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Behind Her Smile (21 September 2011)

Written by TVSA Team from the blog Special Assignment on 18 Sep 2011
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Coming up on Special Assignment this week:

Episode title: Behind Her Smile

Broadcast date: Wednesday, 21 September 2011.

Teaser ...

special_assignment_21sept2011

In a non-descript face brick house in Kagiso, an extraordinary battle is being waged against impossible odds. A 38-year-old single mother, Nosipho Mgoma is fighting for her life. Her body is swollen and sluggish.

On her bedside table are a handful of pills that might, momentarily, dull the excruciatingly pain shooting through every cell in her being. But, just reaching for them requires all of her willpower.

“Struggling. Struggling. It’s not nice this disease. It’s not nice at all. Everyday, some days are worst than this. Some days when I stand up and try to do something I just collapse in the kitchen. They will have to come and take me and put me back in bed.”

Two years ago Nosipho was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had seen several doctors and gone to countless clinics to find out why she had been feeling ill and was in severe pain, but was always sent home with some Panado’s and no answers.

It was only when she collapsed on her way to work that further tests were done. By the time her cancer was discovered, it had already spread to her brain, spine, liver and kidneys.

“You get pain, especially when it has spread this far. You get pains every day. You know, sometimes you don’t feel like talking, you know. You are just tired. You get angry at other people. If someone tries to do something for you, you just feel like a burden.”

Breast cancer is the biggest killer of women in South Africa: 1 in 29 women will get the disease during their lifetimes. The American Cancer Society believes that the number of cancer-related deaths in Africa will double by 2030.

If diagnosed early, breast cancer can be successfully treated. But, if you are poor and reliant on the public health system, it can be a death sentence.

For people like Nosipho, ignorance a lack of regular check-ups allowed her cancer to go undetected, until it was too late. Now, every day she lives is precious. It is a day longer with her nine-year old daughter, Gugulethu.


“I am scared. Maybe if I didn’t have a child, I wouldn’t be scared. But, because I have a child, I’m scared. No one is going to love my child like I love her.”
I tell her, “Mummy’s sick and Mummy is going to die. Some day, you will be alone and then you will have to do things for yourself. So that is why I’m teaching you now.”

Cancer is a one of the leading non-communicable diseases, commonly known as chronic or life-style related diseases, which include diabetes, cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases.

These are responsible for more deaths than all other causes combined and have emerged relatively unnoticed, while the international community has focused on communicable infections, like as HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis. The WHO believes that non-communicable diseases are a massive cause for concern and will - in the future - financially cripple developing nations.

While world leaders are gathering in New York on 19 – 20 September 2011, for a historic UN Summit to decide a global strategy to address Non-Communicable Diseases, Special Assignment brings you the story of Nosipho Mgoma, a courageous mother whose life hangs in the balance.

“I tried to fight this cancer. I tried. I tried very hard, but I’m still not giving up. If there’s a chance, I’m going to take it.”



Special Assignment is on SABC3 on Wednesdays at 21h30.



7 Comments

mbulela
19 Sep 2011 18:17

my mother fought this disease,and is still enjoying her victory.
I would never wish it on my worst enemy.
My prayers nd thought are with this lady and her child.
Ladies,early detection is the key.Love your breasts and know them intimately.
See a doctor at the slightest lump.
That is the way to go.

Anol@
20 Sep 2011 09:07

I lost my mother to a rare kind of cancer ( Eausophagus cancer ) 9 years ago. I was 15. No child deserves to lose her mother so young and in this manner. 

I can't believe that in November 2012, it will be a decade since her passing. I don't think I will be able to bring myself to watch this episode. The pain numbs after a while, but never leaves you.

I remember my brother and myself being being told that she was going to die and the cancer was Terminal. ( nothing can ever prepare you for that ). 

We are lucky to have such a huge family and strong support system, I only hope Nosipho and her daughter Guguletu have the same. 

Today I am very obsessed with cancer....or rather the prevention of the disease. I don't want to die young like my mother. I want to see my own daughter finish school and see her all grown. Please take care of your selves and your health guys.

Nosipho and her daughter are in my thoughts and prayers.

myname
27 Sep 2011 13:40

As I’m typing this i just dropped a phone from my former colleague and friend she has the cervix cancer and we thought she has defeated it up until she collapsed while she was on holiday. The doctors told her that it has spread all over her body now she has to just wait and die. Now my question is; how do you wait for your death?

Life is so UNFAIR! She is the loveliest humble and free-spirit lady.

carino
27 Sep 2011 13:55

eish myname...i just can never get over this cancer issue. Its seriously sooooo unfair. And the fact that you dont know that its growing inside of you until those very last moments.....


and there's is just nothing to say to a cancer patient....

Successm
10 Mar 2012 15:17


The story has touch me by, because i've lost my through this disease, but womb cancer. To the lady up the Keep your head up  don't give-up easily and i know u y'all black strong women.

Successm
10 Mar 2012 15:23


The story has touch me by, because i've lost my mother through this kind of disease, but it was womb cancer. To all the ladies up there Keep your head up don't give-up easily and i know u y'all black strong women.

VusiK
10 Mar 2012 21:24

I'm a survivor ... 

Cerebral (twice) , Hodgkin's, Lymphoma, Breast (yes men do get breast cancer) ...

I am in total remission three years now. 

Cancer runs in our family, we deal with it whenever it happens. Cancer in my family is a lot like a management exercise, we have evolved to consider its existence to be like part of the furniture, or wall paper. 

It cannot be prevented, it can only be dealt with.

My father died of cancer (prostate)
My grandparents died of it also
My Mother's had it
My cousin is 20 and has it
I've had it

I feel for those like this lady who were denied treatment until it is too late. Such neglect by healthcare providers serving in government hospitals should be criminalized, and the kind of people who are in the business of killing people (consequently) whilst claiming to be health professionals should be barred from the profession of providing healthcare.


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