Dealing with cancer has shown me my untapped power

“AT FIRST I was numb, driving home alone, tears rolling down my face and trying to absorb the news. In a flash my life had changed. My doctor told me that they had detected a lump in my breast. It was cancerous. I didn’t know what to think or how to feel. It was surreal.

“A month after being diagnosed with breast cancer I had a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. That was the start of many visits to the hospital. I am divorced and a single mum to four teens. Being in hospital constantly is tough, drain- ing and emotionally depleting for the kids and I. Because I’m not allowed to drive after surgery for a few weeks and my support structure is non-existent, I’ve had to come out of anaesthesia with no family there. I’ve had to take Uber taxis to and from hospital on icy cold early winter mornings and nights. My cancer has changed me. It’s robbed me of a part of my soul and being. Cancer fatigue is a daily fatigue like no other. It makes being a single mum tough. But I’m the type who does overcome hurdles and obstacles, and feel very much strengthened through this adversity, mentally.

“To be honest, when one has looked mortality in the eye, fickle fears fade away. I don’t think I have any fears left in me. I am winning my cancer journey solo. And it’s been a tough journey to walk through alone. Now I have no fears. My kids are my blessings who looked after me. I live for them. I have a zest in my soul to live and love.”

(Naadia Bodhanya, Johannesburg)