“Cancer survivors are blessed with two lives. There is your life before cancer, and your life after. I am here to tell you your second life is going to be so much better than the first.” – Hoda Kotb
Hello, I am Ashleigh Dawn Naicker, and I am a survivor of breast cancer.
It was a day of dark clouds, a thunderstorm of emotions, a downpour of tears and a tornado of fear. It was unforgettable moments in August 2017 – the day I got the diagnosis that the lump in my breast was cancerous.
Nothing in life prepares you for what many term a ‘death sentence’ of the “C” word.
My business and life supported cancer awareness programs like Shavathon for several years. Cancer was not an unknown in my life. I knew of many family members and friends who had been affected by the disease.
It hits differently when cancer visits you. And as a woman, when breast cancer knocked on my door, my world stood still. Then followed months of turmoil and uncertainty for my family and myself. Most distressing, I had an 18-month-old baby. We had a child after 15 years of marriage.
The statistics are alarming. Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer for South African women of all races, with a lifetime risk of 1 in 27. The risk for breast cancer increases as a person gets older, but many women under 40 have been diagnosed with breast cancer as well.
Beyond the statistics, I would like to share the story of bravery, resilience and the hope of survival, despite the unknown of the present time or future once this disease has knocked the door to one’s life.
My journey unfolded
I was numb for a long time. And one of my learnings is that I had to express my feelings of having breast cancer. I had to be real about this reality, and that there was no shame to it.
There were many voices giving reasons of the “why” it happened. But when you are fighting for your life and family, the why comes later. It is good to question but I found out that when the aftermath subsides a bit, and you feel stronger, then one can better deal with the why. There is an ongoing awareness regarding stress and taking care of one’s health holistically. There is also the acceptance that I may never know the ‘why’.
No one deserves cancer. It is not your fault. It is an unknown mystery even if genetics are involved.
With the bustle of life, I ignored the lump and signs months before my diagnosis. It was when my little baby played around with me and I felt the pain, my gut nudged me. We were planning a trip oversees and I was adamant to travel, and to top it all I just opened a new business.
As a safety net, I went for a mammogram, accompanied with my husband and sister. It was revealed in one day. The results looked hazy, and I had an agonizing biopsy on the same day. We all experienced that pit in the stomach emotions and soon got the news it was cancer.
Post doctor visits, I had no option but to have the operation within 3 days in case of the fast spread of the disease. All travel plans were cancelled.
It was an early detection of stage 1, and I did not need a mastectomy. The real recovery happens after all the doctor visits, treatments and overwhelming support and messages from family and friends. It is when the dust settles.
From my experience, these are the central elements that impacted me through this process of experiencing breast cancer.
1. Family support is immeasurable – this is not a solo disease. It affects everyone close to you. Their time to assist with home and work activities, plus supporting my husband and baby was vital.
2. Having a good medical team from surgeon to oncologist to their staff made a huge difference on the road to recovery and providing a medical hope.
3. My belief in God and leaning into His divine power cannot be understated. What we cannot comprehend in our humanness, we trust in the gift of divine healing.
4. My husband and son – I wanted to live for them. I want to have longevity of life to see my son grow up, get married, and meet my grandchildren. This is a dream and determination that sticks to my core as an ongoing living hope.
5. Nutrition – this was challenging. Changing eating habits and understanding the pros and cons of what I eat and exercise if crucial. This is a daily work in progress. I must keep my focus for long-term healthy living.
6. Mental health – the battles of the mind from the worst fears to reality to believing and seeing myself healthy and well is beyond essential to overcome the impact of cancer.
7. Surrounding myself with the right people, friends and family in my space. It is about having healthy relationships that uplift, encourage and help me with my challenges and who feed positive energy into my life and soul.
8. Being aware of negative thoughts, toxic situations or people. Then find a productive way to deal with it, as to not overwhelm or add additional stress to my life.
9. Laugh. Sleep. Enjoy Fun Activities and Exercise. Pray. Hope. Believe. Never Give Up. Trust God.
So many changes come with having had cancer. However, the learnings over time have taught me to give the disease less attention and not let it determine my future.
I am in the clear. I have a second chance and am strongly pursuing a new journey of renewed life and health.
Honestly, the follow-up visits with the doctors are never easy but they are becoming less and less daunting. I have positive mindset, with my eyes fixed on Jesus, as He has been so faithful and supernaturally present. I am so excited about my future. Bring it on!
Be Actively Aware of Your Mind, Body and Soul
The Pink October month of Breast Cancer Awareness is close to my heart. It’s like a scar that reminds me of what I have survived. My heart also tugs at other survivors I know, and sadly those who lost the battle and passed away.
All women are at risk, and in particular women with a family history of breast cancer. Being overweight, inactive, consuming alcohol, poor dietary habits, smoking, stress, and exposure to chemicals also increases risk.
Knowing the facts and embracing it for prevention or early detection is a tactic of wisdom over fear.
There are different symptoms of breast cancer, and some people have no symptoms at all, but generally they include:
· Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.
· Pain in any area of the breast.
· Nipple discharge other than breast milk (including blood).
· A new lump in the breast or underarm.
Reduce risk through regular self-examination, including annual and regular mammograms.
Here some resources to tap into for further information:
· https://cansa.org.za/breast-cancer/
· https://bergmanross.co.za/breast-cancer-awareness-month-south-africa-2024/
· https://mbri.co.za/news-events/breast-cancer-awareness-month-south-africa-2024/
· https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month/
We embrace Breast Cancer Awareness at Ashleigh D Hair Salon
Losing hair during chemotherapy and the effects of radiation is so sensitive and a very sorrowful experience. At our salon, my team and I understand this. We have walked the journey with many clients. We shaved their hair, provided wigs, emotional support and advise where needed and possible.
Our treatments entail helping clients with products and services to help their need for hair growth and hair health. We have seen many positive outcomes, and our hearts burst with joy at this.
We are passionate about quality sustainable products and partner with brands who provide hair treatments and products that benefit clients.
Please connect with us should you need any assistance for further information about our services and products.
Our team is ready to serve you.
With love,
Ashleigh D Hair Team
Ashleigh D Hair Salon is based in Salt Rock, Ballito at Tiffany’s Shopping Centre.
Tele: (032) 525 5227
Email: info@ashleighd.co.za
