‘BRAVE’ is a word that truly encapsulates 62-year-old Dianne Hofland. For decades the Durban North resident has been a shining ray of hope for cancer patients across the province, as she is living proof that the debilitating disease is not a death sentence. Since her first diagnosis in 1991, Hofland has battled and overcome the disease a staggering three times.
As a young professional dancer Hofland’s life seemed bright. Her talent had taken her across the world and her healthy lifestyle had driven any thought of disease from her mind. But, six weeks after the birth of her first son, Hofland’s world crumbled as doctors diagnosed her with aggressive stage four breast cancer. The 38-year-old single mother was told that she would not live to see her son’s second birthday.
“I remember thinking that I was too young to be diagnosed with cancer. I could not believe what the doctors had told me. I had lived such a healthy and active lifestyle. I never drank and never smoked but there I was, staring death in the face. I did not really grieve for myself. I felt that I had lived a full life. I had travelled to Antarctica, Europe and China, swam with penguins and had done many other incredible things, but who would look after my baby? He was my inspiration. The one thing that kept me going was my son. I knew that I had to overcome this disease for him,” she said.
A determined Hofland braced herself for surgery, six cycles of chemotherapy and radiation. The treatment, which was only implemented to extend her life as much as possible, soon took its toll on the once vibrant and lively woman. As with most cancer patients, the therapy robbed her of her strength, hair and dignity, but she persevered, and despite the doctors’ original prognosis she went into remission.
“At 40 I threw a really big party. Most woman feel sad when they reach that age, but I was thrilled to be alive,” said Hofland.
However, her celebrations would be short-lived. One and a half years later she was once again diagnosed with cancer when her general practitioner noticed a lump in her neck during a routine checkup. He immediately called for a biopsy of the lump. That was the longest week of my life – waiting for the results. And then to find out that it was in fact malignant was devastating,” said Hofland.
After the second diagnosis she had to endure surgery and 12 cycles of chemotherapy. “Once again I lost all of my hair, including my eyebrows and eyelashes.
“My arms were badly bruised from the needles, and finding a vein was a constant painful battle. Additionally I was sick and tired all the time. After eight cycles I had had enough. I wanted to refuse further treatment, but the hospital staff persuaded me that I needed to try every possible avenue so I persevered,” she said.
After more than a year’s treatment she once again went into remission, and would remain cancer-free for 16 years.
In 2011 Hofland decided to go for a free screening at the Comrades Marathon, where she sold beads for charity. Devastation and disbelief quickly sunk in when a lump was once again found in her chest. But after the third diagnoses Hofland still refused to give up.
She endured more gruelling therapy with the aim of beating the disease that had consumed her life for decades. Family and friends were both astonished and thrilled when she beat the aggressive cancer for a third time.
She has been in remission for over two years and has managed to retain her thirst for life. While juggling responsibilities as a business owner she has taken the time to inspire others though inspirational talks. “I think it is important for people to know that cancer is not a death sentence. A lot of it is in the mind. With a positive outlook and faith you can achieve anything. The aim is to keep busy and find a great support system,” she said.
This year Hofland will also be assisting CANSA with their annual Shavathon fundraisers. Her aim is to raise awareness and to encourage early detection of the disease.
