Zoleka Mandela on her renewed cancer scare: 'I’m strong enough to conquer the disease again'

25 May 2016 - 15:05 By Sefiso Hlongwane
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Zoleka Mandela has recently been rocked with news that her battle with cancer isn't over yet.

Nelson Mandela's granddaughter became an inspiring figure in the fight against cancer, after she was diagnosed with breast cancer almost five years ago.

  • Mandela shows off new breastsZoleka Mandela has detailed her inspiring journey to becoming cancer-free - and in taking the next step to reconstruct her breasts. 

While having gone through an extensive chemotherapy treatment - her breasts, including her nipples were fully reconstructed by a plastic surgeon - it is reported that she was diagnosed with the disease again last month.

Speaking to Daily Sun, Zoleka revealed that she was completely shattered by the news.

"My fiancé, Thierry Bashala, discovered the lump last month, a few days away from my 36th birthday," she told the local publication.

''This came just days after my doctor had given us the go-ahead to discontinue the treatment to prevent my cancer from returning so we could try for a baby,'' she said.

  • Zoleka Mandela shares snap of new breasts, details victory over cancerZoleka Mandela has detailed her inspiring journey to becoming cancer free and taking the next step to reconstruct her breasts after she fell ill with cancer two years ago. 

It is further reported that she went under the knife again last week to remove the cancer and reconstruct her breast.  

"I wasn’t too concerned about the surgery, but what scares me is the effect it might have on my fertility. But I can’t let that consume me," she said.

Determined to fight the cancer, she explained: "Beating cancer starts in the mind, so my focus is on staying positive and healthy in the weeks leading up to my radiation therapy, so I’m strong enough to conquer the disease again."

Just a few days ago, Zoleka took to Instagram to post a snap of herself lying on a hospital bed, where she revealed that her surgery was successful.

"I owe the success of my surgery to remove my cancerous tumour yesterday; to the support from my loved ones, my medical team and to each and every one of you for laying me in your prayers!" she wrote on the photo, before claiming that she is already feeling stronger.

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