Frieda Henning - Rider & Managing Director.
5 year survivor.
Diagnosed: 2005. Age: 54.
I WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
I feel so humble and grateful to take part in the Journey of Hope. When cancer knocks on your door, a new day is not just another day you have to get through. Every day, every week, every month, every year is a celebration of life! By taking part in the Journey of Hope, I would like to share this message of celebration and hope with others, to encourage them to make the right choices for their own health’s sake! I would also like to make a difference by creating awareness of the importance of breast health.
I was diagnosed with 3rd stage breast cancer in July 2005. At the time, I was in the corporate world in a management position, doing a lot of traveling locally and abroad. I was wearing the shoes of a Businesswoman. I have always had a very healthy, active lifestyle, have never smoked. I also had no family history of Breast Cancer.
I was in a public place when I got the call from the doctor, telling me: “I’m sorry, the lump in your breast is malignant”. I felt so alone, so frightened, so helpless! My husband was away on business and was only coming home in three weeks’ time. But, I realized… I have God with me! He is here to give me strength, to take my hand.
I had a mastectomy, immediate reconstruction, 12 shots of chemo and 30 radiations. I went through the whole “feeling bad, losing the hair, eyelashes, eyebrows thing”, but made a decision to enjoy this “journey” by making lot’s of “me” time, by being positive, by planning for the future and by encouraging others who walk down this road with me.
My journey with reconstruction was another challenge. My body rejected prosthesis implants twice. In February this year a Tram Flap operation (where one’s own tissue is used to form a breast) was successfully done. Five reconstruction operations later, I finally completed my journey to wholeness! I do not have to hide my breast behind a scarf or jacket any more. What a blessing!
Although the last four years were tough in many ways, it has in fact been a very special time in my life. I have realized how much my family and my friends mean to me. I see the world through new eyes. My priorities have changed so much!
I am now wearing a new pair of shoes (much more comfortable than the ones I used to wear). I see myself as an instrument in the hands of our Creator. I do not know what God’s plan is for my life, but I do know that whilst I am healthy and strong, I want to make a difference! I want to touch other people’s lives. Most of all, I want to be in His will for my life.
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