TO bring Breast Cancer Awareness Month to a close, a patient from Umzinto, who is still fighting the battle against cancer, is brave to share her story and struggle to the community of Amanzimtoti.
In September 2017, Boomieamal Govender (60), who is affectionately known as Mogie, was prompted to examine herself after listening to a cancer awareness programme on a local radio station.
Upon finding a lump in her breast, Govender then went to her local hospital to conduct a CT scan which came back positive. Govender then had to undergo surgery to remove her breast, and was then stuck in a wait to receive chemotherapy.
Finally in May 2018 she underwent her first chemotherapy session. The subsequent three sessions all rendered Govender experiencing different effects.
“Not a pleasant feeling,” said Govender. “It was hell. My pillar of strength was my husband, Jackson. He stood with me through thick and thin, day or night. He was there for me 24/7 keeping me comfortable.” Govender’s husband is the most instrumental person in her battle against cancer, and who helps her maintain positivity.
In addition to the tumultuous time since her diagnosis, Govender also lost her mother earlier this year, in the midst of her cancer treatment which took a bigger toll on her.
“I fought grief and cancer together. My husband helped me through this too,” added Govender.
Govender’s husband will continue to be her rock as she is set to go through radiotherapy sessions in November.
Another source of strength for Govender was Sue van Rijsbergen, the nursing manager at Khanya Hospice. Govender stated that Van Rijsbergen had a lot of advice for her during her treatments.
“Without her, my road to recovery wouldn’t have been smooth,” said Govender.
When asked to give some advice and words of wisdom for those going through similar situations, Govender said: “God first, as my husband and I always seek in him. Be positive, never allow people put your spirits down, listen to your inner self. I listened to my husband who never gave up.”