Local teacher speaks out about surviving breast cancer

In light of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Advertiser spoke to a breast cancer survivor, Madeleine van Baalen.

Madeleine’s cancer nightmare started in May 2014 when she discovered a lump in her right breast.

“After discovering the lump I decided to go for a mammogram even though a doctor advised me to wait for a year,” Madeleine said.

The teacher from Hoërskool Oosterlig then had to go for a biopsy. A tumour was discovered and she had to decide between removing the tumour, having a mastectomy or double mastectomy.

“I chose to get a double mastectomy as my mother had a mastectomy twice within five years. It was a wise decision as 16 sleeping cancer cells were discovered in the left breast. This would’ve caused problems in the future,” she said.

Unfortunately, Madeleine’s journey didn’t end after the operation took place on July 21, 2014.

“Doctors thought it would be safe to go on a boat trip to celebrate my 40th birthday. However, the wounds grew bigger and started to leak. I needed surgery again and I lost the prosthesis. Doctors eventually had to use my own tissue for the reconstruction,” she explained.

In September 2014 an oncologist confirmed that it was phase two cancer and chances of recovery were very good.

“I got Zoladex injections every five years and had to take Tamoxifin daily. I completed the treatment and I’m healthy now, but doctors are still monitoring my health,” she said.

She said the support she got from family, friends and members from the Hervormde Kerk Parkrand was invaluable during this difficult time.

“This is a battle you can’t win on your own,” Madeleine pointed out.

Her message to women is, “Look after your health and don’t delay self-examinations. Diagnosing cancer early doesn’t necessarily save breasts, it saves lives! Make time for relaxation, eat healthy food and stay active. Thank God for your health. Your family is precious, cherish them. Remember, your life is precious.”

The RSSA and BISSA encourage all women to start regular mammography from the age of 40 and to continue with it every year until age 70, regardless of whether they have symptoms or have an abnormality.

Women should regularly check their breasts for any irregularities and have a clinical breast examination by a GP or gynaecologist at least once a year. Any abnormality, regardless of age or family history, warrants an immediate medical consultation with a healthcare professional.

According The Cancer Association of South Africa’s website, breast self-examination (BSE) should be done once a month during ovulation (preferably at the same time of day).
Futhermore, they explained how to do a self-examination:

In front of the mirror

• In front of a mirror, check for any changes in the normal look and feel
of your breasts, such as dimpling, size difference or nipple discharge
• Inspect four ways: arms at sides; arms overhead; firmly pressing hands
on hips and bending forward.

Lying down

• Lie on your back with a pillow under your right shoulder and your right
hand under your head.
• With the four fingers of your left hand make small circular motions,
follow an up-and-down pattern over the entire breast area, under the
arms and up to the shoulder bone, pressing firmly.
• Repeat using right hand on left breast.

While bathing

• With your right arm raised, check your right breast with a soapy left
hand and fingers flat using the method described under step two. Repeat on the other side.

Also Read: Be part of Breast Cancer Awareness discussion

Also Read: SPAR supports breast cancer survivors with generous donation