POLOKWANE – Beverley-Ann Ross and her husband, Leon, met when they were both young and now, almost 50 years later, they face their biggest challenge so far in their marriage. Leon was recently diagnosed with primary bronchus carcinoma with associated lymph node metastasis, in other words, cancer.
“I have a lump as big as a tennis ball in my lung and it has spread to my lymph nodes,” Leon explained.
“In 2008 I had a tumor removed from my leg after which I received radiation but this time around they cannot simply operate to remove the cancer as it has spread to my lymph nodes.”
Beverley-Ann said she noticed a change in Leon’s behaviour over the past few months before the diagnosis and suspected something might be amiss.
“After he went on pension in March he was full of energy and did some work around the house, fixing everything. Lately he is very tired and does not have a lot of energy. He also has a persistent cough and has complained about nausea and lightheadedness. He also lost a lot of weight and periodically lost consciousness.”
There is no history of cancer in Leon’s family except for his grandfather who was also diagnosed with cancer. This is why, he explained, the doctor said it was unusual for him to get another primary cancer, different from the first one.
Leon worked as a technical workshop manager at a local car dealership for the last six years before his retirement. After his retirement money became tight as they lost most of their savings after they stood security for a family member who failed to keep their payment commitments. As a result, they had to cancel their medical aid contributions.
“We have no assets and the family member who defaulted on their payments cost us the money we had saved up for our retirement. The radiation therapy needed to treat Leon’s cancer will cost more than R54 000 which means we will have to cash in on his pension. We might even have to sell our home,” Beverley-Ann said.
“With the radiation therapy I have a 99% chance to heal completely but without it, the doctors estimate I only have six months to live,” Leon explained.
While we talk, Beverley-Ann’s hand rests on Leon’s arm and at times tears well up in her eyes. “I battle to sleep. I keep my hand on Leon’s shoulder throughout the night to make sure he is still breathing and I am terrified he might stop breathing if I fall asleep.”
Their daughter and four of the five grandchildren are also part of the conversation as they are a close-knit family.
“My father is out of the country and his father died a month ago. Oupa is the only father figure I have. I want him to walk me down the aisle on my wedding day,” said Leon’s eldest granddaughter, Jacqui van Aarde. Her brother, Hennie, added it is unfair for his grandfather to suffer if there is something that can be done to treat him.
Leon’s daughter, Lee-Ann van Aarde says there are still so many things they want to do together.
“It’s different when you suddenly lose a loved one, now that we know what is coming we try to do everything in the six months left to us. We still have so much to learn from him.”
Beverley-Ann said time is of the essence for Leon’s treatment. “If everyone can just give a little, we might get enough to pay for the necessary treatment.”
Banking Details to pay money into:
Hercules Malan Onkologie
Nedbank
Cheque account
Account number: 1411 389 387
Branch code: 141148
Referal: MR L Ross MO2110
