#BreastCancerAwarenessMonth: My faith in God helped me defeat cancer – survivor shares her journey

AS we commemorate National Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, Michelle Tatchell is hoping to inspire others to remain positive by sharing her journey of being diagnosed with Stage 2 Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) three years ago.

Tatchell (53), of Wentworth, said despite being diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer, she remained confident that she would defeat it through her faith in God, and she did.

Tatchell said she decided to seek medical advice after feeling a lump in her left breast in April 2020.

Also read: ‘Cancer-vivor’ shares her journey

“It was like any other day. I was watching TV with my daughter and felt this lump. I went cold and knew instinctively that something was wrong. The next day, I went to the doctor for a checkup, and when he felt the lump, I saw the concern on his face.

“A day later, I had a mammogram, which was followed by a biopsy after a few days. It was quite nerve-wrecking waiting for the results, however, when the doctor informed me that the results were positive for breast cancer, a sense of calm fell over me. I knew that God had me,” she said.

The mother of two said throughout her treatment, which included chemotherapy, a double mastectomy and radiation, she had a great support structure.

“It was not easy as chemotherapy was quite harsh. I lost my hair, including eyebrows and eyelashes, and gained over 10kg due to the steroids that are given to help strengthen you. I will forever be grateful for my amazing friends and family who stood by me,” she said.

Tatchell, a primary school teacher, said she has been in remission since December 2020.

Also read: Why early cancer detection means better upfront treatment

“That was the best news I could have received. However, I now have scans every four months, just to ensure that all is still well. These can be daunting as it always stays in the back of your mind the possibility that the cancer has returned. However, I don’t dwell on that because my faith in God helps me through my ‘scanxiety’,” she said.

Tatchell said she encouraged women to do self-examinations.

“Cancer does not discriminate; it can affect anyone. If you feel anything suspicious, go and check it out. Do not be afraid to find out; cancer is not a death sentence, and the sooner you know, the sooner you can start treatment and the sooner you can be cancer-free. You should also get your mammogram done timeously,” she said.

Tatchell added that her advice to people currently fighting cancer is to not give up.

“Keep on fighting until the beast is defeated, and always keep your faith in God. It does get better,” she said.

Tatchell, a member of the Merewent Cancer Association, encouraged those in need of support to reach out.

Also read: Cancer management and treatment available at public healthcare centres

“Our organisation does great work in the community. However, there are many organisations that are willing and able to assist those who need support.

“I also encourage the public to support cancer organisations and their fundraising initiatives. We are linked to CANSA, so all fundraising that we do helps towards the fight against cancer,” she said.

For more information on the Merewent Cancer Association, contact Thila Miller (chairperson) on 082 772 6076.

Here are some breast cancer early signs that you should look out for:

• The size or shape of the breast changes.
• A lump in a breast that is hard to the touch.
• The nipple changes in appearance, and it may become sunken or inverted.
• A rash around or on the nipples.
• One of the nipples has a discharge – sometimes it may contain blood.
• The nipple may have started to peel, scale or flake.
• An area of thickened tissue in the breast.
• Pitting or redness of the skin of the breast, like the skin of an orange.
• A pain in the armpits or breast that does not seem to be related to a menstrual period.
Source: PinkDrive

How to do a breast self-examination:

• Put one hand behind your head. Using the other hand, use three fingers and start from under your armpits, go in the form of a six, in circular movements, around the breast until you get to the nipple.
• Then using four fingers (not the tips, the fingerprint) move in circular motions from your collarbone to under your breast and from side to side.
• When you have done the one breast, remember to do the same for the other breast.
• A self-examination of the breast should be done once a month.
Source: PinkDrive

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