I survived breast cancer… so can you
"I thought it was the end of the road for me. I asked myself, why is this happening to me of all people."
POLOKWANE – Breast cancer is one of those diseases that completely changes your life when you are diagnosed. It comes when you least expect it and proceeds to drain every bit of energy that you have.
For most, the fight continues long after remission as those who have suffered, support those who continue to suffer and vice versa.
For Mirriam Makgato, her life also changed in 2012 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. A month later she had a masectomy and then started radiation and chemotherapy, which she endured for three months.
“I thought it was the end of the road for me. I asked myself, why is this happening to me of all people.”
Support is vital: it is how cancer patients get through their days as well as their treatment
For Mirriam it was the support of her family, friends and colleagues that changed her attitude towards her diagnosis. “If you don’t accept your situation, you will never get through it.”
Once Mirriam had acceptance things became easier. She saw it as the beginning of another journey in her life, which she got through by the grace of God.
Mirriam had an easy chemotherapy experience, unlike many people who suffer from it. She only experienced hair loss and a darkening complexion.
“My advice to women and men, is to have mammograms done annually. Early detection saves lives.”
As with any journey, sharing her cancer journey is important to Mirriam. She says if you do not share your journey, you keep all your feelings bottled up and there is no outlet for it.
“Your family cannot support you and give you love if they don’t know what is wrong with you.”
Mirriam frequents Cansa events in Polokwane as it keeps her positive, knowing that she is not alone. It is a means for people to share their experiences and give advice to others in similar circumstances.
Mirriam wishes for more events to happen in Polokwane. “It would be nice to have monthly meetings and support groups.”
When asked about how her attitude changed her mindset towards her treatment, Mirriam says it allows her to look positively into the future. As with any diagnosis Mirriam had to change her lifestyle and eating habits, but that added to her experience and she says it helped her get through her treatment. “I am lucky that since 2012, my cancer has not returned and I am clean, but I am now able to share my story with other people and encourage them to not give up. Hopefully I can offer them hope.”
