Marisa 'eM' Louw

  On the 8th of July, I went for a routine mammogram and on the 23rd of July it was confirmed - I have breast cancer. Following an array of diagnostics tests and surgery, I finally sat opposite my oncologist on the 21st of August receiving the news that I have aggressive Grade 3 invasive lobular breast cancer. A week later I was admitted to hospital for a bilateral (double) skin-saving mastectomy and direct to implant breast reconstruction. Today, on the 16th of September, I heard that I will start chemotherapy in the next two or three weeks. But let's take a step back and allow me to explain a few things. Cancer cells were found in my right breast. My type of cancer is stimulated by estrogen and it has aggressive growth patterns. During the mastectomy, we managed to obtain what the doctors call surgical clearance. This means that all the cancer cells were removed during the surgery. A total of eight lymph nodes were removed around the area of the cancer (six in the right breast an...

  As you may be aware by now, I have been diagnosed with aggressive grade 3 invasive lobular breast cancer about three weeks ago. I have since had a bilateral (double) mastectomy and will be finding out whether I will be receiving chemotherapy this coming Monday. Those of you who know me knows that I am level-headed and able to do multiple things at once. I am a hard worker who is dedicated to my clients and work-related commitments. My personal affairs have always played second fiddle. But over the past three weeks, I had to learn to put my personal affairs first. And it came with several sacrifices - some by choice and others forced. Being diagnosed with cancer has, so far, been an administrative nightmare! First and most frustrating is being passed from doctor to doctor to doctor. And each visit comes with diagnostic tests and a medical bill that is not covered by my entry-level hospital plan. My inbox looks like a tornado hit it with all the invoices from doctors, pathologists,...

  It has been five days since my bilateral skin-saving mastectomy and direct to implant breast reconstruction. I want to share my story of how post-operative complications broke my spirit, and about the knight in shining armour that came to my rescue. I am 45-years old and this is my second surgical procedure ever in my life, both in the same month. Eight weeks ago I was healthier than 95% of women my age, and today I suffer from water retention, fatigue, digestive problems, a dry mouth, and blurry vision. I cannot bathe myself or wash my hair. I can't get in and out of bed without someone physically helping me. And the worst of all, I cannot feed or hold my furry children. Those who know me understand that I am independent and ambitious. But now I find myself helpless... and with a broken spirit.  It all started yesterday morning with a call from the surgeon's office: "Mrs Louw, the labs found a bacteria in the tissue that doctor removed that must have come from the previ...

  Friday, 30 August 2019: At 10:04 I stepped into the ring to begin my fight against grade 3 invasive lobular breast cancer with a bilateral skin-saving mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. Let me tell you a little more about the first round. We (my hubby Stéfan Louw and I) left home at 05:00 that morning so that we can be at the Rosebank Clinic at 07:00 for admission. The admission process was smooth and handled very professionally and efficiently by Thabiso (if I remember his name correctly).  Upon arriving at the ward I was very surprised to learn that I have a private room. The nursing staff were very friendly and helpful, and started with the admission tests immediately. Once my patient file had been opened and all my vitals recorded, I was escorted down to the nuclear medical science department in the basement of the hospital. This is where an isotope scan and marking of the lymph nodes took place. It is important to mark the lymph nodes so that the surgeon can remove...