Breast cancer profoundly transforms lives, as Lara reflects on her journey from diagnosis to recovery.
Before her diagnosis, Lara was an active Afrikaans girl, but her perspective changed dramatically when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005. This early exposure sparked her awareness of the disease. In 2015, Lara began line dancing, finding joy in movement just months before her own diagnosis.
When diagnosed, disbelief set in. Subtle symptoms led to a mammogram, revealing breast cancer. The moment her surgeon mentioned “cancer cells” marked a turning point; Lara chose to fight rather than succumb to despair. Her treatment included chemotherapy, a lumpectomy, a mastectomy, and radiation. Despite the physical and emotional toll, she found support among fellow patients during chemotherapy.
Family and friends provided vital support, and Lara chose to share her diagnosis, fostering a more open environment around cancer. Through Reach For Recovery (RFR), she found community and now volunteers to help others.
Lara’s outlook on life has shifted significantly. She emphasizes the importance of regular self-exams and maintaining health vigilance. Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledges that healing is gradual and that resilience is key.
Her advice to newly diagnosed individuals is to trust their medical team, listen to their bodies, and seek help. She also highlights the need for support from friends and family.
Surviving breast cancer is about transformation and connection. By sharing her story, Lara hopes to inspire others to face their fears and support those affected by the disease.
Grateful for the collaboration with the Screen Her Save Her foundation, she encourages readers to follow their efforts to empower women in the fight against breast cancer. Read more about what the Screen Her Save Her foundation does at https://www.shsh.co.za
Note: Real names were not used to protect the individual’s privacy.
For more information about the recent mammogram clinic hosted by Atterbury Trust’s Triomf Clinic in partnership with various charitable organizations, click here.