Marisa 'eM' Louw

Next week Friday, I am going for my three-monthly breast cancer check-up. The fear and anxiety that I experience during the time leading up to these check-ups can be disabling. Thousands of 'what ifs' occupy my thoughts. I have disturbing dreams, don't sleep well, and feel generally demotivated.  Last week I decided to call my psychologist for a consultation, and yesterday we discussed my fears and feelings. Although I now better understand why I'm feeling the way I do, it does not take away the anxiety that I experience. When I'm anxious, I get grumpy and snap at everyone around me. I struggle to concentrate and make mistakes that I wouldn't usually make. I eat more, which makes me depressed because I cannot shake off the 20 kg I gained during chemotherapy. And, as a result, I eat even more! I stop caring for myself; taking a shower is a massive chore that drains the little strength I have. All my energy goes into worrying about something that I have no control

  First published on  Bizcommunity  on 12 October 2021. Within South Africa, healthcare professionals registered 15,491 new breast cancer cases last year, making it the leading carcinoma in females across population groups. Researchers estimate that, by 2040, the number will increase to more than 22,000 new cases . Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in South African women, with nearly 5,000 deaths recorded in 2020. The mammogram debate - diagnostic or screening tool? Research published in the October 2018 issue of the SA Journal of Radiology states that "screening has been shown through studies to reduce the breast cancer mortality rate by 30% – 40%." Nevertheless, the National Department of Health's Breast Cancer Control and Prevention Policy (June 2017) questions the value of screening mammography and that it "should not be introduced unless resources are available to ensure effective and reliable screening of at least 70 per cent of

When the doctor told me in August 2019 that I have Grade 3 Stage 2 breast cancer, I decided to document my journey. Firstly, writing is my way to deal with my emotions; secondly, I want to help others. I said to myself: "If my story touches one person's life and help them overcome their challenges, I can die knowing that I accomplished something." I have since been telling my story with absolute honesty. I share my deepest, darkest feelings and emotions. I narrate the good times and positive things. And I describe the terrible moments and negative things. My first blog entry was on  24 August 2019 . At the time, I was in denial, angry, and confused. Five days after my double mastectomy, in  September 2019 , cancer broke my spirit. By the time I was halfway through chemotherapy, in  December 2019 , I felt more positive again. But the lingering side effects of chemo drove me into  deep darkness  by May 2020. My GP started me on anti-depressants, and by  December 2020 , I wa

In just a little over two months, it is #breastcancerawarenessmonth.   This message serves as a reminder to book your routine mammogram. All medical aids and hospital plans must pay for the procedure as part of your Screening and Prevention benefit. Remember, a family history starts somewhere. Don't think you are safe if there is no history of cancer in your family.  If you are planning a fundraiser or awareness event in October and looking for a speaker, don't hesitate to contact me at emlo@hotmail.co.za .  PS: If you do not have medical insurance, contact your nearest public breast clinic. SA has some of the best public breast clinics in the world! List of Public / Government Breast Clinics for mammograms Eastern Cape, East London - Frere Hospital   Eastern Cape, Port Elizabeth - Livingston Hospital   Free State, Bloemfontein - Universitas Academic Hospital   Western Cape, Cape Town - Groote Schuur Academic Hospital  (Rated *****) Western Cape, Cape Town Northern Suburbs - Ty

Protocols for dealing with injured or compromised wildlife found You require a permit issued to treat, rear or keep any indigenous wildlife.  Because you “found it” does not make it yours.   Any treatment which needs to be undertaken on injured wildlife needs to be done by a qualified rehabilitation specialist or vet. (Authors: Pieter Saunders ,  Lynn Ravat , and Sigrid Oliver ) Firstly, when do you help a bird, and when do you leave it? If you can easily catch a bird, it most probably needs help! Even if the parents are around, they won't raise the baby on the ground or keep it warm. If a human can catch it, any predator (cat, dog, rat, other bird) can also. It needs help! The exception for this will be birds that live and breed on the ground. Fledglings learning to fly will be up in the tree around the nest; when they are ready to come down to the ground, it's difficult to catch them. If you can reach the nest of the baby bird (and you are sure it is the right nest), you can,

For the past two years, people kept telling me: "Be gentle with yourself!" But, what does it mean? And, how does someone who is intrinsically motivated by self-drive, competition, and achievement unlearn a lifelong trait? Where does my self-drive come from? As a child, my parents and teachers urged me to perform - academically and in various extracurricular activities. I competed in multiple sport disciplines (athletics, tennis, horse riding, swimming, and ballet). I excelled in music (piano, guitar, recorder, voice, music theory), acting, modelling, and chess.  My father instilled in me his business acumen and drive. I grew up watching him run a successful butchery. He taught me about good customer service, sales and marketing, merchandising, payrolls, and business finance. By the time I turned 16, I knew every aspect of his trade and how to run a business.  I learned from him that providing for your family comes with immense responsibility. When he was sick, he couldn't