From fear to hope: a KZN mother's breast cancer journey during lockdown

OCTOBER marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and for Sandhia Govinder, a 47-year-old occupational therapist from Blythedale, it is far more than a pink ribbon or a campaign slogan. It is a deeply personal reminder of the journey she had travelled since being diagnosed with Stage 4A breast cancer in 2019.

Her life took a sharp turn in April 2019 during South Africa’s strict Covid-19 lockdown, when she discovered a lump in her right breast.

“I was in the shower and felt something the size of a tennis ball. It was not painful, and I could move it, so I thought it was a cyst. I did not feel worried at first,” said Govinder, an occupational therapist. 

That moment changed her life.

Up to that point, Govinder described herself as someone running “at 280km per hour,” juggling family, work, and life’s many demands. 

“I think that was the point where my body became vulnerable. Ironically, I was at my fittest, healthiest, and calmest when I found the lump.”

Having never gone for a mammogram before due to fear and misinformation, she booked her first scan. 

“That was one of my biggest mistakes, waiting. It was ignorance on my part.”

The results were immediately concerning. She was referred to a surgeon, who performed a biopsy on the same day.

“It was painful, and the scariest part was that I was all alone. No visitors were allowed in the hospital. It was then I realised I had to lean into my inner strength and trust in God completely.”

The diagnosis: aggressive, fast-growing breast cancer requiring urgent surgery and treatment.

“I was overwhelmed. I intensified my spiritual practices, chanting, meditation and started reading and learning everything I could about breast cancer. I prayed for the right doctor, someone kind, empathetic, and who saw me as a person, not just a patient.”

Her prayers were answered. She found a medical team she trusted and, in May 2019, underwent a mastectomy and removal of 11 lymph nodes.

“I walked into that hospital alone with just a picture of God, my coffee mug, a book, and my hope. I knew I would never be the same again, but how different I would become, I did not yet know.”

Post-surgery, her diagnosis was updated to HER2 positive breast cancer, an estrogen-dependent form requiring long-term hormonal treatment to suppress estrogen levels. 

“It came with hot flashes, joint pain, weight gain and brain fog. But I kept telling myself: these symptoms are bearable. I am alive. That is what matters.”

Govinder’s professional background as an occupational therapist proved invaluable to her own recovery. 

“I used my clinical knowledge to stay active and focused on my mindset. But the emotional and psychological journey especially after the mastectomy was something I had not anticipated. Seeing my flat chest for the first time was one of the hardest moments.”

She describes three pivotal challenges.

“Finding out I had cancer. Telling my children. And seeing my body after surgery,” said the married mother to three children - aged 22, 18, and 11.

While many women expect strength from their partners or family, Govinder’s experience was different. 

“I found myself pretending in front of them. Oddly, it was my helper who held my hand through the pain and the dressings. My children, who were going through their own challenges, were my biggest motivation. I wanted to still be the mom they could rely on.”

Today, she still manages the physical aftermath: lymphatic swelling, daily use of a compression garment, adapted bras, ice baths, and a prosthesis. 

“The journey with body image continues. I am still figuring out what femininity means to me now.”

But her mindset has transformed.

“My new normal is respecting my body and prioritising my health. I have engaged with a coach to set meaningful goals, step out of comfort zones, and make time for what I love. Every morning, before I step out of bed, I decide what energy I can bring into the day.”

She has also adopted a more disciplined spiritual practice and makes intentional choices about her lifestyle. 

“I choose how I want to show up every day.”

For Govinder, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is both a celebration and a call to action.

“It symbolises hope and courage. I urge all women to get screened and stay vigilant. Do not let fear or ignorance delay you like it did for me. Do not overwhelm yourself with Googling everything. Find a doctor you connect with and trust. Ask questions. Understand your treatment. And most importantly, prioritise self-care: eat well, rest, nurture your mental health, and find joy.

“There will be hard days. Be gentle with yourself. Grieve. Cry. Laugh. Ask for help. And embrace hope. There are so many of us living full, meaningful lives after breast cancer.”

Now in remission since 2020, Govinder uses her voice and experience to advocate for others.

“What drives me is remembering what it felt like in those early days, the fear, the uncertainty. I was comforted by stories of hope. Now, I feel called to be that hope for someone else. Sometimes, a kind word or a shared story is exactly what someone needs,” said Govinder.

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