People Living with Cancer » Ann Steyn http://plwc.org.za PLWC website and blog Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:53:24 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 en hourly 1 Ann Steyn http://plwc.org.za/blog/2009/06/24/ann-steyn/ http://plwc.org.za/blog/2009/06/24/ann-steyn/#comments Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:23:32 +0000 jana http://plwc.org.za/?p=795

Diagnoses:  CA Breast

August 22nd 1990 is a date I will remember. It was a date that changed my life;   because Cancer entered that life bringing with it fear, and uncertainty —– except for the certainty of change.

I learnt to say words like mastectomy, prosthesis, lymphoedema. I learnt what acceptance really means, and how important support is.

I was fortunate in having a wonderful caring and supportive family and friends.

Especially important was the support and encouragement received from other breast cancer patients. They helped me accept the changes that cancer brings, — the fear of death, the changed body image.

After a diagnosis of cancer your life is never the same. I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to get my priorities right and my life in order. I have been able to make the changes in my life instead of only thinking about them.

Being diagnosed with cancer is like being on a rollercoaster! Once you are on you have no control. There are ups and downs, frightening corners, twists and turns. But with time and support an even keel is reached.

In 1992 I decided to train as a Reach for Recovery Volunteer to help other women and their families as they traveled the cancer road.

With the backing of my caring husband this work has become an important part of my life. Through it I have meet wonderful brave, warm and fun people. I have learnt so much from them. and my life has been enriched. All this because of Cancer!

Last year on February 2nd 2006 Cancer decided to pay me a second visit. I can’t say I was ready for it, and it still had the ability to shock us all and cause fear and uncertainty again. I had to learn new words :- chemotherapy, Taxoterre, Herceptin, radiotherapy, — new challenges to face.

The journey from diagnosis to survivor is one that is filled with many challenges.

Survivor! – a word that brings hope, courage and the promise of to-morrow.

I am proud to be a Cancer Survivor.

Email:  debbies@mweb.co.za

PLWC Board Member

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