RICHARDS Bay Medical Institute (RBMI) and Abraham Oncology celebrated the start of Cancer Survivor Month with a festive celebration for their very own cancer survivors and warriors.
Survivors were invited to an informal function at RBMI during which oncologist Dr Smitha Abraham lauded them for their courage and encouraged them to share their stories of hope. She said the purpose of the day was to celebrate their milestones.
‘It’s about celebrating each and every one of you, your wins, your battle, your journey.’
She added that the day also served to recognise and thank all those who have supported the cancer warriors along the way. This includes their friends and family, their chemotherapy nurses, doctor, even the radiology staff – just to recognise and say thank you to them as well.
Dr Abraham emphasised the importance of sharing survival stories so as to inspire and motivate others, and also spread awareness.
‘Recognise your milestones in your journey. Remembering your cancer journey can trigger bad memories, but also remember how you were and look at how far you have come,’ she said.
Dr Abraham also spoke about the power of positive thoughts.
‘It is a dreadful thing to be diagnosed with cancer, but sharing a positive story about how you overcame it is important to give others inspiration that they can also do it. Also take time to reflect. Journal, share your journey on Facebook, or talk to friends and family.
‘In observing Cancer Survivor Month, sharing these stories and creating awareness is so important because early detection and treatment can save lives. Please share and spread your stories!’ she said.
After enjoying coffee and sweet treats, everyone headed outside to release purple balloons as a symbol of letting go of all the hardships they had to endure.
One of the most powerful resources in the community is the stories told by cancer warriors and survivors. It not only inspires others, but helps spread awareness and support. Here are two such stories:
‘Cancer can be beaten’
Phumzile Msibi (52) from Ulundi battled and overcame breast cancer. When she was first diagnosed with cancer, she says she was very afraid, thinking it was a death sentence.
‘When Dr Malonas told me I had cancer and needed my breast removed, I cried because I thought I was going to die,’ she says.
Phumzile underwent chemotherapy, as well as radiation treatment at RBMI.
‘Through the help of my doctor, I survived. I fought the disease by following all the instructions from my doctor. I want to thank God for giving me another chance to live. I also want to thank my doctor, Dr Abraham and the RBMI team. Also my colleagues, my kids and my family, and I will never forget my church, AFM White House Assembly, for the support they gave me,’ she says.
Today she is cancer-free and only goes for regular check-ups to make sure she is healthy. Phumzile advises others to do regular check-ups to detect cancer as early as possible.
‘If you do have cancer, just go and get treatment – don’t listen to other people who have bad things to say about chemotherapy,’ she says, ‘Cancer can be beaten.’
‘There is life after cancer’
Thanks to RBMI, I got my life back, says Thabisile Khanyile (55) from Ulundi. She was diagnosed with cancer on her left ovary in October 2017. In the November she began chemotherapy.
‘My journey was difficult because of the side-effects of losing hair, itching, and severe nausea, she remembers. But I survived.’
Today she is in remission and only has to go for a check-up every six months.
‘I thank God for healing me and am most grateful to Dr Smitha Abraham for her love and care.
‘She knows all her patients. She even fights with our medical aids for payments.’
Thabisile’s advice to others diagnosed with cancer is to be positive, to follow the doctor’s instructions and to respect the dates of their doctor’s appointments.
‘There is life after cancer.’
The JMH management team, staff and Doctors are committed to providing World Class Radiotherapy Services to the community of Richards Bay and Zululand. We will strive to serve the community by offering exceptional, qualitative service and pledge to stand by your side through your journey of healing. We are survivors! Hospital Manager, Eugene Anthony
