Breast cancer month of October has ended and for many people it will fade into a distant memory, but for the brave women who have fought and are still fighting the disease, the reality remains.
Barbara Marufu from Gweru is one of the few lucky women who have fought and won the battle against breast cancer.
Below she chronicles the vicious battle which robbed her of one breast and saw her undergoing numerous sessions of chemotherapy.
In 2003, I experienced some pain from one of my breasts which I could not understand. I was later diagnosed with breast cancer.
After numerous referrals and a lot of counselling, mastectomy [removal of the breast] was done upon the recommendation of an oncologist.
Following the surgery, I was given six cycles of chemotherapy and managing the side effects was a huge challenge.
It’s an experience one would never want to go through again or wish anybody to go through.
Throughout my treatment, my husband Alex was there for me. We would travel to St Annes Hospital (in Harare) every 21 days for the chemotherapy sessions. He would be present while I took the four to five hour drugs into my body. He stood with me the whole way.
- Trial of novelist Tsitsi Dangarembgwa resumes
- Out & about: TGIF breast clinic opens in Nigeria
- Out & about: TGIF breast clinic opens in Nigeria
- Understanding childhood cancers
Keep Reading
With his encouragement, I completed the difficult task of chemo.
‘My family was supportive’
My family was extraordinarily supportive, including our beloved four daughters. After the treatment phase, I loyally adhered to the recommended regular check-up and reviews from the surgeon and the oncologist.
In November 2012, during one of my routine checks, the oncologist confirmed that some of my underarm lyphnodes were enlarged. I was referred to the surgeon once more for a biopsy (taking a sample of cells or tissue for examination) to determine the cause.
The histology (study of cells/tissues) confirmed a recurrence of cancer on me again. I had to go through another four cycles of chemo. The third and fourth sessions were really bad on managing side effects but once again my supportive husband, family friends and the church were there for me.
Some of the known side effects of chemotherapy include fatigue, pain, sores in the mouth and throat, diarrhea and vomiting and even blood disorders.
I decided to stop chemo and defaulted on four last sessions. I followed a totally different school of thought. I was mentored through trusting in God for total healing, going on a prescribed diet and getting the necessary rest.
Recent PET (positron emission tomography) scan results indicated there are no more cancer cells in my body.
I thank God for my healing. I am now six months into this new lifestyle and I am fit and strong. I eat right and I get the necessary rest and I am back at work. Of course my wardrobe has changed from size 44 to 38, but I have a chance to talk to people about breast cancer awareness.
