Hettie Jordaan – Cancer Stories of Hope #CANSA90

Hettie Jordaan

What is your current cancer diagnosis?

Breast cancer and melanoma.

How long have you been living with that cancer?

1 year.

How does living with cancer affect you in general in your day-to-day living?

I wonder why it happened to me. I am self employed. I had to keep working throughout COVID-19 and receiving chemo and radiation. I had to go and stay in Klerksdorp to be near the oncology treatment facility and there were financial challenges.

Is there a family history of cancer? Please elaborate if yes.

Yes, my dad had stomach cancer.

How have you or your loved ones been affected by you living with cancer?

It was an emotional up and down year not knowing if tomorrow would come. They could not be with me during my hospitalisation and chemo treatments I have received.

How has having cancer affected you during this time of COVID-19?

I had to go alone to the hospital and had to be alone when receiving chemo and radiation.

What is your message to our government regarding the prevention, management and treatment of cancer?

Government should budget for oncology treatment facilities to assist the poorer communities in the rural areas.

What is your message to other people living with cancer?

Keep faith and stay positive. I did not want to take the chemo but took the path. It was the worst time of my life but keep going.

Is pain a daily part of your life and how do you manage it?

No.

What support do you think cancer patients need most?

We need people to encourage us and to keep positive during treatment.

How has CANSA supported you in your diagnosis?

I am a member of the CANSA Survivors Champions of Hope Facebook support group.