer alone. Keep on fighting the good fight!”
Alicia Alwesia Kahiha was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer at the age of 36.
“The moment I was told I had cancer, it felt like it was the end of everything. Being the first person in the family with cancer wasn't easy at all. The journey through treatment was so tough. I was in South Africa for almost two months for the treatment all by myself. However, the support of family and friends helped me to overcome everything. Cancer made me a strong woman who can deal with any tough situation that comes my way. Cancer is a curable disease if diagnosed early. Being diagnosed with cancer is not the end of the world. Go out, have fun, talk to people who have been through it, join support groups. Life does go on!”
Barbara Nyathi lives in Windhoek and was diagnosed with cancer in 2009 at the age of 30.
“The moment I was told I have cancer, I felt numb. I couldn't believe someone so young, healthy and at the prime of her life could have cancer. The journey through treatment was not gruesome, as I had endless support from the medical staff, my family and friends who were there for me and with me all the way. Today my cancer is in remission. My message to fellow Namibians fighting cancer is to not give up or be resigned to your condition. There is life after cancer. This is not your whole story, but just a chapter to prepare you for greatness.”
• [email protected]; www.can.org.na
Seven women share their journey of hope, the lessons they've learned and their dreams for the future.
Tanya Schietekat lives in Otjiwarongo and was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 39. “The moment I was told I have cancer, I felt dumbstruck, a feeling of “who, me?”
The journey through treatment was a rollercoaster of emotions and physical changes. As the months passed, there was always a new challenge to overcome. But today my cancer is in remission.
My message to fellow Namibians fighting the disease is firstly to have a positive mind shift towards your diagnosis. Once that is done, 80% of the fight is won! Also, take things day by day. Remember that you are now the most important person and you want to survive this.
You need your rest, not stress. Take comfort in your safety blanket, your family and friends. With a great support system in place, you will be able to travel this road. God gives enough light to see the next step and that is all you need.
It is a slow and arduous road to recovery, but to me it was a life-changing experience and definitely worth it.
Cancer teaches you to love and appreciate life and to not take it for granted. I am thankful for my second chance and see it as God working through me to inspire hope to those who are still running the race.”
Bonita Roux lives in Windhoek and was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 31. “The journey through treatment was tough and scary, but also encouraging and has lead me to be brave and significant. I am a superhero with super survivor super powers and today my cancer is in remission.
My message to fellow Namibians fighting cancer is “you are so much stronger than you think! Be brave, be a warrior, live and have fun because none of us know if tomorrow will come.”
Beatrice Kaoseb was diagnosed with cervical cancer at the age of 40. “I was scared and shocked when my gynaecologist informed me that I have stage II cervical cancer. He assured me that with treatment, I will be OK. I was referred to the Namibia Oncology Centre to start my treatment in March 2016. The treatment included six weeks of daily radiation and chemotherapy once a week. I didn't know what to expect during the treatment and was worried about my two daughters, age 17 and 18, who lost their father in 2008. I was scared and could only think that I was going to die.
During the second week of treatment I became ill and I was in and out of hospital. The worst part was the side effects of the radiation. I was not well-informed on what radiation really is. At the end of my treatment, I was very ill and admitted to intensive care for post-radiation damage to my bladder and uretra which resulted in renal failure and total incontinence.
As a result I was unable to work from March 2016 to August 2016 and I lost 22 kilos.
In November 2016 I went for a scan and it revealed the cancer was back. I couldn't believe it. In March 2017 I decided to go for a PET-scan in Cape Town. All the glory to God! No cancer was detected, so I am currently in remission.
Due to damage to my bladder, I had to undergo a urostomy procedure which is permanent. It was not an easy decision as it entails a whole lifestyle change to wear urostomy bags.
My message to fellow Namibians, especially women, is to make sure to have your Pap smear at least once a year. Cancer is not a death sentence. I want to encourage family members to lend your support to cancer sufferers. Treatment can make you miserable, feel drained and loose hope. I got 100% support from my family, my colleagues and my employer, FNB Namibia.”
Lynette van Wyk lives in Mariental and was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 49.
“The moment I was told I have cancer, I was alone and it did not really register. On my way back home, I thought how I was going to share the news. Tears ran down my cheeks. I decided to send SMSs to my family, my husband and children, my mom, brothers and sisters.
Prayers meant a lot and carried me through and my faith grew stronger. Through chemotherapy, I met a lot of people who were travelling the same road as I was. We supported each other and shared advice. After completing the chemotherapy, I had a mastectomy of my left breast in September 2013. Today, four years later, I'm in remission.
My message to fellow Namibians fighting cancer is to keep the faith, stay positive and in prayer, live healthy and never give up! I am a surviving, living example of what can be endured and overcome.”
Kania Vlok lives in Windhoek and was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 46.
“I was in hospital when my surgeon came in to break this terrible news. I asked him if the drip I had on can be taken out. His answer was 'no, not immediately'. All I wanted and needed to do, was to run, fast and far. It was fight or flight, I wanted to run!
My gynaecologist came to see me that same evening, confirming the news. I was sure I was in a twilight zone somewhere!
The journey through treatment was sometimes not nice, difficult, emotionally up and down, feeling sick, feeling better, negative, positive, miserable, but also life changing.
By Jesus Christ's wonderful grace and mercy, I chose to stay positive and fight, to get up after falling. I chose life!
Today my cancer is back, but under control. I had ovarian cancer in 2015 and breast cancer in 2016. This year, the ovarian cancer reoccurred. I'm currently on chemo pills, because I had a terrible allergic reaction to the IV-chemo after two and a half years of chemo. The chemo pills are working and my cancer marker blood count is coming down.
My message to fellow Namibians fighting cancer is not to be too hard on yourself. Take your day step by step, eat healthy, rest a lot, exercise a bit if you can, listen to your body, be positive and avoid stress. Surround yourself with positive people and make contact with fellow cancer patients, especially the ones who have the same cancer as you have. Talk about yourself and your cancer, you don't have to suffer alone. Keep on fighting the good fight!”
Alicia Alwesia Kahiha was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer at the age of 36.
“The moment I was told I had cancer, it felt like it was the end of everything. Being the first person in the family with cancer wasn't easy at all. The journey through treatment was so tough. I was in South Africa for almost two months for the treatment all by myself. However, the support of family and friends helped me to overcome everything. Cancer made me a strong woman who can deal with any tough situation that comes my way. Cancer is a curable disease if diagnosed early. Being diagnosed with cancer is not the end of the world. Go out, have fun, talk to people who have been through it, join support groups. Life does go on!”
Barbara Nyathi lives in Windhoek and was diagnosed with cancer in 2009 at the age of 30.
“The moment I was told I have cancer, I felt numb. I couldn't believe someone so young, healthy and at the prime of her life could have cancer. The journey through treatment was not gruesome, as I had endless support from the medical staff, my family and friends who were there for me and with me all the way. Today my cancer is in remission. My message to fellow Namibians fighting cancer is to not give up or be resigned to your condition. There is life after cancer. This is not your whole story, but just a chapter to prepare you for greatness.”
• [email protected]; www.can.org.na
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