While Mzansi has been showering her with prayers and well wishes, author Zoleka Mandela has shared what it feels like to live with terminal cancer and why she considers it a blessing that she is able to plan for the inevitable end.
Speaking to Phemelo Motene on Kaya FM's Point of View the author shared how she is preparing for her death.
“It will probably sound strange but, I think I am blessed or fortunate enough to be in a position where I am in my planning stages. I am having conversations with my loved ones, lawyer, therapist and siblings to discuss what happens on the day and after I pass away.
“I’m learning to be OK with my eventuality. I’m learning to live despite an expected death. I’m also just continuously evaluating many facets of my life. I think that’s empowering for me. I’m put in a place where I actually have a say, especially with regard to my children.”
In August 2022, Zoleka , who documented her 10-year breast cancer journey in an autobiography,When Hope Whispers, revealed doctors found cancer in her bones.
Speaking about her diagnosis on Instagram, Zoleka said she was devastated after discovering her battle with cancer was not over.
“I’ve had a sore back for more than a month and consulted my GP when I could no longer tolerate the excruciating pain in my left rib. I went for an X-ray of my chest and ribs a few days ago — I have a pathological fracture and swelling caused by cancer.”
Zoleka said her oncologist performed CT (computed tomography) and bone scans to determine whether she had cancer in any part of her body.
“From what she’s told me, cancer in the bones cannot be eradicated, nor can it be cured. I have bone metastasis. I’ve just had my CAT scan and awaiting my results. I don’t even have the words to articulate my thoughts and feelings, the words to describe how scared I am.
“What do I tell my children? How do I tell them that this time around I may not get to live my life as a survivor? How do I tell them everything will be OK when it’s not? I’m dying ... I don’t want to die,” she wrote at the time.
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'I’m learning to be OK with my eventuality' — Terminally ill Zoleka Mandela on 'planning' for the end
Image: Instagram/Zoleka Mandela
While Mzansi has been showering her with prayers and well wishes, author Zoleka Mandela has shared what it feels like to live with terminal cancer and why she considers it a blessing that she is able to plan for the inevitable end.
Speaking to Phemelo Motene on Kaya FM's Point of View the author shared how she is preparing for her death.
“It will probably sound strange but, I think I am blessed or fortunate enough to be in a position where I am in my planning stages. I am having conversations with my loved ones, lawyer, therapist and siblings to discuss what happens on the day and after I pass away.
“I’m learning to be OK with my eventuality. I’m learning to live despite an expected death. I’m also just continuously evaluating many facets of my life. I think that’s empowering for me. I’m put in a place where I actually have a say, especially with regard to my children.”
In August 2022, Zoleka , who documented her 10-year breast cancer journey in an autobiography,When Hope Whispers, revealed doctors found cancer in her bones.
Speaking about her diagnosis on Instagram, Zoleka said she was devastated after discovering her battle with cancer was not over.
“I’ve had a sore back for more than a month and consulted my GP when I could no longer tolerate the excruciating pain in my left rib. I went for an X-ray of my chest and ribs a few days ago — I have a pathological fracture and swelling caused by cancer.”
Zoleka said her oncologist performed CT (computed tomography) and bone scans to determine whether she had cancer in any part of her body.
“From what she’s told me, cancer in the bones cannot be eradicated, nor can it be cured. I have bone metastasis. I’ve just had my CAT scan and awaiting my results. I don’t even have the words to articulate my thoughts and feelings, the words to describe how scared I am.
“What do I tell my children? How do I tell them that this time around I may not get to live my life as a survivor? How do I tell them everything will be OK when it’s not? I’m dying ... I don’t want to die,” she wrote at the time.
Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.
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