WHEN Charmaine Bateman was diagnosed with stage three cervical cancer earlier this year, her first thought was to be strong in her faith that she will soon beat it.
But, for the 31-year-old mother of Montclair, life has taken a turn for the worse after she lost her mobility, and can no longer work to support herself and her family.
The single mother of two girls, aged seven and two, is now hoping for assistance from the community for some basic necessities.
Bateman, a Grade R teacher at a school in Umlazi, said she had visited her doctor after she experienced abnormal vaginal bleeding in July last year.
Despite the doctor giving her medication to stop the bleeding, she said it continued over the past couple of months.
“In January this year, I decided to seek a second opinion. I was referred to a local hospital and upon them doing an internal check, I was told that I needed to do a biopsy. The results came back in March. I was devastated when the diagnosis was cancer,” she said.
Bateman said she started chemotherapy soon after. She said while the tumour has shrunk by June, there has been no changes over the past couple of months.
She said her life, however, completely changed when the left side of her body went completely numb in September.
“It happened so suddenly. I remember I was in bed, and I could not move the arm or leg. I initially thought I was having a stroke, and was rushed to hospital. After the necessary scans were done, it was found that while I did not have a stroke, the tumour had in fact grown and was pressing on a nerve that runs through the leg.
“While my arm has returned to normal, my leg has not and I can no longer stand up or walk. I have since started radiation and I am now waiting for my next appointment in December to find out if the chemo and radiation was a success,” she said.
Bateman said her only hope is to be able to walk again.
“I am ready to fight this cancer, and I continue to pray each day. But, all I want to do is walk again. I want to be able to return to work so I can take care of my family.”
Bateman said she appeals to the community for assistance.
“I have lost half my income. It is difficult trying to take care of our needs at home, and my personal needs as the cost of these items are very high, which I can barely afford. Any form of help will be appreciated,” she said.
Some of Bateman’s needs include linen savers, large adult diapers, maternity pads, and groceries, among other goods.
If you would like to assist, contact her on 084 074 0162 or via email, charmainebateman673@gmail.com.
Alternatively, any cash donations can be paid directly into her bank account: C Bateman, Bank: Standard Bank: savings, account number: 10063122039, branch code: Montclair.
For more from Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also follow us on Instagram.
