How I survived cancer
WESTDENE – Louise Turner survived cancer despite the difficulties of dealing with the disease and she now inspires other women to do the same.
Louise Turner, who helps at the Helen Joseph Breast Clinic, was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2004.
“This was not a pleasant experience,” says Turner.
She had a biopsy done and had to return two weeks later for the results.
“A young student doctor called me into a room. She opened my file, looked at it and turned around and said ‘you have breast cancer and need to start chemo. Go to 495 and make an appointment’. That was it. I was stunned and did not even know what questions to ask,” she retells.
According to Turner, there was no one to provide support or information. She left the hospital completely clueless without a flyer or brochure to learn more.
Turner tells the story of how she fought this killer disease.
Q. How did you come out of it alive?
A. With a strong will to live, breast cancer would not get the better of me. I have a belief that the universe never gives you more than you can deal with. No matter how tough the road ahead looks, I will get to the end.
Q. What advice do they give to anyone dealing with cancer now?
A. This too shall pass. Get involved with a support group – cancer survivors that have experienced what you are going through. Don’t over Google. Only go to the reputable cancer sites. Make a list of questions you would like answers to and discuss it with your oncologist, pharmacist and surgeons. Take a friend or family member with you on your chemo visits.
Q. How does the threat of recurrence affect your life?
A. I don’t spend my life thinking about what if…it is pointless to worry about something that might never happen. And if it does materialise, then I will deal with it as and when it happens. I try and live in the now, appreciate my family and friends.
Q. What were the most difficult parts of surviving with cancer and going through treatment?
A. Treatment is hell. From being ‘healthy’ one day to being so sick from chemo the next that you can’t stand up. Losing you hair is another thing that many women struggle with and the surgery to remove or augment your breast.
Society does not realise that once the hair grows back after chemo, we as breast cancer patients still have a long road to recovery. The chemo and radiation has killed the cancer. Now the long journey starts to reconstruct our breasts. This can take up to four surgeries. Hormone therapy for five to seven years, depending on the type of breast cancer, may also be needed. There are also medically induced menopause chances irrespective of your age. It is a long road and you find the strength to go through each part of the way. You have to, no one else will do it for you.
Q. What treatment procedures have you had?
A. I had six cycles of chemo called ‘red devil’ – it definitely lives up to its name – a mastectomy and three reconstruction operations. I also had hormone therapy for five years. For personal reasons I also had an elective mastectomy in 2011 with immediate reconstruction.
For any information on breast cancer you may visit Helen Joseph Hospital Breast Clinic, open clinic every Wednesday, no appointment needed.
Other useful contacts:
Bosom Buddies – breast cancer support group 0860 283 343.
Buddies for Life – breast cancer magazine www.buddiesforlife.co.za
Breast Health Foundation – 0860 283 343 www.mybreast.org.za
Breast Care Centre of Excellence – Milpark Hospital 0860 233 233.
