How was my ovarian cancer diagnosed?

When I went to my gynaecologist in 2022, I hoped to discuss having another baby. But the examination took us in another direction. It resulted in my gynae suggesting further tests and scans - and my very unexpected diagnosed of stage 4 ovarian cancer. It took a while for the news to sink in. I couldn't believe that this was happening to me.

The diagnosis came less than a week before my son's first birthday. I cried for days. The hardest part was wondering whether that would be the only birthday I'd celebrate with him.

My husband has two teenage sons, who I call my 'soul sons' and who live with us. There was suddenly so much uncertainty for our three boys and us.

How did my ovarian cancer journey unfold into a cancer diagnosis three times over?

In 2022, I had major surgery, including a hysterectomy, followed by six chemotherapy treatment sessions. I kept wondering whether I would survive. I felt so unsure about what was to come and cried a lot. Six months after I started treatment, my scans came back clear, which was such a relief.

But during a check-up at the end of 2023, doctors found new masses in my abdomen. Tests showed that the tissues were cancerous and in 2024 I needed another 12 sessions of chemotherapy. I cried so much when I heard I had to go through gruelling chemotherapy again. At that point, just being alive hurt because everything felt so uncertain - again.

Despite going for chemotherapy for the first six months of the year, scans done at the end of 2024 showed that more cancerous tissue had developed.

I was very emotional at what felt like yet another setback. In 2025 I had chemotherapy every week for 18 weeks. When treatment started, I was worried that my body wouldn't cope with yet another series of chemo.

The chemotherapy left me exhausted. Some days, I could only walk from the bedroom to the lounge, but at least there I could be with my family.

Once I'd finished the 18 weeks of chemotherapy, I started on 'maintenance treatment' - and have now undergone immunotherapy every three weeks for almost a year.

My September 2026 scans showed I was still cancer-free, which was the best news.

Why is it having a multidisciplinary healthcare team so important when you have cancer?

When I was first diagnosed, I just wanted to get through treatment. Later, I realised how much I needed emotional support. When you have cancer, the mental battle can feel as tough as the physical one. There's so much trauma to work through and my psychologist helped me make sense of what I was experiencing.

In 2024, I also started researching how food could support my recovery and treatment. I found a dietitian who works with people having chemotherapy. She reviews my blood test results and advises me on food and supplements. Her guidance has made such a difference.

When I was struggling with weakness and pain, my GP recommended a biokineticist.

That's why I feel so strongly about a multidisciplinary approach. I need support for my body and my mind. I call these healthcare providers and my doctors "my team". Their interest in my overall wellbeing means so much to me.

How has my biokinieticist helped me regain strength post my cancer treatment?

Due to the many months of chemotherapy, I became weaker and found it harder to move comfortably. I had constant pain in my left foot and right knee. It often woke me at night, and sometimes I struggled to stand. I tried running and exercising again on my own, but afterwards every step hurt.

I thought exercising with my biokineticist would hurt too, but after a few sessions, the pain became bearable. The biokineticist has changed my life. Just feeling physically better and knowing there are exercises I can do safely, without hurting for the rest of the day, is wonderful.

I also appreciate my biokineticist for telling me when to stop! I'd keep exercising while I had energy, but she helped me understand not to overdo it to avoid being sore afterwards, and to allow myself to slowly get stronger.

How has Discovery Health Medical Scheme supported me through my cancer journey?

Discovery Health Medical Scheme has helped to fund my operations and cancer treatment, as well as consultations with my psychologist, dietitian, and biokineticist. The Scheme also pays for 80% of the cost of my ongoing immunotherapy.

There's a colourful painting of giraffes in the pharmacy at my immunotherapy practice. Whenever I go there to pay my share of the treatment costs, I look up at those giraffes and feel so grateful for everything the Scheme covers. I don't know how I would have afforded that myself.

For me, this cover has helped make life possible. It's given my family and me more time together, and I'm immensely grateful for that.

What has helped my family get through my cancer treatment?

My parents-in-law helped run our household, while my husband juggled work, school trips and hospital visits. Colleagues helped with meals, and my mom made the soup I could manage when I felt unwell.

I am a Christian and my faith has given me hope throughout. My son is now five. Every birthday, every Christmas, and every time he says "Mom, I love you" I experience a priceless gratitude that means more than I can say.

What is my advice to others who are going through cancer?

Let people be good to you. They want to help.

Don't be afraid to ask questions about your treatment and medical scheme benefits.

Look after your physical and mental health - both matter.

Plan things to look forward to and follow your dreams.

I love ball gowns. I took one on a recent family trip, hoping to be photographed among the Namaqualand flowers. Unfortunately, we missed the peak flowering season. But at the Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden in Worcester, I found beautiful flowers and a fallen tree that was still alive. A signboard read "Surviving against the odds". I knew then that this was where I wanted my photographs - yes, in my ball gown - to be taken.

Everyone's journey is different. Enjoy the good days, without waiting for the next scan to deliver direction or for your treatment to end.