Death came to mind, says cancer survivor

Death came through my mind and I thought I was going to die. These were the words of 61-yearold stage three breast cancer survivor, Teresia Muatabu Tokona.

Originally from Tokatoka, Tailevu, Ms Tokona shared her cancer survival story with the staff and management of Colgate-Palmolive (Fiji) Limited at their office in Wailekutu, Lami.

While sharing her story, Ms Tokona said she was thankful to God for giving her confidence to go through the tough times she had faced. “I was diagnosed with stage three cancer in April, this year. I had noticed blood coming out from my bosom,” she said.

“I thought it was just a discharge and did not know it was cancer.

She said after two weeks of dressing, the doctor had referred her to SOPD centre where she was diagnosed with the stage three cancer. “I had 84 days and four cycles of chemotherapy.

“After two cycles, the doctor and nurses at the oncology department had informed me they could not do chemotherapy. I asked them what was wrong and they informed me that my white cells were very weak.

“I suffered hair loss. My taste buds had changed and my body had changed.

“I could not be with my grandchildren and had to send them to the village for precautionary measures.

She thanked her family for their support and said her family had always been by her side and supported her during this time. “I thank the Fiji Cancer Society for their services such as providing transportation from home to the hospital and back during my clinics.

“I also thank my husband for always supporting me. If it was not for him, I would have been gone.