“If you had told me that cancer would be my greatest teacher, I would have laughed – and then asked for a refund!” quips Ronellé Foster, whose unexpected journey through acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) led her to pen “Kanker Het My Lewe Gered: Van ‘n Doodsbestaan” (Cancer Saved My Life: It Made Me Stronger, Braver, Bolder, and Wiser).
Ronellé's story isn't just about surviving; it's a candid exploration of finding purpose and clarity when life throws its most brutal punches. “You learn a lot about yourself when your hair's falling out, and you're stuck in a hospital gown all alone in a hospital during the modern world’s greatest and most frightening pandemic,” she says, reflecting on her treatment at Netcare Kuils River Hospital's Haemalife Bone Marrow Transplant unit.
Originally from Malmesbury and now living in Somerset West with her husband and two sons, Ronellé transformed her battle into a source of hope for others. Her story is a beacon of light, offering strength and inspiration to those navigating their own challenges. “If I can find humour and hope in these moments, others can too,” she insists, reminding us all that even the darkest times have their light-hearted lessons.
Although she had never struggled with serious health issues before, Ronellé explains that low blood pressure and iron deficiencies had been part of her life for as long as she could remember. She also experienced regular bruising and had to take afternoon naps since her school days, yet she tried to follow a reasonably healthy lifestyle and never felt truly ill.
| Ronellé Foster, author of the book “Kanker Het My Lewe Gered: Van ‘n Doodsbestaan” (Cancer Saved My Life: It Made Me Stronger, Braver, Bolder, and Wiser). |
| Ronellé has been leukaemia-free since 12 December 2023. |
| Ronellé's story is a reminder that hope and optimism can be powerful weapons in the fight against even the greatest challenges. |
At 45, she found herself battling extreme fatigue. “The chaos of the pandemic only added to my stress. Lockdowns, homeschooling and working from home blurred the lines between my personal and professional life. My fatigue grew so intense that even basic tasks felt insurmountable, creating tension and frustration at home. With finances stretched thin and most people avoiding doctors and hospitals, visiting a doctor seemed impossible – until a friend stepped in and insisted on making an appointment for me. Too drained to refuse, I went for the checkup, not realising how fortunate I was to have her support,” she shares.
At this point, Ronellé had been menstruating for two months. “I went to the doctor for a routine pap smear, hoping to confirm everything was fine. While there, I casually mentioned my receding gums, a new concern that had popped up. Surprisingly, it was this offhand comment that caught the doctor’s attention,” she recalls.
The doctor recommended a full blood count. “Since I only had a basic hospital plan and limited funds, I hesitated. But the doctor worried there might be something serious going on and followed up. My sister-in-law insisted that we go to the pathologist the next morning. Soon after the test, I got a call from the doctor asking if we had any hereditary blood diseases. I replied, ‘No.’ That is when she instructed me to go to the hospital in Somerset West immediately, where they were already preparing for an urgent blood transfusion.”
“I didn’t realise how serious it was. Unbeknownst to me, I was bleeding to death, a fact I would discover much later. I told the kids I’d be in the hospital for a few days for a blood transfusion, then headed over. There, a haematologist introduced himself and, with near certainty, diagnosed me with AML, an aggressive blood and bone marrow cancer. He informed me that only two nearby hospitals had bone marrow transplant units and recommended Netcare Kuils River Hospital.”
Dr Hannes Koornhof, one of the founding haematologists of the Haemalife bone marrow transplant unit at the hospital, confirmed the diagnosis.
Ronellé explains that she wanted to know more about the diagnosis, “Curious, I turned to Google to learn about AML leukaemia. That was a mistake – the stark prognosis of a three-month survival rate hit me like a blow. I shut my phone, vowing not to search again. The thought of only having three months left lingered, but I knew I had to focus on listening to the doctors, my body and my mind to survive. I reminded myself, ‘failing is not an option.’”
Despite the challenges, a positive outlook and commitment to the treatment plan were crucial. The plan included chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. Her sister in Australia was a perfect match for the transplant, which was amazing given that there was only one sibling to consider as a potential donor, but this brought its own difficulties. Lockdown restrictions complicated the process, and there were additional hurdles in harvesting the bone marrow amid heightened security measures and global restrictions, to ensure the safe transport of the harvested marrow to South Africa.
She says that the dedicated team at Haemalife, in collaboration with Netcare Kuils River Hospital, ensured that this fragile and precious parcel made its way safely across the world and that their unwavering commitment and expertise made the entire process run smoothly, giving her a second chance at life during such uncertain times.
Ronellé shares her story of dealing with side effects, treatment and the impact her road to recovery had – not only on her but also on her closest family, extended group of friends and those she formed close bonds with during this traumatic period in her life.
Throughout the book, Dr Hannes Koornhof, a haematologist at Netcare Kuils River Hospital's bone marrow transplant unit, provides practical advice and insights on various aspects of cancer in every chapter. He covers cancer statistics, diagnostic methods, treatment options and how cancer spreads. Dr Koornhof also addresses the impact of stress and offers invaluable, easy-to-understand advice on managing pain and understanding bone marrow matches while dealing with fertility issues.
Ronellé’s husband, Alex, and her psychologist also share important perspectives on how a cancer diagnosis and prognosis affect not just the patient but the entire family and support system. Alex offers a candid account of the emotional, social and physical struggles he faced, detailing the impact on their children and how the devastating diagnosis affected their lives as they stood by, feeling helpless, while Ronellé underwent her cancer treatment.
Dr Koornhof also discusses the long-term effects of chemotherapy, the concept of remission and the financial burdens associated with cancer treatment. He concludes with practical tips to help patients, families and support networks better understand and navigate the complexities of cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
The Afrikaans version of the book has been well received, impacting many lives on similar challenging journeys. The English edition, “Cancer Saved My Life: It Made Me Stronger, Braver, Bolder, and Wiser,” is also now available in bookstores and online at ronellefoster.com.
The Netcare Kuils River Hospital unit is the only facility in Cape Town’s northern suburbs to provide bone marrow transplants and treat acute leukaemia, even for patients as young as ten. Their comprehensive approach provides personalised care through all treatment stages, including survivorship and palliative support for patients and their families.
ENDS
Notes to editor
Looking for a medical appointment? Netcare appointmed™ will make appointments for YOU with specialists practising at Netcare hospitals, GPs and dentists at Medicross medical and dental centres, and specialists at Akeso mental health facilities. Simply request an appointment online at www.netcare.co.za/Request-a-medical-appointment or phone Netcare appointmed™ on 0860 555 565, Mondays to Fridays between 08:00 and 17:00.
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For media enquiries contact: Martina Nicholson, Meggan Saville, Estene Lotriet-Vorster and Clementine Forsthofer
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