“If you had told me that cancer would be my greatest teacher, I would have laughed – and then asked for a refund!” quips Ronellé Foster, a sentiment many may find hard to believe until confronted with the raw lessons of life-threatening illness.
Foster’s unexpected journey through acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) led her to pen “Kanker Het My Lewe Gered: Van ‘n Doodsbestaan” (Cancer Saved My Life: It Made Me Stronger, Braver, Bolder, and Wiser), a poignant memoir that transcends mere survival, revealing a deeply personal narrative of transformation and resilience.
“You learn a lot about yourself when your hair’s falling out, and you’re stuck in a hospital gown all alone during the modern world’s greatest and most frightening pandemic,” she reflects, recounting her treatment at Netcare Kuils River Hospital’s Haemalife Bone Marrow Transplant Unit.
Prior to her cancer diagnosis, Foster had never faced significant health issues, although low blood pressure and iron deficiencies had been persistent companions in her life. She sustained a healthy lifestyle, never believing she was ill until the weight of extreme fatigue became impossible to ignore.
“The chaos of the pandemic added to my stress, blurring the lines between work and home life. Tasks felt insurmountable, creating tension at home. Visiting a doctor seemed impossible until a friend insisted on making an appointment for me,” she shares.
During a pap smear, an offhand mention of her receding gums prompted the doctor to recommend a full blood count, an act that subsequently saved her life. Despite her hesitance due to financial constraints, her sister-in-law’s insistence led to an urgent diagnosis: Ronellé was bleeding to death.
A visit to the hospital revealed that an aggressive blood and bone marrow cancer awaited her – AML.
“I didn’t realise how serious it was,” she recalled, noting her bewilderment at the diagnosis.
“I turned to Google to learn about AML leukaemia and was crushed by the grim three-month survival prognosis. I shut my phone, vowing not to search again.” With resilience, she focused on listening to her doctors and her body, adopting the mantra, “failing is not an option.”
Foster embarked on a rigorous treatment plan that included chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant with her sister as a perfect match. The pandemic posed formidable challenges in transporting her donor’s marrow from Australia to South Africa, yet the unwavering commitment of the Haemalife team and Netcare Kuils River Hospital made her second chance at life possible amidst uncertainty.
As Foster chronicled her experiences, she consistently emphasised the importance of humour and hope.
“If I can find joy in the darkest moments, others can too,” she asserted, embodying the spirit of perseverance. Her memoir also features insights from Dr Hannes Koornhof, a haematologist at the hospital, who provides practical advice on understanding cancer and managing its complexities.
Foster’s husband, Alex, and her psychologist contribute their perspectives, revealing the emotional toll on the entire family and support system. Alex speaks candidly about the struggles faced during his wife’s treatment and the helplessness they felt watching her battle cancer.
Impacting many lives through its Afrikaans version, Ronellé’s story has now been translated into English, with “Cancer Saved My Life: It Made Me Stronger, Braver, Bolder, and Wiser” available in bookstores and online at ronellefoster.com.
The Netcare Kuils River Hospital unit stands as a lone facility in Cape Town’s northern suburbs, providing crucial bone marrow transplants and treatment for acute leukaemia, even in young patients.
Their comprehensive care approach extends to survivorship and palliative support for patients and their families, illustrating the profound impact of personalised medical attention.