Letting life mark you
Rashida Patterson says that her scars are a constant reminder of how privileged we are to be alive.
Discovering you have cancer is not a death sentence, says breast cancer survivor Rashida Patterson, 43.
“The scars I carry are a stark reminder of how privileged I really am to be alive. Losing my breast to cancer did not make me less of a woman. When it happened to me I was ashamed at first and withdrew from society. I eventually made peace with it, moved on, recovered and have been cancer-free for more than six years.”
When Rashida discovered a small lump in her breast in 2009, the two doctors she consulted told her it was a milk clot.
When the lump grew bigger, she visited a third doctor for an opinion in 2010. He took x-rays and did a biopsy for the tissue to be analysed.
The results were 'benign' indicate the lump was not malignant.
Rashida nonetheless decided to have the lump removed and the doctor who did the operation submitted it for tests which detected the presence of cancer.
“When I received the news I did not know what to do and was initially devastated. My daughter Cherizaan, 22, and close friends supported me in getting assistance to deal with the issue.”
Rashida started chemotherapy in 2010, underwent a mastectomy and the reconstruction of her breast commenced in 2011.
“The chemotherapy was a painful experience. I opted to cut my hair in advance in order to avoid the trauma of having to lose it due to the treatment. I also had to undergo radiation treatment and another set of chemo. I was on medication for five years, but the rest is now history.”
Rashida says she was fortunate to have a medical aid that covered the hospital and treatment costs while her friends were always prepared to lend a helping hand.
“The spirit within me and the acceptance of my journey is how I overcame my fate. Today I am feeling healthy. I am no longer sick and I live for every day. Do not allow cancer to get the better of you and don't be scared. Rather act immediately and fight it. Surround yourself with positive people, eat healthy and get active.
The longer you wait the more serious it will become. Women are a proud species and we must not allow things to put us down - we need to do things for our own interests. God won't put us in situations that we cannot handle.”
Rashida is willing to advise other women and share her experience with women in similar situations. She can be contacted on 081 250 8501.
OTIS FINCK
“The scars I carry are a stark reminder of how privileged I really am to be alive. Losing my breast to cancer did not make me less of a woman. When it happened to me I was ashamed at first and withdrew from society. I eventually made peace with it, moved on, recovered and have been cancer-free for more than six years.”
When Rashida discovered a small lump in her breast in 2009, the two doctors she consulted told her it was a milk clot.
When the lump grew bigger, she visited a third doctor for an opinion in 2010. He took x-rays and did a biopsy for the tissue to be analysed.
The results were 'benign' indicate the lump was not malignant.
Rashida nonetheless decided to have the lump removed and the doctor who did the operation submitted it for tests which detected the presence of cancer.
“When I received the news I did not know what to do and was initially devastated. My daughter Cherizaan, 22, and close friends supported me in getting assistance to deal with the issue.”
Rashida started chemotherapy in 2010, underwent a mastectomy and the reconstruction of her breast commenced in 2011.
“The chemotherapy was a painful experience. I opted to cut my hair in advance in order to avoid the trauma of having to lose it due to the treatment. I also had to undergo radiation treatment and another set of chemo. I was on medication for five years, but the rest is now history.”
Rashida says she was fortunate to have a medical aid that covered the hospital and treatment costs while her friends were always prepared to lend a helping hand.
“The spirit within me and the acceptance of my journey is how I overcame my fate. Today I am feeling healthy. I am no longer sick and I live for every day. Do not allow cancer to get the better of you and don't be scared. Rather act immediately and fight it. Surround yourself with positive people, eat healthy and get active.
The longer you wait the more serious it will become. Women are a proud species and we must not allow things to put us down - we need to do things for our own interests. God won't put us in situations that we cannot handle.”
Rashida is willing to advise other women and share her experience with women in similar situations. She can be contacted on 081 250 8501.
OTIS FINCK
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