Cancer used to be a word softly spoken of, it was like the end of the road, there was no return, no hope, it was final, the end. Today we almost without exception know a friend or family member that is affected by cancer in some way or another. One never even think that it could affect you or your loved ones. We came face to face with this reality when my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was away at work offshore on an oil platform in Angola when I got the news. Thinking back to that time, I again realize how real God is in our lives and situations. It was by the love and grace of God that I could manage this news without fear and face this with confidence in the fact that He will lead us through this time as well. Here is Frieda’s story…..

I do not know what God’s plan is for my life, but I do know that whilst I am healthy and strong, I want to make a difference! I want to touch other people’s lives.  Most of all, I want to be in His will for my life!

It’s not about cancer, it’s about the choices you make.

I feel so humble and grateful to take part in the Journey of Hope.  When cancer knocks on your door, a new day is not just another day you have to get through.  Every day, every week, every month, every year is a celebration of life!  By taking part in the Journey of Hope, I would like to share this message of celebration and hope with others, to encourage them to make the right choices for their own health’s sake!

At the end of  July 2009, I will celebrate my fourth birthday as a survivor after I was diagnosed with 3rd stage breast cancer in July 2005.  At the time, I was in the corporate world in a management position, doing a lot of traveling locally and abroad.  I was wearing the shoes of a Businesswoman.  I have always eaten very healthy, have never smoked, was an active member of Virgin Active and was busy training for my 6th Argus Cycle Race.  I was definitely not a candidate for cancer!

I was in a public place when I got the call from the doctor, telling me: “I’m sorry, the lump in your breast is malignant”.  I felt so alone, so frightened, so helpless!  My husband was away on business and was only coming home in three weeks’ time.  But, I realized… I have God with me!  He is here to give me strength, to take my hand.

I had a mastectomy, immediate reconstruction, 12 shots of chemo and 30 radiations.  I went through the whole “feeling bad, losing the hair, eyelashes, eyebrows thing”, but made a decision to enjoy this “journey” by making some new “me” time, by being positive, by planning for the future and by encouraging others who walk down this road with me.  The editor of our local newspaper recently referred to me as “an activist for life”. 

Although the last three years were tough in many ways, it has in fact been a very special time in my life.  I have realized how much my family and my friends mean to me.  I see the world through new eyes.  My priorities have changed so much!

I am now wearing a new pair of shoes (much more comfortable than the ones I used to wear).

I serve on the committee for the Relay for Life, a project of Cansa.
I have joined the “Bosom Buddies”, a support group for Breast Cancer Survivors and a project of the Breast Health Foundation, and have launched a chapter of the group on the Garden Route.
I am also on the steering committee of the Journey of Hope.

For more info visit:    www.journeyofhope.co.za