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.

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/

An interview with Gill Kretzschmar who has been on both sides of the fence: first as a caregiver to her late husband who battled cancer for four years and then as a cancer survivor of stage three melanoma. I had the pleasure of chatting to Gill about her journey where she shared how she has dedicated her life to giving back to the cancer community in the most profound way.  I urge you to purchase a copy of her book that is both heartwarming and inspiring.     Gill has a degree in psychology and she has held leadership roles in Christian ministry. She is a successful business owner and a proud mom of two sons. Gill facilitates support groups for cancer sufferers and caregivers.  Gill is passionate to share her Christian faith to inspire and encourage others to receive God’s healing at a spiritual, emotional and physical level.  “I have learnt that living in the peace of God defeats anxiety, depression and fear. To overcome cancer and meet the challenges of life, Jesus is the anchor for my soul. He keeps me firm and steadfast.”. “ WHERE TO FROM HERE?” “Anchor for cancer” is life changing, enriching and empowering! This book offers you and your loved ones emotional and spiritual support, practical tips and tools to equip you to walk the journey through cancer.  Replace fear and worry with God’s peace. Receive hope and build faith.   Be guided to manage stress. Anchor in prayer and God’s Word.  Increase your emotional awareness and take care of your thought life.  Release buried hurts and receive new insights. Focus on the healing power of forgiveness. Readers’ comments: “Anchor for cancer“ is exactly what our society needs!” “A life saver in the middle of adversity!” Gill Kretzschmar has been on both sides of the fence: first as a caregiver to her late husband who battled cancer for four years and then as a cancer survivor of stage three melanoma. Gill has a degree in psychology and she has held leadership roles in Christian ministry. She is a successful business owner and a proud mom of two sons. Gill facilitates support groups for cancer sufferers and caregivers. Gill is passionate to share her Christian faith to inspire and encourage others to receive God’s healing at a spiritual, emotional and physical level. “I have learntthat living in the peace of God defeats anxiety, depression and fear. To overcome cancer and meet the challenges of life, Jesus is the anchor for my soul. He keeps me firm and steadfast.” “Anchor for cancer “supports an online course which includes videos of healing testimonies from cancer survivors and dynamic feedback sessions. To register: please visit our website www.anchorforcancer.co.za

An interview with Andrew Oberholzer, The Prostate Cancer Foundation NPC which was established in 2005 as a non-profit-company. Andrew shares how this foundations aim is to minimise the impact that prostate cancer has on South African men and their families. They do this by providing forums for: Healthcare professionals, who diagnose, treat and research prostate cancer on a daily basis through our Medical and Scientific Advisory Board Prostate Cancer Patients, their families and volunteers who want to make a difference in the lives of those who have been affected by prostate cancer through our patient affairs board Corporate Members who want to assist by providing financial resources and marketing expertise through our marketing and strategic planning board It is through the involvement of the medical specialists who research and treat prostate cancer, the companies that develop the treatments, and the patients and their families affected by the disease that makes their organisation unique and enables them to assist with  fighting the disease from all angles. Visit their site to find out more and to get involved in some of their events:  https://prostate-ca.co.za/about/

An interview with Louise Turner is the Chief Operations Officer at Breast Health Foundation (BHF). In 2004, she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.n“When I was diagnosed everything changed – a whole different world opened up for me. I met the most amazing people, because of breast cancer.” As a firm believer in the starfish principle, Louise says her job is very satisfying. “I trust that our efforts will make a difference to someone, somewhere in the world. People don’t have to go through everything all by themselves with no support and no educational infrastructure, that’s why BHF is here!” According to Louise South Africa’s social dynamics are such that, for every one woman who survives breast cancer, many more lives are affected positively. “That’s because there’s a husband or partner who is not widowed, children who are not orphaned, extended family members who are not grieving and countless friends who are educated.” Louise’s advice to people diagnosed with breast cancer is that it too shall pass. “Breast cancer is just another bump in the journey – it’s hell, but you get through it. Live life, don’t simply exist!” https://www.mybreast.org.za

An interview with Dr Chirantan Bose who discusses the work his organisation is doing with the latest technology and several years of extensive research to offer effective treatment solutions to cancer patients for whom, multiple lines of treatment have failed. Dr Bose brings not only hope to the world of cancer but insight that with early diagnosis that science provides multiple options to explore way to treat cancer patients.  In partnership with Data Cancer Genetics Ltd and Unique Diagnostics South Africa offer some exciting new cancer treatment options. Dr Chirantan Bose MD, IFCAP (Intl Fellow Member - College of American Pathologists), Post Doc – Molecular Oncology (Univ of Pittsburgh Med Centre), Fellow - Clinical Genetics (Univ of South Wales, UK), MBA (IIT-Bombay), MBA (Washington Univ) Director - Patient Care Services Datar Cancer Genetics Limited Gurgaon, India Email: chirantan.bose@datarpgx.org Mobile: +91-9963539171 Website: https://datarpgx.com/

An interview with Sandy Gordon who was diagnosed 1st November 2021 with pancreatic cancer.  Sandy is 39 years old and is a primary school teacher in Johannesburg.  Sandy named her cancer Dennis as she felt it was just easier to refer to him by name rather than “my cancer”. Sandy found out about Dennis when she was admitted to hospital with Pancreatitis. The doctors found lesions on her liver, which turned out to be metastasised Pancreatic Cancer. She is currently undergoing Chemotherapy at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital and fighting to make sure she is cancer free by September. Sandy shares with us that she has  a wonderful army of supporters that keep her fighting. Sandy's motto  “One day, one fight at a time!”.  A moving but inspirational story which I was privileged to capture as part of our podcast series.

An interview with Oscar who was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2019, shares his journey, fears and how he continues to keep his fight spirit in all he does.   Determination, his competitive nature and disciplined approach to life (exercise, fasting and positive attitude) has carried Oscar through many hours of chemotherapy and radiation.  Oscar's is a voice for cancer and believes cancer is not a death sentence! A true inspiration for us all! "Success in the sports world started early for Oscar. He started competing internationally at age 14; made the National Surf Lifesaving Team at age 15; was the first person in the world to win both Junior and Senior Ironman, aged 15; played for KwaZulu-Natal Schools’ Rugby and SA Schools’ Water polo. He became the youngest canoe Springbok, at age 18, and was the Captain of the first SA Paddling Olympic Team in 1992. He went on to win the World Surfski Champs in Hawaii seven years in a row and then won it on another five occasions, the last being, in 2012. Oscar won his last international race at age 55. And, it doesn’t stop there, currently he coaches and travels to most of the races around the world. Plus, the 58-year-old still competes, even after a multiple myeloma (MM) diagnosis.  Oscar was first diagnosis with Multiple Myeloma and given 4 to 6 months to live, Oscar has openly shared his journey of radiation, chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant with his loyal and supportive global fan base on his social media pages".  (Oncology Buddies) Recommended books: Tripping over the Truth: How the Metabolic Theory of Cancer Is Overturning One of Medicine's Most Entrenched Paradigms - Travis Christofferson Oscar's new book to be launched - 15th August 2022 "No retreat - no surrender" 

An interview with Arthur who is an ex chartered accountant, who “got sold” on the benefits of Therapeutic Reflexology, when it provided him with a permanent solution to Crohn’s disease. This belief inspired him to augment his knowledge and critical thinking skills about well-being, with craniosacral therapy.  Arthur was also diagnosed with cancer in his eye, lost his eye sight in the one eye which lead him to change his career.  Arthur shares his journey with us. Arthur has helped many people manage their health, vitality and energy – energy is the key to a happy, healthy life.  His method has been developed to solve health problems and improve the quality of peoples’ lives. The aim is to get patients to feel good. Patients receive personalised, effective lifestyle help to improve their health. Arthur comes from a place where he really wants to make the world a better place and he has had the joy of serving many clients and improving their lives.

Rajes was diagnosed with Stage 3, High grade, B-Cell Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2018. After undergoing treatment in India and then continuing her treatment in South Africa, Rajes is now in remission and lives a healthy and normal life.  Rajes shares how the extended process of trying to obtain a diagnosis and then with her will to survive explored some alternative treatment and life style changes.  Rajes says that for most cancer does not have a face until it's yours or someone you know. Although cancer will always form part of her life she a warrior fighting spirit and believes that together with meditation, yoga, energy healing, prayer and maintaining self awareness you can fight any disease.  This interview will inspire anyone who has had to face a challenge that would seem insurmountable to most.  We thank Rajes to being brave enough to share her story that may raise awareness for other individuals who may be facing a journey of a similar nature.   Powerful quote from Rajes "The concerted combined efforts towards a common goal showed the humanity of people and helped in my healing".  Rajes believes the its okay to question your doctors and to see knowledge as power.  Rajes shared that cancer may be part of her, but isn't the whole of her and it certainly does not define her.