FOR many women receiving a cancer diagnosis may bring about shock, disbelief and intense fear.
The uncertainty about the future and potential severity of the illness can lead to overwhelming anxiety.
This is what Mereoni Marama Taginadavui, 63, felt when she was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in 1999.
“I was alarmed but not scared as I am not easily shaken,” she said.
“But when I comprehended the whole picture and the thought of staying away from my children for treatment, I broke down.
A visit to the United States to see her parents turned into a life-saving moment because she was able to access the necessary treatment.
“I woke up one morning feeling feverish and decided to call my mum to massage my breast.
“While massaging, she found the rock-hard tumour in my flesh.”
Life was not easy in the days after her unexpected discovery. She had to stay in Washington for five years to undergo operation and chemotherapy treatment.
“My children suffered tremendously. I had a daughter who suffered from asthma (and who passed away six years ago) and I couldn’t be there for her at the time,” she said.
” Another daughter got hooked on marijuana and they had to live with relatives. The pressure on them was as great as it was on me.”
Despite the adversities she and her family faced, Ms Taginadavui never lost faith in God.
“I praise God for open doors in terms of the treatment protocol because by combining faith with treatment, I am still here today.
“There are certain things in life we have no control of, but reaching out to our creator and maker with brokenness brings overwhelming peace amid our storms.”
The challenges didn’t end there for Ms Taginadavui. Last year, she lost her husband to cancer.
“My late husband was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer in December last year. We presented him to the hospital late…all the tests including a colonoscopy were positive.
“We did our best but lost him, yet we are thankful to God that we tried. Yes, we miss him, but we were at peace with his passing.
Ms Taginadavui is a freelancer with Building Resources in Democracy Governance and Election (BRIDGE) and volunteers for the Soqosoqo Vakamarama in Bua.
A parting message from her is to ‘take ownership of your health’.
“Treat your body well, eat and drink what helps your body. Treat food as medicine.”
