Local Personality: Nthabiseng overcoming breast cancer at 18

There’s no other way you can face the fact that being diagnosed with cancer is an awful experience regardless of your age, race or gender. In commemoration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October Nthabiseng Gaolatlhe Kgote (22) promotes early detection of this disease and talkes about her her triumph over breast cancer, being pregnant whilst treatment and how to move on with life.

“An alarm went of in my ears, then I thought “it’s absolutely impossible, this can never be breast cancer”. I thought ‘cancer’ immediately when I felt the hump-like knot under my right breast because we were constantly told at school to regularly go for tests and how to do self-examinations and the importance of going to the gynaecologist. At the back of my mind I knew all the symptoms of breast cancer but I convinced myself and considered that since my periods were late it might be ovulation or pregnancy thus never spoke to anyone about it for almost two weeks.  During this time, everything seemed to be about breast cancer; from the radio, television, posters at school and everywhere around me. It was then that I just decided to stop turning a blind eye to a situation that might cost me my life”, is how Nthabiseng describes her first thoughts and experience with breast cancer.

…with all the support I got from my family and teachers, I realized life was not just about me, I had to be strong …

Nthabiseng was still in grade 12 when she went to Mogwase Medical Centre straight after school where she was assisted by Dr Ruth who discovered the lump and suggested she not waste any more time as the pain was starting to be unbearable and her breast swelled. “Dr Ruth referred me a General Practitioner, Dr. Omaje, who confirmed the lump and transferred me to hospital to get me properly checked. Reality hit me hard as the thought of being diagnosed with cancer crossed my mind, but with all the support I got from my family and teacher, I realized life was not just about me, I had to be strong, my fear for death and suffering made me not waste any time.”

Dr Oesthozen admitted and assisted her at Paglarea hospital and after a short conversation with Dr Oesthozen, the suspected pregnancy was also confirmed. “Indeed I was eight weeks pregnant, a huge health hazard for when diagnosed with cancer, especially with the treatments for cancer”, Nthabiseng tells.

“Although she was smiling reassuringly, the expression on her face was confirmation of my worst fears. “It’s not as bad as I thought it would be, you are still on the first stage, therefore we can still operate and remove the lump. We need to operate as soon as possible, don’t worry you’ll both be fine.” she said while trying to sound upbeat.  My feet collapsed under me, during this time my stress levels had accelerated sky-high; being diagnosed with cancer completely blew me away, and I was facing another crisis ‘teenage pregnancy’ – now this I couldn’t swallow at all!”

“After biopsy and a series of scans, I had the lump removed and as I opened my eyes the first words I heard were “ it’s okay baby-girl, the baby is fine as well. I wish you a speedy recovery”, this came from my dad (whose often stricter than my mom). Hearing this really made me release the heaviest breath ever; it was a relief as I had no idea how I was to break the news.”

“My life had changed completely from there on, I had a reason to live and a different perspective on life. I now know that I’m living proof that there is life after cancer and that early detection saves lives.

I’m living proof that there is life after cancer and that early detection saves lives.

Today I’m blessed with a healthy ‘super active’ baby boy (though I had to breastfeed him from my left breast that was cancer free), and I live a normal life, thanks to the right support system I received which lead me to making the right choices. Having gone through and surviving breast cancer taught me to realize the most important things in life is to acknowledge and appreciate everyday as it comes regardless of its challenges. After the success of my operation and being tested clean of cancer, I decided that all the shallow things I used to worry about aren’t worth it.

To all the young girls in and around Rustenburg who are diagnosed with cancer I urge you to know that you are bigger than any situation that you are faced with. We need to learn from our experiences, there’s no challenge we can’t overcome. In every obstacle there are choices and it’s only up to us if we decide to make the right decisions that will (at the end of the situation) build us or break us.

Women should not be complacent, but should come forward as soon as they notice strange changes in their bodies, starting by the time a girl is about to complete high school and/or varsity.

Lastly, I’d like all our youth not to be ashamed of their own bodies, examine, know, and understand your body so that  you’ll be able to quickly pick up changes should there be any. Visit your nearest Rustenburg or surrounding medical centre should you suspect something unusual.

Act Immediately, Don’t Despair, Don’t Delay!

Article: Tshireletso Malapile