Magda Geldenhuys, Rider.
2 year survivor.
Diagnosed: 2007. Age: 55.
Positive thinking helps cure cancer
In October 2007 I was diagnosed with lobular carcinoma. It came as a sock at first but a challenge in the end. I’m a very active person. In 1999 I received my Springbok colours for cycling and in the same year I got my motorcycle license. At that time I never realised that I would one day be able to use my experience with cancer together with my experience as a biker and travel the country to educate people about breast cancer.
I was the first member of my whole family to have been diagnosed with cancer, that’s why it came as a shock, but I am a survivor in my own right. From an early age, I had to survive without a mother. Ever since, I have survived everything that was thrown my way.
I discovered the lump myself. I was busy practicing for the Amashovo Cycle Race in Durban, when I discovered the dent in my breast in the shower on the morning of 31 October 2007. The tumour and my lymph nodes were removed on the 22nd of November 2007. I started the 35 radiation treatments on 14th January 2008 and completed my radiation at the end of February 2008. And 3 days after that, I completed my 13th Cape Argus Cycle Tour, without any training! For me, that was the best thing I could do, because it gave me purpose, it gave me my life back. In April I started with chemo. 11 days after my first chemo I lost all my hair. I nearly cried my eyes out the morning before I phoned my hairdresser. And that was the last. With my willpower, survivor’s instinct and my strong belief in God, I was so lucky not to have missed a single day from work since starting my treatment. My sole aim is to show and tell people with whom I interact that there is hope for those with breast cancer. You just have to stay very positive, believe that you will get better, take one day at a time, and live a healthy life.
I am a Senior Sales Executive with the airfreight company Berco Express, but during weekends I am a full-time farmer. I farm with olives and run an olive tree nursery. I try to live a full and healthy live every day. I think that was why I did so well during my treatment. There is no time to think of the negative aspects in life. I’m a very positive person and I like to work and play in a positive world. I am also married with two children and two grandchildren.
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