It is breast cancer awareness month. South African actress Carina Nel, known for her role in 7de Laan, has revealed that she was diagnosed with breast cancer in April.
Nel says her world came to a standstill on 16 April when a tumour and lymph node were found during an examination in her left breast. A biopsy was done immediately, after which she was diagnosed with breast cancer five days later. She began chemotherapy on 5 May and is still undergoing treatment. She says there are still several operations, further scans, possible radiation and years of hormone treatment ahead. Nel describes the journey as long and difficult, but says she is trying to come to terms with her new reality. She has thanked her family and friends for their support and says her faith gives her strength during this difficult time.
"We serve a LIVING GOD," Nel said, and added that she is overwhelmed by the love, support and prayers she has received.
Read the actress's social media post below:
On 16 April my entire world came to a standstill. I went in for a mammogram, ultrasound, and an immediate biopsy of a tumour and lymph node in my left breast. Within an hour, life as I knew it changed in an instant. A paralysing fear that I cannot explain to anyone overwhelmed me.
On 21 April I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Cancer. It still feels strange to say it. As if I am looking into someone else's life. I never could have thought that it would be part of my journey. Suddenly I was part of a group of people I never thought I would be part of. I always used to drive past the hospital by the oncology building, and think: gosh it must be terrifying to be in that building, and here I am myself weekly in that building. Suddenly my life was filled with terms and words that I had little knowledge of, but had to learn very quickly: oncologist, chemo, radiation, mastectomy, reconstruction, ER+, HER2, and so on. My days were suddenly filled with many doctor's appointments, scans, blood draws, hospitals.
I began my chemotherapy on 5 May, and am currently still undergoing it.
The journey is long and difficult. There are still many tasks ahead of me, months of treatment that have been completed and still lie ahead, several surgeries, more scans, more doctors, possible radiation, years of hormone treatment, side effects and so on. My life will never be the same again, and I am still coming to terms with it. My heart is sore. But in this I am learning a new version of myself. I am learning the most beautiful lessons and my character is being built and refined to fully live out the Lord's plan for my life. I am strong and positive and so proud of myself!
And it is not just me who is fighting. My family and relatives are fighting alongside me. People do not always know how much cancer also affects the people who love you. You are carrying it with me. You are holding me up on the days when I feel weak, tired and afraid. You have loved me through every phase of this season. Thank you, each of you knows what you mean to me!
There is still so much that I would like to share with everyone!
But for now I just want to say:
We serve a LIVING GOD. His grace and love and strength are overwhelming! I cry out His name as soon as fear overwhelms me and His peace and calm wash over me like a big wave! He has sent me an entire army of His servants on earth! I am totally and utterly overwhelmed with all the love and support I have received so far. I see JESUS all around me and in every person who has shown up in abundance for me, each in their own special way! Those who come sit with me and pray, those who come for a cup of tea and make me laugh, those who come cry with me, those who bring bags and bags and pots of food (and even coolers full), those who bring the most beautiful flowers, treats, special gifts, and those who regularly check in with messages (even though I sometimes struggle to have the capacity to respond). Every person in their own way special! How can I say thank you enough! I can literally feel how people are praying for me. In one of my darkest times, I feel like the luckiest person to be so loved! Thank you Lord for Your angels on earth!
How do you stay standing through such a difficult time… you don't…. you are on the ground on your knees… your people pick you up and carry you, with the Lord's strength and grace, and He promises me: "I will never leave you, I will never forsake you"
This article is an automatic English translation of a Nuusflits article originally published in Afrikaans. Read the Afrikaans original.
