The 61-year-old mother said the problem started while she was still working at Pick n Pay a couple of years ago.
“I used to suffer from a perpetual headache on a daily basis.
“The situation got worse. I then decided to seek medical attention and the doctors told me that I had high blood pressure.
“However, I couldn’t believe that was the real cause of the headaches and suspected that there was more to the story,” said Toka.
Toka’s condition became worse, such that she couldn’t even go to work.
Given her situation, Toka then consulted a doctor at Medicross Centre before she was transferred to Netcare Sunward Park Hospital, where it was finally found that she was suffering from a brain tumour.
“Hearing the doctor saying that I have a brain tumour, at that moment I wasn’t scared because I knew God would be with me in this challenging period,” she said.
Toka added that the doctor told her that her brain tumour was at stage four.
“While I was at the hospital theatre, the doctors cut my head in half…took out something resembling a big white ball from inside my head.
“Even though I was numb, I could see everything that was happening in the theatre.
“I live to tell what I went through at that moment.
“As they were cleaning my head, I would ask God to heal me completely as I had so much faith in him, regardless of the situation I found myself in,” said Toka.
She claims that the doctors told her that after the operation there was a possibility that she could be paralysed.
“After the operation, there were other operations and check-ups she had to undergo.
“I was wheelchair bound, couldn’t even bathe myself as I couldn’t do anything without being assisted.
“The doctor said I shouldn’t be alone in the house as I might fall and there could be severe damage to my head.
Throughout the process my financial state was deteriorating due to the medical costs.
“Being faced with such a challenge I did not allow any negativity from people to put me down.
“My family, friends and colleague supported me throughout the difficult situation.
“Now there’s no threat of cancer anymore. It wasn’t an easy road but I’m glad I have recovered,” said Toka.
According to Toka she has now fully recovered and she can now walk and do other things that she couldn’t do before.
“The doctors said my speedy recovery was a miracle, because they couldn’t believe how it happened.
“I would like to advise people who are going through the same situation to always stay positive and trust in the Lord.
“People must stop feeling pity towards those affected by any disease. They must just be supportive and be there when they are most needed,” Toka said.
On September 4 Toka held a thanksgiving ceremony, where she thanked God for the wonderful work he has displayed through her.
Honouring breast cancer survivors
