She can’t wait to hit the dancefloor again
Two years of constant pain and uncertainty about what was wrong has come to an end for Nelmari de Beer (24), following the successful implant of a bone allograft.
The slim, blonde woman explains how her misery started in 2014 with a severe pain in her side. She was initially diagnosed with and treated for irritable bowel syndrome. When the pain didn’t subside, she went back to the doctor and was diagnosed with appendicitis. But the removal of her appendix didn’t solve the problem and when a large red spot appeared on her thigh, she was referred to an oncologist for a bioption and further tests.
“This was an extremely traumatic time for me and my family. At my age, the last thing one wants to think about is the possibility of cancer. I’m the youngest of three children and my mother took it particularly badly. Fortunately the results of the bioption came back negative for cancer, but there was a serious infection, which was eroding the bone and there was a real danger of losing my leg,” says De Beer.
“The specialist explained to us that the most effective solution was a bone allograft implant, which would help the diseased bone heal in time. Although the thought of another operation really scared me, the pain was excruciating. I was constantly tired and I had no zest for life left. I would have done anything just to feel better.”
The operation was a resounding success and after six weeks of intermittent stays in hospital the doctor gave her a clean bill of health. Although De Beer still has a bit of a limp, she said she feels like a new person. “I still have to take things slowly, but I really look forward to the day that my boyfriend and I can hit the dancefloor again.” He was just 19 when doctors told him he had osteosarcoma in his left shoulder. It was 2003 and Ryno du