Nelly Ndwambi, Rider
13 year survivor.
Diagnosed: 1996. Age: 58.
I am 58 years old and a breast cancer survivor. I was born in Johannesburg and grew up in Mafikeng. One of my sisters was diagnosed with breast cancer and has passed away.
I am married to a wonderful husband and have four amazing children. My two oldest boys are employed already; my daughter is studying medicine at the University of Cape Town and my youngest son is in Grade Nine.
In 1995 I felt concerned about a lump in my left breast. However, the doctors insisted that it was an accumulation of breast tissue from my pregnancy two years earlier. I relaxed for a while but the lump, although not painful, was impossible to ignore - especially when creaming myself after a bath. I went for a second opinion and in 1996 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. This was a traumatic experience as, from my lack of knowledge, I assumed that cancer was a death sentence. It worried me that my then 9-year old daughter and 3-year old son would grow up without a mother. I underwent a mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy.
When I was clear of the tumour and in remission, I was introduced to a support group where I learnt more about breast cancer. I underwent their training session and qualified as a voluntary counsellor to counsel pre- and post-operative breast cancer patients on their expectations and concerns. I also began volunteering at the breast clinic in Baragwanath hospital on Wednesdays. Once again I was counselling the patients and making them aware of their dietary intake and the importance of Breast Self Examinations.
I am currently focused on an awareness project funded by The Breast Health Foundation. My role is to give presentations to various communities on breast cancer. I give talks at churches and school to educate those with the same lack of knowledge that I had about cancer; early detection, treatment and coping mechanisms. My work means a lot to me as I feel that I am giving back to the community. At times I even feel that I have revived people’s fighting spirit.
I currently lead a full life, which means regular exercise and being cautions with my diet. I beat breast cancer!
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