Theresa Engelbrecht, Team Member
10 year survivor.
Diagnosed: 2000, Age: 46
"THE JOURNEY IS MY REWARD"
In 2000 I counted my survival blessings - not only did I survive breast cancer, but also all the relevant treatments…mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation and a hysterectomy. I lost life as I knew it…lovely, carefree and utterly ignorant of the illnesses of the world, but I soon realised that that there was more to the world than just ME – Theresa – there was a world that I could gain from, learn from and dive into with new eyes and a new approach.
What I lost was terrible and so scary at the time: my marriage fell apart, my husband had an affair with my best friend while I had my treatment, I lost my security, my cat, my house, my ‘friends’ and my right breast… it was all about ME.
What I gained was the exposure to other people with similar problems; I discovered what positive energy really was about, real friends, support, gestures of love and prayers and a world where people cope by simply being with what has happened to them. The realization of GOD’s hand in everything and that I have a purpose on earth – a purpose to give; give of myself, my time and my energy to people who is in need, because I am blessed and I have the time to share it.
So after 9 years (Oct 2009) it was not a small shock when the cancer showed it signs again and gave me stage 4 metastatic breast cancer which has spread to my lungs.
We ladies all have our monthly ‘off time’ where we are allowed to feel heightened emotion and tiredness. The time of my treatment is my “time off” where I am allowed to take time slowly and show my true emotions. Previously I never acknowledged these feelings. I decided the only way to face it, is to deny it and not to show how I feel, but now I learned that I am human and I am a woman and I am allowed to show my emotions and that every day is not a beautiful day.
I stopped working so hard at putting my feelings aside, smoothing things over and ignoring my needs. I learned that my body and soul are connected and I cannot look after the one and deny the other. So, now I take care of both and treat it with respect. I laugh and play more, smile and trust my instincts and I see need and possibilities, and I can make a difference in other women’s lives and it is good for ME.
