Cancer is not always a death sentence - it can also be a journey in discovering oneself and inspiring others to overcome all odds, a cancer survivor said who wrote a book to inspire others not to give up.
The book Cancer Saved My Life: Overcoming Leukaemia Against the Odds, was written by Ronellé Foster, whose unexpected journey through acute myeloid leukaemia led her to pen the book in which she shares her brave personal journey of survival and inner strength.
“If you had told me that cancer would be my greatest teacher, I would have laughed – and then asked for a refund,” Foster joked.
Her story is not just about surviving; it’s a candid exploration of finding purpose and clarity when life throws its most brutal punches.
“You learn a lot about yourself when your hair is falling out, and you are stuck alone in a hospital gown during the modern world’s greatest and most frightening pandemic.” This was during her treatment at Netcare Kuils River Hospital’s Haemalife Bone Marrow Transplant unit.
Originally from Malmesbury and now living in Somerset West with her husband and two sons, Foster transformed her battle into a source of hope for others. Her story is a beacon of light, offering strength and inspiration to those navigating their own challenges.
“If I can find humour and hope in these moments, others can too,” she said. Although she had never struggled with serious health issues before, Ronellé explains that low blood pressure and iron deficiencies had been part of her life for as long as she could remember.
At 45, she found herself battling extreme fatigue, and the chaos of the pandemic further compounded her stress.
A friend stepped in and insisted on making a doctor’s appointment for her. Too drained to refuse, she went for the checkup, hoping all was fine.
“While there, I casually mentioned my receding gums, a new concern that had popped up. Surprisingly, it was this offhand comment that caught the doctor’s attention,” she recalls.
The doctor recommended a full blood count. When he received the results, he instructed Foster to immediately go to the hospital, where they were already preparing for an urgent blood transfusion.
“I didn’t realise how serious it was. Unbeknownst to me, I was bleeding to death, a fact I would discover much later.” A haematologist with near certainty diagnosed her with acute myeloid leukaemia, an aggressive blood and bone marrow cancer.
Dr Hannes Koornhof, one of the founding haematologists of the Haemalife bone marrow transplant unit at the hospital, confirmed the diagnosis.
Foster said that she wanted to know more about the diagnosis. “Curious, I turned to Google to learn about acute myeloid leukaemia. That was a mistake – the stark prognosis of a three-month survival rate hit me like a blow.” But she knew “failing is not an option.”
Despite the challenges, a positive outlook and commitment to the treatment plan were crucial. The plan included chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.
Her sister in Australia was a perfect match for the transplant, but this brought its own problems with the national lockdown restrictions at the time.
There were additional hurdles in harvesting the bone marrow amid heightened security measures and global restrictions, to ensure the safe transport of the harvested marrow to South Africa.
She says that the dedicated team at Haemalife, in collaboration with Netcare Kuils River Hospital, ensured that this fragile and precious parcel made its way safely across the world, giving her a second chance at life during such uncertain times.
Foster shares her story of dealing with side effects, treatment and the impact her road to recovery had – not only on her but also on her closest family, extended group of friends and those she formed close bonds with during this traumatic period in her life.
Throughout the book, she provides practical advice and insights on various aspects of cancer in every chapter. She covers cancer statistics, diagnostic methods, treatment options and how cancer spreads.
Koornhof also addresses the impact of stress and offers invaluable, easy-to-understand advice on managing pain and understanding bone marrow matches while dealing with fertility issues.
Foster’s husband, Alex, and her psychologist also share important perspectives on how a cancer diagnosis and prognosis affect not just the patient but the entire family and support system.
Alex offers a candid account of the emotional, social and physical struggles he faced, detailing the impact on their children and how the devastating diagnosis affected their lives as they stood by, feeling helpless, while his wife underwent her cancer treatment.
Koornhof also discusses the long-term effects of chemotherapy, the concept of remission and the financial burdens associated with cancer treatment.
He concludes with practical tips to help patients, families and support networks better understand and navigate the complexities of cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
The English edition, Cancer Saved My Life: It Made Me Stronger, Braver, Bolder, and Wiser, is now available in bookstores and online at ronellefoster.com.