I could never have endured what I have come through happily, without my faith.
After 4 Caesars and the tragic loss of our 2-year-old son in 1969, we got through this tragedy without receiving counselling.
I was diagnosed with Myocarditis – inflammation of the muscle of my heart. During Covid people were dying from this condition. The Cardiologist was so busy, and I wanted to talk to him, so he arranged for me to be taken to the tearoom in a wheelchair and we had coffee together! I was in hospital for a month and with the correct medication pulled through.
In 2008 I was treated for Polycythaemia where the red cells were proliferating, and I have lived on oral chemotherapy for the last 18 years. The count shows that the condition is bordering on Myelofibrosis which is being handled by a Haematologist, and I so enjoy awaiting the result each time I see him.
Whilst living in Hermanus in 2017, I was having chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer. At the same time my husband had five heart attacks and a knee replacement but together we got through this. Each time I went for my chemotherapy treatment I would buy myself a new T-shirt, a yogi sip drink, a magazine and a chocolate to enjoy while I sat and chatted to the other patients whom I loved meeting. The staff were so kind and caring that I used to look forward to the sessions I had there. My diagnosis was
triple negative, aggressive breast cancer which only occurs in a minority of patients. The staff used to call the chemotherapy medication “The Red Devil” so I had some beaded angels made and handed them to everyone saying that the treatment is now called “the red angel”. My son had a small statue made of a red angel which is still in the treatment room. Happily, after 9 years I am cancer free.
Whilst having an Angiogram, an artery was inadvertently ruptured which resulted in serious bleeding. Nobody took much notice of my alarm in ICU, so I requested to be moved to a Ward. I was then rushed to Theatre where 8 specialists and nurses worked on blocking the leak. Family had been summoned and a minister was called but here I am to tell you the tale that with a positive outlook and a belief you can get through
anything.
My husband passed away in December last year, having survived 11 heart attacks and I am adjusting to my single life with the support of friends, my strong faith and a positive outlook.