Nomgqibelo talks about breast cancer
Nomgqibelo Shabalala (39) from Duduza is one of the breast cancer survivors in Kwatsaduza.
She is the mother to two boys aged five and 15 years.
Nomgqibelo was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 after she visited a doctor following finding a lump in her breast when examining herself at her home in Bluegum View section.
After the doctor at the N17 Hospital broke the sad news to Nomgqibelo in September, she says she thought her life was as good as over.
It was after few weeks when she came back to her senses and sought for all the help that she needs.
She met the Reach for Recovery support group for breast cancer.
Despite not having information about the disease, Nomgqibelo’s family was very supportive of her after she told them about the cancer.
Finding a support group was one of the important things that made Nomgqibelo know that she is not alone and she can fight and win the battle against the disease.
“I was lucky that the lump was found at an early stage and now I am confident to say that I am cancer free,” says excited Nomgqibelo.
Adding that she visits the doctor every six months.
Nomgqibelo’s last check up was in June and she will now see the doctor in November for another check up.
Speaking about the challenges that most people face when recently diagnosed with breast cancer, Nomgqibelo says they become terrified because they do not know what to do and where to get help.
“Not knowing what to do, where and how to get help were the things that terrified me the most,” she says.
She encouraged young girls to test for breast cancer and get education about the disease.
Nomgqibelo said with the group of other breast cancer survivors from KwaThema, they visit Pholosong Hospital on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to educate people about breast cancer.
If you live in KwaThema and need more information about breast cancer, visit the breast cancer support group next to KwaThema Hall at office number four.
