Elsje de Swardt, Rider
4 year survivor.
Diagnosed: 2005. Age: 43.
Once you choose HOPE, anything is possible.
I had decided to go for my 1st mammogram the year I turned 40. BUT, it was already too late. I was diagnosed with Grade 2 breast cancer at the age of 39. Not only did I think I was way too young, but there is no history of breast cancer anywhere in my family.
I was diagnosed on the 31st May 2005. A lumpectomy was done and 19 lymph nodes were removed of which one was malignant. 6 chemo and 33 radiation treatments followed. I have also been taking an estrogen suppression drug for the last 3½ years and will continue to take it until the end of 2010. The chemo treated me “well”. The thought of losing my hair was a big issue to me at first, but I later realized that if it was not for my hair falling out, I would have questioned the efficiency of the chemo, as besides tiredness, I had no other major side effects. The radiation, however, was another kettle of fish as I was constantly tired and wanted to sleep all the time. It was difficult for my whole family – my husband (even though he wouldn’t admit it), my parents and my sister. But as adults they understand that some things in life are not in our hands.
At the time our beautiful little daughter (6) and son (4) were still so young to have to deal with something like cancer, but it left a lump in my throat. Ironically they made me realize that I had to be strong and positive – not only for myself but for them. The way they handled the whole “cancer” situation, was an inspiration to me and I learnt a lot from them. Like the day Janél, then 6, and I went shopping. While trying some clothes on, my wig came off. This was almost at the end of my chemo treatment. Needless to say, I burst out in tears and just wanted everything to be back to normal. Janél came up to me, put her arms around me and said “Mamma, al het jy nie hare nie is jy nogsteeds mooi. Liewe Jesus gee nie om hoe ons lyk nie – hy kyk na ons hartjies”. We can learn so much from our children.
Your cancer will affect everyone involved in your life and everyone who cares about you. Remember that it is hard for them too, but also remember that it is cancer that is causing the problems, not you. You are a package deal, being part of their lives mean sharing the hard times as well as the happy ones. It means giving as well as taking.
Each of us survivors has a unique story regarding our paths with cancer. If I can give only one person in each town, that is currently in the position where I was 4 years ago, the hope and courage for their journey ahead, it will be worth the 2100 km’s on a Harley. I give all the glory to my Heavenly Father who carried me through the tough and difficult times when the road ahead was too steep for me. What better way to celebrate life than on a Harley ride through our lovely country, telling all South Africans that there is hope after breast cancer. It is a great honour for me to be part of the 2009 Journey of Hope team.
