The words ‘breast cancer’ are enough to strike fear into the heart of any woman – the disease knows no social, economic or age boundaries, and can strike at any time.
But breast cancer is not necessarily a death sentence, and the earlier the disease is detected, the greater the chances of survival.
A group of Johannesburg women, who are all members of Reach for Recovery, know all about it.
Every member of Reach for Recovery has had breast cancer and they are all committed to helping other women who are going through the same experience.
“What we try to do is to talk to women before they have their breast cancer surgery,” said Beulah Jankelowitz of Krugersdorp, who had a partial mastectomy 19 years ago, and a complete mastectomy 17 months later.
“We know how they are feeling – we understand their fears and concerns, because we have been through it ourselves.
“So often the doctors use a lot of medical terminology – we are able to help by telling them what to expect, what nightwear to take to the hospital with them, and even advise them about reconstructive surgery or prostheses.
“I’ve been involved in Reach for Recovery for the last 16 years, and have met some wonderful people as a result,” added Jankelowitz.
“We meet every six weeks, and there is a wonderful camaraderie. We show off our new boobs, share our experiences, and there is always a lot of laughter.”
She said most of the money raised on behalf of Reach for Recovery was used to provide prostheses for indigent women who could not afford them.
“Most medical aids are sympathetic, and will pay for reconstructive surgery, but there are many women who cannot afford it.
“We provide them with good prostheses so that they can feel good about themselves.”
Another breast cancer survivor, Rachel Katz, had a double mastectomy six years ago, and said the help provided by Reach for Recovery was invaluable.
"It was so good to talk to someone who had been there, who understood,” she said.
“They also told me things I wouldn’t have thought about – like getting nighties that button down the front, for example.
“They also brought me little cushions to put under my arms to make me more comfortable. Those little cushions were like a security blanket.
“They also give you a pretty bag to carry your Portovac, which is where the fluids from the drain in your wound go. It just makes you feel a little better to have something pretty.
“The literature they brought along was also very important,” said Katz. “I found it very helpful to read about what was going to happen to me.
“I have been visiting patients since my operation, and I think one of the most helpful things for women who have been rushed into hospital for emergency surgery is to see someone who has had breast cancer looking healthy and happy – particularly if the visitor had her breast cancer a long time ago. It puts a whole new perspective on things.”
Jankelowitz emphasised the importance of early detection, and a positive attitude.
“I can’t stress enough how important a positive attitude is,” she said. “And early detection is also so important.
"Many women avoid having mammograms because they are scared – they think they are painful, and they don’t want to know.
“But when someone like Kylie Minogue is found to have breast cancer, suddenly women panic and flock to have mammograms. So while I was sorry she got it, she probably saved a lot of lives.
“Awareness of breast cancer is all important,” said Jankelowitz.
You can help in the fight against breast cancer by taking part in the SPAR Women’s 10 km Challenge with Bokomo at Old Parktonians in Randburg on Sunday October 15.
Proceeds from the race will go to Cansa for breast cancer awareness – and Beulah Jankelowitz, Rachel Katz, Marie Makhoba, Jenny Martin and many other members of Reach for Recovery will be taking part in the Challenge – and every contestant will be given a pink ribbon for breast cancer awareness.
So take the Challenge, and perhaps you might meet up with some of these women.
If you do, you will have a great deal of fun – a good sense of humour seems to be one of the hallmarks of the women from Reach for Recovery.
Entry forms are available from all SPAR, SUPERSPAR and KWIKSPAR stores, or online at www.spar.co.za.
For more information contact the race office on 011 442 8256 or email [email protected].
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