Thando Baloyi – Childhood Cancer Survivor – Gives Young Cancer Patients Hope
My name is Thando Baloyi, and I’m a beautiful 12 year old girl.
I’m also a childhood cancer Survivor…
Since I was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma (stage 3) in 2020, until now in 2026, I have gone through many things that affected my health.
This is my real story… I want to share with you about childhood cancer…
Early Signs and Treatment
I started losing weight and vomiting. My mother took me to our local hospital for over a year, without discovering the cause. One day I felt something in my tummy that seemed to move from side to side. I also felt pain in my tummy.
The doctor from our local hospital arranged an x-ray of my tummy and saw that there was a mass. He then transferred me to Polokwane Provincial Hospital where they did a CT scan, and they confirmed there was cancer in my body.
I was then admitted in Ward L, the Paediatric Oncology ward, for the children with cancer.
After admission the doctor sat with me and my mother and explained the advantages and disadvantages of treatment I would receive.
I started with chemotherapy and the doctor arranged for a bone marrow transplant, which was very painful.
I was Scared
I was very scared, because at that time I was under-weight. My skin had changed and I lost my hair.
Some people used to call me a boy and I always wore a hat, because I did not want anyone to see my head.
The treatment caused a lack of appetite and I did not feel like eating my food. I no longer enjoyed the taste of food.
For a while I felt I would not survive the cancer – it was especially hard when my mother could not be with me, because I needed her to comfort me.
I was Determined
I made sure that I took my medication and never missed any medical check-ups.
Eventually my normal hair grew back and at that time my doctor confirmed that I am healed.
My weight returned to normal and my health returned.
Living Life to the Full
I was interviewed on Makhado FM and shared my cancer Survivor story.
Today I have confidence in myself and I am going to school again like other children, and participating in cultural dancing and sport. I even entered a beauty contest!
My Tips for Young Cancer Patients:
- If you have been diagnosed with cancer – don’t delay – get cancer treatment as soon as possible
- Never use any medication that is not prescribed by the doctor to treat your cancer
- Listen to the advice your doctor gives you
- Never miss your medical check-ups
- Always take your medication on time
Then you have your best chance of being a cancer Survivor too!
I love you all!
From Thando Baloyi
AYA (Adolescent and Young Adults) Support
Visit the Free2Bme site for resources and stories of hope for teens and young adults… and our CANSA TLC page for resources for parents / guardians of children with cancer…
