It’s common to be anxious when a doctor breaks the news about your illness, but cancer survivor, Marietjie Esterhuizen, believes that the shock is what messes with the mind.
Speaking at a recent cancer meeting hosted by the Chatroom West Rand at Westview Clinic in Florida, she encouraged other survivors and patients to study the illness first before throwing in the towel about their lives. “If you get the diagnosis of cancer, take time out and come to terms with the diagnosis by doing research about the treatment protocol you have to follow. And when you’ve decided on treatment, find the doctors that you are comfortable with,” she explained.
Marietjie also encouraged those who are currently battling cancer in the closet in fear of public scrutiny to come out and talk about their conditions. “You’ve got to talk about your condition and never seclude yourself from your family and community,” she said, reminding the patients that cancer is not contagious.
After the session, the members of the Chatroom bade farewell to the venue. The forum has taken a decision to move to a much bigger and more central venue at the NG Kerk Constantiakruin, on the corner of Yolande Drive and Liebenberg Street, where the next meeting will be held on 8 September.
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