Women are synonymous with strength, but finding out you have cancer when you’re in your 20s can dampen the spirit of any formidable woman – that’s exactly what happened to Innocentia Mahlangu. The 24-year-old mother from Tsakane in Johannesburg shares her story.
I first suspected I had breast cancer in 2014 when I found three lumps in my left breast. I went to Johannesburg General Hospital for check-up and that’s when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was very hard for me and I cried a lot. I was so depressed and very emotional to a point where I thought I would die. I even told myself it’s time for me to die.
Right now I cannot say that I’m cancer-free because I was first on chemotherapy and now I’m on a pill (tamoxifen) for five years. I started taking it in February this year.
I didn’t have a stable support system, but my sister Promise, Sis’Musa and my grandmother Florence Shabangu stood by me through my tough time.
To other cancer patients out there: listen to your doctors and take the treatment properly. Especially women – always check your breasts and if you suspect anything unusual consult with a doctor immediately.
