From cancer to hope: Ronellé Foster's inspiring journey in Somerset West

Somerset West author Ronellé Foster has taken it upon herself to inspire hope among people battling cancer and those who have survived it.

She was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a serious form of blood cancer, in July 2020.

Although she had long struggled with low blood pressure, iron deficiencies, and chronic fatigue, she had never considered herself seriously ill.

By 2020, however, she said she was even more tired, and the stress of the pandemic and homeschooling made it worse, so even small daily tasks felt too hard.

A routine doctor’s visit for a pap smear, after a friend insisted, revealed alarming symptoms that led to urgent tests.

“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 said after experiencing worrying symptoms, she hesitated to get a full blood count due to limited funds, but her doctor and sister-in-law insisted. 

Soon after, she was advised to go to a hospital in Somerset West, where she learned she was critically ill and required a blood transfusion. 

There, a haematologist diagnosed her with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and recommended treatment at a specialised hospital.

“I didn’t realise how serious it was. Unbeknownst to me, I was bleeding to death, a fact I would discover much later. 

“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.'"

The doctor informed her that only two nearby hospitals had bone marrow transplant units and recommended Netcare Kuils River Hospital.

She said that despite numerous challenges, her positive outlook and adherence to treatment, which included chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, were important. 

Her sister in Australia was a perfect donor match, but lockdowns and strict safety measures made harvesting and transporting the marrow to South Africa difficult. 

She credited the Haemalife team and Netcare Kuils River Hospital for their expertise and dedication in ensuring the transplant went smoothly, giving her a second chance at life.

Since December 2023, Ms Foster has been leukemia-free and now has made it her mission to share her story of struggle and survival.

“I am now spending most of my time doing motivational talks across the country, as well as leading a support group for cancer patients and survivors,” she said.

Her book titled Cancer Saved My Life was published in November 2024, and she will talk about it and her story in a meeting on Saturday, February 7, at a location of a book store in Strand.

To RSVP for the meeting, you can send a request on WhatsApp to 068 385 2563.

The price of the book is R295 and available at CUM books or directly to Ms Foster at 076 752 0827.

Find Bolander on TikTok and Instagram @ccmonlineza.