World Cancer Day: Through the eyes of a survivor

WORLD Cancer Day, which takes place on February 4, was initiated to create awareness and encourage prevention, early detection and treatment of the disease.

Also read: Calling north Durban schools to be colourfully kind for CANSA

Escombe resident Jackie Muller said she was in denial for almost two years before she finally got the lump in her breast examined. She wants to encourage anyone who may be going through a similar situation to not procrastinate and seek medical attention immediately.

“I was first diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in 2021, two years after I discovered a lump in my left breast. I have a family history of cancer. I was scared and in denial and put off getting examined until I basically had to,” she said.

A year before that, Muller was retrenched, so financially, she was in no position to afford a private facility. She decided to make an appointment with CANSA Durban in uMbilo where she was told she needed a mammogram.

“CANSA arranged with Reach For Recovery, and my mammogram was done. I had to wait for a month until free mammograms were being offered as money was very tight. I had to then get into the public healthcare system for more tests and treatment. I was sent to Albert Luthuli Hospital where I feel I was treated better than a patient at a private institute,” she said.

Then came the diagnosis that Muller had stage three breast cancer and needed to have eight chemotherapy sessions. She started the first one a few days after her 40th birthday.

“The nipple area on my left breast was sunken, and the skin was loose. I was also tired. Luckily, the cancer had not spread, and together with the help of my family who has been my support system, I started chemo and got through it,” she said.

After chemotherapy, the lump had shrunk immensely, but it had not disappeared, so Muller was scheduled for a mastectomy to her left breast and breast reduction to her right breast, followed by radiation in 2022.

“I was an emotional wreck before surgery as it was the first surgery I had ever been to in my life, but I got through it. Now, the struggle is finding employment and a way to keep my home-baking business thriving. I still go for check-ups every six months, as well,” she said.

Muller added that her entire journey not only took a toll on her but on her family, too.

“Hardly anyone actually stops and thinks about a cancer patient’s family or support system when this is all going on. Let me tell you, it isn’t easy on them. This experience has taken a mental and physical toll on my partner and children. It has also affected us financially as I could not run my home-baking business as I was often ill after chemo and then the surgery,” said Muller.

“I just want to say to people to seek help as soon as they can, and for those who check in on patients after chemo sessions or surgery, check in on the family, too. It’s tough on them, too,” she added.

For more information about cancer and the early warning signs, visit www.cansa.org.za

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