I was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 1998. Working as a banker at that stage, I knew nothing about cancer, except that it was a killer.

I suffered from womb complications since the age of 15.

When I turned 40 I decided to get a second opinion and a general check up, The doctor suggested a Pap Smear. When the results came I was told I had cancer, but that it can be removed.  This came as a shock to me.  We had a family doctor who never suggested a Pap Smear.  Anger and frustration boiled in me. I had mixed emotions because of lack of knowledge.  My husband was unemployed for more than 4yrs already and  I had 2 teenagers – one in college and the youngest was still in High School.  My whole life was now turned around.

I had my operation shortly after that and 3 months later when I went for a checkup the tests confirmed tumors on both ovaries.    The Oncologist suggested a hysterectomy.  In our culture, when you loose a womb, you are stigmatized that you are not a complete woman.  I needed strong faith to overcome this trauma. My in-laws negatively influenced my husband, who began to physically abuse me.

After the surgery, I also had to deal with post menopausal symptoms  I knew nothing about. My medical bills were piling up. I had a financial strain, because my medical aid became exhausted, but I had to be strong for my kids’ sake.

Twenty months after my surgery, my husband died of a heart attack.  I struggled with depression which led to a minor stroke.

Five years after my surgery, my mom at 74 was diagnosed with a rare cancer.  She had no medical aid.  My family had to face another trying time.  My survival convinced everyone that my mom would survive too.  She survived for 5 years but on the 8th of July 2009 we lost her to a stroke.

I am 52 years old now and living my life to the fullest.  “Life is a jigsaw puzzle” (full of challenges) but we can overcome everything by the grace of the Lord.  It is a privilege to understand that everything happens for a reason or purpose.  The Lord stood by me and gave me strength.

Today I am grateful to know that “cancer is not a death sentence”.  I’m still alive, and blessed with six grandchildren, including a set of twins.  I’m hoping to make a difference in people’s lives.

Looking forward to motivate and encourage the disadvantaged and People Living with Cancer in South Africa.