Cancer survivor’s story: ‘It is a visitor, this is not its body’
A cancer survivor tells her heroic story arguing one can stand up and fight.
Zandile Ndlovu (43) is a breast cancer survivor and now advocates to spread awareness about the disease.
In 2021, Zandile found what felt like a lump in one of her breasts. She then decided to go to a clinic for a check-up. Consequently, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her treatment journey started soon thereafter including chemotherapy and undergoing multiple surgeries. Eventually, both of her breasts had to be amputated.
The treatment was described as agonising and she explained it affected her physically and emotionally.
“The chemotherapy drained me. I constantly felt worn out. It was unbearably painful. The veins in my left hand died due to the amount of chemotherapy I endured. I was so angry during that period of my life that I found myself asking why it had to happen to me?” she shared.
Her mother had told her that cancer is hereditary in their family and 10 family members have had some form of cancer, including her uncle who passed away in 2017.
Even though her experience with the treatment was intolerable, Zandile recovered and is now stronger than ever. She finished her chemotherapy recently and received news from the doctors that none of her vital organs were infected.
She now devotes her life to raising awareness about cancer and also strives to bring motivation to those who have been diagnosed.
“It is important to do regular check-ups at the clinic. Accept the support during the scary times and keep your loved ones close to you. Cancer is treatable and you can fight it. Cancer is a visitor, this is not its body,” she expressed.
