Marisa 'eM' Louw

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2019, I had no idea what the financial implications would be. Although I have an entry-level hospital plan, I have no life insurance or dread disease cover. Both my husband and I are freelancers which means that our income fluctuates. We aim to have as few as possible fixed financial commitments which means we have a hospital plan, short-term insurance, and a data service provider. It would be irresponsible of us to commit to any other fixed expenses knowing that our income varies month-on-month. We further have no credit cards, or loans, or clothing accounts. No cash, no purchase. We also have to take into account our travel and maintenance costs. A trip from Parys to Johannesburg to meet with a client costs R2,300 if one uses the Automobile Associations (AA) calculator. Actual fuel cost is around R500 per return trip, and I travel at least three times a week. And according to the Southern African Freelancers' Association (SAFREA), t...

  It is my view that we all experience a measure of financial strain. That no living person is excluded from the stress brought about by money, or the lack thereof. The property magnate with billions in the bank may have it all but desire something that money can't buy. Not having that something perhaps leaves him sad and depressed. The middle-class mother of a single-parent family may drive a mid-market car but works two jobs to keep up with the repayment thereof. All for the sake of her children, to give them the best she can. She possibly cries quietly at night. The informal dweller may have less financial commitments but have to live from hand to mouth daily. Imagine waking up in the morning, not knowing where your next meal will come from. You have your financial challenges, and I have mine. Yesterday, my husband and I took a decision to put my cancer treatment on hold because we have to spend our money on other things that are more important, like food and shelter. Unless my ...

Tuesday, 3 March 2020 - On Friday I will be going for my last chemo session. After a double mastectomy in August last year, I underwent preventative chemotherapy since 25 October 2019, weekly, to help lower the risk of my breast cancer returning.  In combination with chemotherapy, I also receive a drug called Herceptin, every three weeks for 18 months. This drug attempts to block the HER2 protein receptors that cause cancer cells to grow. According to sources, only 1 in 5 breast cancers has this gene variation that produces a surplus of the HER2 protein.  And, because my cancer also tested positive for hormone receptors, from next month, I will start a 5 to 10-year treatment plan that suppresses my ovaries from producing estrogen. This involves an injection once every three months. In combination with the hormone-blocking therapy, I will also be taking a daily drug (Tamoxifen) that blocks estrogen from attaching to the receptor on the cancer cell. This prevents the cancer cel...

  Thursday, 23 January 2020 - Tomorrow, I will be receiving my 12th chemotherapy treatment. Six more to go after that. Since 25 October 2019, I have been receiving 120mg Paclitaxel, 400mg Cimetidine, 12.5mg Phenergan, 250mg Solumedrol, and 1mg Granisetron every Friday. On 22 November I also started receiving 600mg Herceptin every three weeks for 18 months. My body and mind have different reactions to the treatment.  At first, I did not feel anything unusual. My hair started falling out around day 25, but I did not lose all my hair - just severe thinning thereof. Around day 49, I started suffering swelling of my face, body, arms and legs due to water retention. Walking became a bit of an effort because swollen feet hurt when you step on them. I am taking medication for this every morning. Around day 77, I developed a rash all over my scalp, face, chest, and back. By day 87, I have gained almost 7kg, and my clothes don't fit. This morning I woke up with my first mouth sore....