Midrand resident survives cervical cancer, says women must constantly look after their health

As we bid farewell to Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, a Midrand resident and a survivor, Ilse Thomas shared her story to inspire many but mostly to raise awareness of the disease.

According to the Cancer Association of South Africa, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among South African women based on a 2014 research. Women have a 1 in 42-lifetime risk of cervical cancer, which is mainly caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus spread through skin-to-skin contact, body fluids and sexual intercourse.

Thomas had a hysterectomy in October 2004, which was initially for the removal of her uterus. “But my guardian angel ensured that my doctor was taken ill the night before and the operation, which included the removal of the cervix, was performed by a stand-in doctor. The cervix was sent in for examination as the doctor had a gut feeling something was amiss,” she said.

The results of the examination returned with news she had not expected. She was diagnosed with cervical vaginal cancer.

“The cervix was removed but the vaginal walls were left with cancer which cannot be surgically removed. The cervix had an extensive invasive well-differentiated mesonephric adenocarcinoma,” she explained.

Following numerous computed tomography scans to determine if the vaginal walls were invaded, her treatment began at the beginning of July in 2005. She said her oncologist Sally Bairstow from Sandton Oncology, had an aggressive treatment plan consisting of seven and a half weeks with weekly chemotherapy and a total of 37 radiation sessions.

“My lunchtime for those weeks was a radiation session Monday to Friday. The chemotherapy was on a Monday so that by the weekend I could get a break and try to recover somewhat. The last three radiation sessions were internal, and I cannot express how these sap you of the last bits of energy and dignity you may have had. Fortunately, I worked in Sandton at the time so the clinic was nearby,” remembered Thomas.

She said, during treatment, one is supposed to eat healthy to build up strength. However, healthy foods were not what she could keep in her body long enough. “The constant vomiting and upset stomach ensured that the food just passed through. My saving grace was eating white starch, rice, pasta, bread and mealie meal which was previously not part of my diet.”

She said cinnamon chewing gum helped with nausea and a good daily dose of Imodium was part of her handbag contents including wet wipes. “I lived quite a distance from work so I learnt where all the public toilets were along the route. Pit stops were also plenty, both to and from work.

“My treatment was during winter and with all the radiation, the skin between my inner legs started peeling away. I could not wear pants or pantyhose and I used a suspender belt and stockings. Quite sexy, but definitely not comfortable.”

Thomas jokingly said this was the best diet as she became a size eight from a 14, although not recommended. “I would rather be fat and healthy – which I am again – than thin and unwell.”

She went for six-monthly and then annual scans. Thomas said although the scans could show re-occurrence, they were not always conclusive and a biopsy was needed.

“I had had enough of hospitals and operations. During the course of July in 2006 to July 2008, I lost my step-father-in-law, my mother-in-law and my husband – all to cancer. I decided to give up on the scans and live knowing that in my mind I’m okay and don’t need the uncertainty of digging out the suitcase of bad memories once a year.”

She said the treatment was a ‘once in a lifetime’ and cannot be repeated. “It worked and I’m still here 13 years later. The guardian angel that God appointed for me, watches over me.”

Now aged 63, Thomas said the road to recovery is mind above matter. She encouraged women to look after their health and go for regular pap smears and cancer-count blood tests.

“Nothing is conclusive. Women must constantly look after their health and be on the lookout for signs and symptoms.”

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Also check out:

https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/201989/new-immunotherapy-annihilates-advanced-breast-cancer/

https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/192717/healthy-friday-processed-meat-cancer-south-african-perspective/