13 October 2016
coastal
WEEKLY
NEWS
Breast Cancer Breast cancer survivor tells her story
13
ADVERTORIAL:
Physiotherapy post breast cancer or reconstructive surgery
WITH breast cancer being one of the most prevalent types of cancer found among the female population, we are seeing more patients receiving various types of breast surgery including mastectomy (removal of the breast), partial mastectomy, lumpectomy followed by reconstructive surgery. Physiotherapists provides treatments for post breast cancer or reconstructive surgery. Most patients do have some form of discomfort post surgery. The effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment can also influence the effects of surgery leading to more stiffness, weakness and lymph oedema (swelling). Common symptoms after surgery Some of the most frequently felt symptoms post-breast surgery include the following: · Stiffness around the shoulder and limited movement of the shoulder · Swelling of the arm on the affected side · Surgery scar that is painful and stiff · Skin that is pulling on the arm on the affected side (cording) · Altered sensation of the skin · Severe headaches · Decreased neck and thoracic movement. Physiotherapy treatment after breast surgery aims to restore movement of the shoulder, neck and thoracic area. Physiotherapists also help to improve the condition of the scar by decreasing stiffness and swelling and helping to regain mobility. Careful treatment is also given to reduce the discomfort of cording and to assist the patient in managing swelling of the affected side. Physiotherapists understand that to lose a breast or part of it can be extremely traumatic and emotionally devastating, not to mention the fear of being diagnosed with cancer. Treatment is done in a safe, comfortable environment and is formulated to suit individual patient because each operation is different. - Supplied.
ANDILE SITHOLE
F
INDING out that you have breast cancer can be a shock and a set back. A Tongaat mother and grandmother shares her experiences with the Weekly. Joyce Govender (63) was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997 at RK Khan Hospital at the age of 40. She went for a surgical procedure (lumpectomy) to remove an underarm lump near her right breast. “I was diagnosed at RK Khan Hospital in 1997 in Chatsworth. When doctors told me that I had breast cancer, I was very upset and depressed because I was under the impression that cancer is a death
sentence. “I wept and prayed in hospital. I had surgery on my right breast and an underarm lump was removed,” she said. She told the Weekly that she has become a living testimony in her community as she defeated breast cancer in its early stages. Govender is spreading a message of hope to senior citizen clubs in Belvedere and encourages other residents to go for regular cancer check-ups to the clinic. Despite all challenges she encountered in her life, she is now volunteer raising breast cancer awareness in Tongaat. “I offer counselling to people regarding breast cancer. My inten-
A breast cancer survivor’s strength KALISHA NAICKER
T
HE mother of two, 58yearold Dixie Woolley, says it is only with the support of her family, espe cially her daughter Jolene, who kept pushing her to fight when all she wanted to do was give up, that she was able to beat breast cancer, twice. Woolley found the first lump by acci dent in 1998 while getting dressed for work. “I felt an aching lump where the
underwire of my bra was and when I turned sideways I could see a it protrud ing. It was the size of a bantam egg. “I went into ostrichwithitshead inthesand mode for three weeks until it ached quite a bit. As I didn’t have med ical aid, a friend of a friend was an onco logist at Addington Government Hospi tal and I got to see him.” Woolley had a needle biopsy and mammogram done and was diagnosed with breast cancer in her right breast.
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ing theatres were not functional at the time I had to go to Albert Luthuli Hospi tal for a double mastectomy, with no re construction.” Woolley went home five days later and got on with her life as normal. Wolley’s message to those going through what she went through: “Take it day by day and find someone who will support you and help carry you through because it is not easy. To remind herself what she has con quered Woolley had a tattoo of a pink ribbon done on her shoulder.
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She went for a lumpectomy, radio therapy and six sessions of chemo and then told she was in remission. However, 14 years later, Woolley dur ing her annual mammogram, discov ered a lump in her left breast. “I had a sonar and had to get a biopsy done pri vately, funded by my sister in America, because Addington Government Hospi tal didn’t have one biopsy needle then. It came back positive for breast cancer again – stage two this time. “I started chemo two months later at Addington Hospital. As their operat
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“Breast cancer is not the end of the world and people must not lose hope. Prayer changes everything and you can overcome anything if you have faith as little as a mustard seed. “I am so glad that I can be a living testimony and set an example that life goes on despite all obstacles I encountered in my life,” she said.
Joyce Govender is a breast cancer survivor and encourages people to stay positive.
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tion is to give people hope and encourage them to live a positive life. I started doing counseling a year after I found out that I had breast cancer. “Perhaps the support that I received from my family and friends is what motivated me to be optimistic and conquer the disease. “I go for checkups every year to Mediclinic Victoria Hospital in Tongaat and the results so far have been have been good. I can say with no doubts that I am a breast cancer survivor,” she said. In 2010 she was one of the volunteers at Verulam Regional Hospice participating in community outreach projects.
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