Living with Cancer

Hosted by Belinda Wagner | Guest: Machuene SejengIn this deeply personal episode of Beyond the Diagnosis, host Belinda Wagner speaks with Machuene Sejeng, a cancer warrior diagnosed in 2023 with invasive ductal carcinoma stage 3 breast cancer, both oestrogen and progesterone receptor positive.Machuene opens up about the often unspoken physical and emotional challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis particularly how the disease and its treatment impact body image, identity, fatigue, and chronic pain. She shares her experience of navigating drastic changes to her body and how these shifts affected her sense of self, strength, and femininity.Together, Belinda and Machuene explore the emotional weight of feeling betrayed by your own body, and the mental resilience it takes to continue showing up in a body that feels unfamiliar. This conversation is a powerful reminder that healing is not just physical—it is emotional, psychological, and deeply personal.Tune in for a raw, honest, and empowering conversation that sheds light on the lived reality of cancer survivors.

A colo-rectal cancer diagnosis in 2016 changed Faizel Jacobs’ life forever, but it did not define him. Cancer left him with a permanent stoma, something many see as a burden—but Faizel has embraced it as his daily reminder of survival. Affectionately naming his stoma and bag "Dolce & Gabbana," he has transformed what many consider a limitation into a symbol of resilience and purpose.Adjusting to life with a stoma wasn’t easy, and much of what Faizel learned was through trial and error. But through this journey, he also discovered a greater issue—the lack of consistent stoma care and support. Recognizing the urgent need for better resources, education, and advocacy, he founded SASS (South African Stoma Support), a community built by stomates, for stomates. The organisation fights for minimum standards in ostomy care and holistic support, ensuring that others navigating life with a stoma don’t have to do it alone.In this episode, Faizel shares how he turned pain into purpose, why advocacy matters, and how finding meaning in survivorship can create lasting impact. Join us for an inspiring conversation on resilience, acceptance, and the power of community.

Beyond the Diagnosis – The Raw Truth of Cancer SurvivorshipWhen cancer treatment ends, the battle is far from over. In this debut episode of Beyond the Diagnosis, we dive into the unspoken realities of survivorship the lingering mental and physical struggles, the emotional weight of uncertainty, and the challenges that persist long after remission.Joining us is Tumi, a colon cancer survivor and advocate, whose diagnosis in 2020 reshaped her life’s purpose. Now serving as Regional Director for the Global Colon Cancer Association, she shares her deeply personal journey how she turned her pain into advocacy, the struggles she faced beyond treatment, and why she fights for better support at the grassroots level.This raw, unfiltered conversation challenges the glossy narratives of survivorship and sheds light on what it really means to live beyond the diagnosis. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion on resilience, advocacy, and the truths that often go unspoken.

Welcome to today’s episode, where we bring you an incredibly moving and inspiring story. Joining us is Lydia Staats, a 46-year-old wife and mother of two daughters, who has faced a battle few can imagine. Diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in February 2022, Lydia’s journey has been one of incredible courage, resilience, and faith. From enduring multiple rounds of chemotherapy, a mastectomy, and radiation delays due to systemic backlogs at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, Lydia faced a recurrence in May 2023. Despite the setback, she underwent another round of intensive treatment and surgery, emerging stronger than ever. But Lydia’s story is more than just a personal battle—it’s a fight for thousands of cancer patients left waiting for critical care. As a voice for these patients, Lydia is actively involved in a court case against the Gauteng Department of Health, challenging the ongoing radiation crisis. Today, Lydia shares her journey, her unwavering faith, and her passion for helping other breast cancer patients stay positive and keep fighting. Her story is one of hope, perseverance, and advocacy. We are honoured to have her with us, and we know her story will inspire and uplift you. So, sit back and listen to Lydia Staats’ powerful testimony of strength, survival, and purpose.

Heidi, 53, diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, shares her inspiring story of determination and unwavering faith. Despite facing a challenging series of operations and treatments, her resilience and strength shine through, serving as a true testament to the power of hope and perseverance. Heidi has been married to her loving husband for 11 years, although they have known each other for almost 40 years. Their long history together has led them to become involved with Marriage Ministries, believing that God offers second chances. They have one son together. After working in finance (retail) for over 30 years, she was first diagnosed in 2020 during the Covid pandemic with Non-Hodgkins Follicular Lymphoma (grade 2) Stage 4 cancer. She was on a "Watch-and-Wait" approach for almost two years before being diagnosed in August 2022 with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) during a follow-up visit. Over the past 14 months, she has spent 111 days in the hospital. Despite setbacks, including heart failure after the first two chemotherapy sessions and a relapse in June 2023, she remains strong and believes that God has a plan for her. She is now nearing a Stem Cell Transplant (SCT) and is actively trying to raise awareness about the importance of registering to become a donor. She emphasises that people can become donors without "giving up" their lives – one needs to be alive to be a donor.

Meet Nancy, a courageous survivor of both Ovarian and Cervical Cancer. Not only is she the author of the autobiography "What if it Was Me?" but also a talented poet and short story writer, with some of her works published by Vine Leaves Press. In addition to her literary pursuits, Nancy is a dedicated counsellor with a passion for helping individuals navigate through traumas, particularly those related to cancer, as well as other health issues, sexual assault, grief, marital struggles, and financial challenges. Through her interview, Nancy generously shares her life journey, offering valuable insights into how she conquered cancer and triumphed over various life adversities. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience, illustrating how she has gracefully faced and overcome the obstacles life has presented to her. Nancy's narrative serves as an inspirational beacon for others facing similar challenges, showcasing the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Professor Monica Singer CA (SA) - Consensys senior strategy and Advisory Board Member at Global Digital Asset & Cryptocurrency Association Monica was diagnosed in 2022 with breast cancer, she shares how cancer has impacted her life and how prevent is so much better than cure.  Monica believes that stress the cause her cancer, although there being a family history of cancer should she have been advised differently she feels she could have put measures in place to prevent her current situation.  Monica treatments include chemotherapy for the rest of her life which she has embraced by ensuring her daily routine includes healthy eating, mediation, exercise and vitamins.   Monica shares her childhood trauma has impacted her diagnosis and now is determined to continue to leave all that in the past and focus on living the best possible life she can.  A inspiring and raw interview with a remarkable lady who wants everyone to know her story so she can help others.

Welcome to our Living with Cancer podcast series.   The aim of these podcasts are to create a space where we can share knowledge, testimony, asked for advice and connect with other people living with cancer.  We will be interviewing experts in their field who work with cancer patients pre, during and post their treatment.  We will also be interviewing warriors where they will be sharing their own personal journeys with us, hopefully giving hope to anyone who has been newly diagnosed or is struggling with their cancer journey.

Explore the insights of Greta, a dedicated SCIO therapist, as she delves into the transformative world of SCIO therapy and its profound impact on cancer treatment. Greta harnesses the power of SCIO to restore equilibrium within the body, ultimately amplifying the innate healing capabilities of the human system.In the realm of Quantum Physics, SCIO emerges as a cutting-edge tool, adept at pinpointing and rectifying energetic imbalances. Through its advanced scanning capabilities, SCIO meticulously examines the body, detecting everything from pathogens to mental and emotional irregularities. The pivotal biofeedback function of SCIO then channels hundreds of frequencies directly into the body, creating a holistic approach to healing.In the context of cancer treatment, SCIO's unique methodology plays a crucial role. By identifying and correcting energetic imbalances, it offers a complementary approach that aligns with the body's natural healing processes. Greta's expertise with SCIO sheds light on the potential benefits of integrating this advanced technology into cancer care, fostering a comprehensive and personalised approach to treatment. Explore the insights of Greta, a dedicated SCIO therapist, as she delves into the transformative world of SCIO therapy and its profound impact on cancer treatment. Greta harnesses the power of SCIO to restore equilibrium within the body, ultimately amplifying the innate healing capabilities of the human system.In the realm of Quantum Physics, SCIO emerges as a cutting-edge tool, adept at pinpointing and rectifying energetic imbalances. Through its advanced scanning capabilities, SCIO meticulously examines the body, detecting everything from pathogens to mental and emotional irregularities. The pivotal biofeedback function of SCIO then channels hundreds of frequencies directly into the body, creating a holistic approach to healing. In the context of cancer treatment, SCIO's unique methodology plays a crucial role. By identifying and correcting energetic imbalances, it offers a complementary approach that aligns with the body's natural healing processes. Greta's expertise with SCIO sheds light on the potential benefits of integrating this advanced technology into cancer care, fostering a comprehensive and personalised approach to treatment. Contact Greta on: (083) 443 3008 or gretagraham54@gmail.com

Podcast Interview with Mike Hogan: A Journey of Resilience and HopeIn this powerful episode, we sit down with Mike Hogan, a busy executive whose life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer on 4 March 2022. After enduring multiple operations and years of digestive issues, it took three months for doctors to finally pinpoint his condition.Mike shares his deeply personal journey—from the challenges of delayed diagnosis to navigating treatment and maintaining his professional and personal life. His story sheds light on the importance of persistence in seeking medical answers, the realities of living with cancer, and the resilience it takes to keep moving forward.Tune in to hear Mike’s inspiring insights on facing adversity, finding strength in uncertainty, and the lessons he has learned along the way.

In this episode of Beyond the Diagnosis, we sit down withJulianne Yates, a psychologist dedicated to supporting cancer patients, their families, and friends throughout their journey. Julianne provides both home visits and virtual sessions, ensuring that patients have access to the emotional and psychological support they need, no matter where they are.Our conversation explores the importance of opencommunication and honesty when facing a cancer diagnosis, as well as how therapy can be a powerful tool for healing—both during and after treatment. Julianne shares insights into the unique emotional challenges cancer patients face, the cycle of grief, and how therapy can help navigate the complex emotions of fear, uncertainty, and hope.Every cancer journey is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing. Whether it’s processing trauma, managing anxiety around scans, or supporting families through difficult moments, Julianne highlights the value of tailored psychological support.Tune in for a compassionate and insightful conversation on the role of therapy in the cancer journey and why emotional well-being is just as important as physical recovery

In this episode of the Beyond Diagnosis podcast, Belinda speaks with Gabi Lowe, founder of The Coaching Nest and one of South Africa’s most respected voices in personal resilience and conscious leadership. Gabi supported her husband, Stuart Lowe, through his cancer journey, an experience that sits alongside her wider story of navigating profound loss, advocacy, and reinvention.With decades senior experience in media, marketing and retail, Gabi brings a rare combination of corporate insight and deep emotional intelligence to her work. Her coaching approach is rooted in lived experience, compassion and an integral methodology that draws on the heart, body and mind. Today she works with leaders, executives and individuals seeking clarity, resilience and purposeful growth.Gabi’s journey includes her family’s advocacy around Rare Diseases, the founding of the Jenna Lowe Trust, and her transition into becoming a professionally qualified personal and leadership development coach. Her story is one of courage, meaning-making and choosing to lead a full and authentic life, even in the face of devastating loss.This conversation explores what it truly means to navigate adversity, support loved ones through illness, and rebuild a life with intent.

In this episode of the Beyond Diagnosis podcast, I speakwith Lisha Nunan, a papillary carcinoma survivor whose story offers a meaningful look at how cancer reshapes the way we see, feel and inhabit our own bodies. Diagnosed at the age of twenty-five while living abroad, Lisha returned to South Africa for a thyroidectomy and radioactive therapy before heading back to London to rebuild her life. What followed was far more complex than she expected. Healing was slow, her body felt unfamiliar, and an injury ultimately led her back home to start again with a completely different lens.Today, fifteen years later, Lisha is the founder of ShiraWellness and a certified Sri Sri Yoga Teacher and Art of Living Trainer. She brings together her background in corporate finance and FMCG operations with a deeply grounded approach to holistic wellbeing, transformation coaching andbreathwork. Her story is layered, honest and anchored in the emotional and physical realities many survivors face long after treatment ends.In our conversation, Lisha speaks openly about body betrayal, long-term fatigue, chronic discomfort and the quiet emotional toll survivors often carry. She shares practical ways to reconnect with the body through breathing, meditation, movement and mental discipline. She also highlights why healing is not only about nutrition, routine or fitness, but about strengthening the mind and using breath to release emotional toxins and rebuild trust in the body.This episode explores self-image, societal expectations, recovery, resilience and what it truly takes to live fully in a body forever changed by cancer

In this episode of the Beyond Diagnosis podcast, I speak with Dumisani Pakkies, a prostate cancer survivor from uMlazi whose voice has become a driving force in men’s health advocacy in South Africa. Diagnosed with stage three prostate cancer in 2020 with no symptoms at all, Dumisani’s journey is a powerful reminder that early detection is not optional, it is lifesaving.A qualified accountant, Dumisani faced an unexpected and aggressive diagnosis that led him into intensive treatment, including androgen deprivation therapy, brachytherapy and external beam radiation. He has been in remission since 2022. Instead of stepping back after recovery, he stepped forward. Through his movement, Against All Odds, he shares his story to challenge stigma, dismantle myths and reach the men who are least likely to get screened but most at risk.Dumisani speaks openly about the barriers Black men face in accessing cancer information, including cultural beliefs, silence and misconceptions. His advocacy has taken him into communities, awareness runs, and partnerships with organisations such as the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health and the Prostate Cancer Foundation South Africa. His message is simple and unwavering: men cannot wait for symptoms. Testing saves lives.This conversation explores survival, purpose, masculinity, cultural stigma and what it takes to turn a personal battle into a national call for action

Cancer does not end when treatment does. Beyond the Diagnosis is a raw, unfiltered look at the realities of survivorship the loneliness, the fear, the exhaustion, the financial strain, and the identity shifts no one talks about.This podcast goes beyond the headlines and pink ribbons to share the honest, untold stories of those living after cancer. Through survivor experiences, expert insights, and real-time reflections, we explore what it truly means to navigate life beyond a diagnosis.Because survivorship is not just about resilience it’s about what cancer takes, what it changes, and how we move forward in its wake.

Experienced Epidemiologist with a demonstrated history of working in public health research settings. Skilled in Epidemiology, Prevention, Healthcare, Clinical Research, and Data Analysis. Strong healthcare services professional with a PhD focused in Biomedical Sciences (Epidemiology of HIV-related cancers in South Africa) from Universität Bern.

In this insightful episode, we have the privilege of sitting down with Shaun Waison, a seasoned nutritionalist from Life Health SA, to explore the critical role of nutrition in the context of cancer care. Shaun sheds light on the profound impact of maintaining a healthy diet and leveraging vitamins and supplements to support the body throughout and post cancer treatments. Join us as we delve into the nuances of how proper nutrition can play a pivotal role in enhancing the overall well-being of individuals undergoing cancer therapies. Shaun shares his expertise on the strategic use of vitamins and supplements, offering practical insights into optimising nutritional intake to bolster the body's resilience during the challenges of cancer treatment. Throughout the conversation, Shaun addresses the specific needs of individuals navigating the intricate journey of cancer recovery. From understanding the importance of key nutrients to exploring personalised supplement regimens, this interview provides valuable information for anyone seeking to integrate nutrition as a cornerstone of their cancer care strategy. Tune in for an engaging and informative discussion that underscores the significance of a balanced diet and targeted supplementation in promoting not just physical health but also overall vitality and resilience during and after cancer treatments. Whether you're a cancer patient, survivor, or simply interested in the profound impact of nutrition on health, this episode with Shaun Waison is sure to offer valuable insights and practical tips for cultivating a nourished and resilient body. For more information visit: https://www.lifehealthsa.com/

An interview with Colin Hall, a cancer warrior in the true sense of the word. At the age of 80 Colin shares how he has fought his Lymphoma not only with a positive attitude but he describes his journey as one that has taught him to reevaluate how he deals with challenging situations in life. Colin believes it is important to allow your family and friends to not only help you but also to love you. He shares how laughing has helped him through many dark days. Colin explains how he fought his cancer and continues to live his live with his "10 minute battery charging routine". He also believes that fighting cancer can be compared to charging a battery. Just as a battery needs to be charged to function properly, a person fighting cancer needs to undergo treatment to restore their health. Colin explains how replenishing energy is similar to how a battery stores energy, the body also has its own reserves of energy that can be replenished during cancer treatment. Proper nutrition, rest, and exercise can help the body regain strength and energy during and after treatment. A book recommendations from Colin that provided him with insight and comfortable to overcome cancer: https://radicalremission.com/about-the-books/ Colin's 10 minute energy recharger secret: https://ltl.co.za/a-ten-minute-energy-recharger/

An interview with Lisha, a cancer survivor that was diagnosed with papillary carcinoma at the age of 25. Lisha was living aboard at the time however returned to SA for her treatment which included a thyroidemctomy and radioactive therapy. Soon after her treatment Lisha went back to London to continue her life, which proved to be challenging as she struggled to heal properly. After an injury Lisha made the decision to return back to South Africa and now 15 years later has taken a holistic view if her life. Lisha is an Art of Living practioner who believes that it is really important to not only focus on your eating, exercise and general healthy routine. Lisha shares how it is just as important to have a strong mental outlook but also using breathing to help control her emotional and remove toxins out of her body. Lisha shares how her routine includes meditation and yoga which has changed her life where is is living cancer free.

An interview with Jean Pionaar, National Operations Manager, Zebra Medical.  Jean is a registered nurse, who has worked 16 years in ICU.  Jean shares how she has been working for Zebra past 17 years. We are passionate about all things in the oncology/vascular access space. Our mantra is: Right line, Right patient, Right treatment, Right time. https://zebramedical.com/