Episode 28: Lydia Staats - Diagnosed with Stage 3 - Breast Cancer

Welcome to today’s episode, where we bring you an incredibly moving and inspiring story. Joining us is Lydia Staats, a 46-year-old wife and mother of two daughters, who has faced a battle few can imagine. Diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in February 2022, Lydia’s journey has been one of incredible courage, resilience, and faith. From enduring multiple rounds of chemotherapy, a mastectomy, and radiation delays due to systemic backlogs at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, Lydia faced a recurrence in May 2023. Despite the setback, she underwent another round of intensive treatment and surgery, emerging stronger than ever. But Lydia’s story is more than just a personal battle—it’s a fight for thousands of cancer patients left waiting for critical care. As a voice for these patients, Lydia is actively involved in a court case against the Gauteng Department of Health, challenging the ongoing radiation crisis. Today, Lydia shares her journey, her unwavering faith, and her passion for helping other breast cancer patients stay positive and keep fighting. Her story is one of hope, perseverance, and advocacy. We are honoured to have her with us, and we know her story will inspire and uplift you. So, sit back and listen to Lydia Staats’ powerful testimony of strength, survival, and purpose.

Heidi, 53, diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, shares her inspiring story of determination and unwavering faith. Despite facing a challenging series of operations and treatments, her resilience and strength shine through, serving as a true testament to the power of hope and perseverance. Heidi has been married to her loving husband for 11 years, although they have known each other for almost 40 years. Their long history together has led them to become involved with Marriage Ministries, believing that God offers second chances. They have one son together. After working in finance (retail) for over 30 years, she was first diagnosed in 2020 during the Covid pandemic with Non-Hodgkins Follicular Lymphoma (grade 2) Stage 4 cancer. She was on a "Watch-and-Wait" approach for almost two years before being diagnosed in August 2022 with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) during a follow-up visit. Over the past 14 months, she has spent 111 days in the hospital. Despite setbacks, including heart failure after the first two chemotherapy sessions and a relapse in June 2023, she remains strong and believes that God has a plan for her. She is now nearing a Stem Cell Transplant (SCT) and is actively trying to raise awareness about the importance of registering to become a donor. She emphasises that people can become donors without "giving up" their lives – one needs to be alive to be a donor.

In this insightful episode, we have the privilege of sitting down with Shaun Waison, a seasoned nutritionalist from Life Health SA, to explore the critical role of nutrition in the context of cancer care. Shaun sheds light on the profound impact of maintaining a healthy diet and leveraging vitamins and supplements to support the body throughout and post cancer treatments. Join us as we delve into the nuances of how proper nutrition can play a pivotal role in enhancing the overall well-being of individuals undergoing cancer therapies. Shaun shares his expertise on the strategic use of vitamins and supplements, offering practical insights into optimising nutritional intake to bolster the body's resilience during the challenges of cancer treatment. Throughout the conversation, Shaun addresses the specific needs of individuals navigating the intricate journey of cancer recovery. From understanding the importance of key nutrients to exploring personalised supplement regimens, this interview provides valuable information for anyone seeking to integrate nutrition as a cornerstone of their cancer care strategy. Tune in for an engaging and informative discussion that underscores the significance of a balanced diet and targeted supplementation in promoting not just physical health but also overall vitality and resilience during and after cancer treatments. Whether you're a cancer patient, survivor, or simply interested in the profound impact of nutrition on health, this episode with Shaun Waison is sure to offer valuable insights and practical tips for cultivating a nourished and resilient body. For more information visit: https://www.lifehealthsa.com/

Meet Nancy, a courageous survivor of both Ovarian and Cervical Cancer. Not only is she the author of the autobiography "What if it Was Me?" but also a talented poet and short story writer, with some of her works published by Vine Leaves Press. In addition to her literary pursuits, Nancy is a dedicated counsellor with a passion for helping individuals navigate through traumas, particularly those related to cancer, as well as other health issues, sexual assault, grief, marital struggles, and financial challenges. Through her interview, Nancy generously shares her life journey, offering valuable insights into how she conquered cancer and triumphed over various life adversities. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience, illustrating how she has gracefully faced and overcome the obstacles life has presented to her. Nancy's narrative serves as an inspirational beacon for others facing similar challenges, showcasing the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

An interview with Colin Hall, a cancer warrior in the true sense of the word. At the age of 80 Colin shares how he has fought his Lymphoma not only with a positive attitude but he describes his journey as one that has taught him to reevaluate how he deals with challenging situations in life. Colin believes it is important to allow your family and friends to not only help you but also to love you. He shares how laughing has helped him through many dark days. Colin explains how he fought his cancer and continues to live his live with his "10 minute battery charging routine". He also believes that fighting cancer can be compared to charging a battery. Just as a battery needs to be charged to function properly, a person fighting cancer needs to undergo treatment to restore their health. Colin explains how replenishing energy is similar to how a battery stores energy, the body also has its own reserves of energy that can be replenished during cancer treatment. Proper nutrition, rest, and exercise can help the body regain strength and energy during and after treatment. A book recommendations from Colin that provided him with insight and comfortable to overcome cancer: https://radicalremission.com/about-the-books/ Colin's 10 minute energy recharger secret: https://ltl.co.za/a-ten-minute-energy-recharger/

An interview with Lisha, a cancer survivor that was diagnosed with papillary carcinoma at the age of 25. Lisha was living aboard at the time however returned to SA for her treatment which included a thyroidemctomy and radioactive therapy. Soon after her treatment Lisha went back to London to continue her life, which proved to be challenging as she struggled to heal properly. After an injury Lisha made the decision to return back to South Africa and now 15 years later has taken a holistic view if her life. Lisha is an Art of Living practioner who believes that it is really important to not only focus on your eating, exercise and general healthy routine. Lisha shares how it is just as important to have a strong mental outlook but also using breathing to help control her emotional and remove toxins out of her body. Lisha shares how her routine includes meditation and yoga which has changed her life where is is living cancer free.

Professor Monica Singer CA (SA) - Consensys senior strategy and Advisory Board Member at Global Digital Asset & Cryptocurrency Association Monica was diagnosed in 2022 with breast cancer, she shares how cancer has impacted her life and how prevent is so much better than cure.  Monica believes that stress the cause her cancer, although there being a family history of cancer should she have been advised differently she feels she could have put measures in place to prevent her current situation.  Monica treatments include chemotherapy for the rest of her life which she has embraced by ensuring her daily routine includes healthy eating, mediation, exercise and vitamins.   Monica shares her childhood trauma has impacted her diagnosis and now is determined to continue to leave all that in the past and focus on living the best possible life she can.  A inspiring and raw interview with a remarkable lady who wants everyone to know her story so she can help others.

An interview with Jean Pionaar, National Operations Manager, Zebra Medical.  Jean is a registered nurse, who has worked 16 years in ICU.  Jean shares how she has been working for Zebra past 17 years. We are passionate about all things in the oncology/vascular access space. Our mantra is: Right line, Right patient, Right treatment, Right time. https://zebramedical.com/

An interview with Gill Kretzschmar who has been on both sides of the fence: first as a caregiver to her late husband who battled cancer for four years and then as a cancer survivor of stage three melanoma. I had the pleasure of chatting to Gill about her journey where she shared how she has dedicated her life to giving back to the cancer community in the most profound way.  I urge you to purchase a copy of her book that is both heartwarming and inspiring.     Gill has a degree in psychology and she has held leadership roles in Christian ministry. She is a successful business owner and a proud mom of two sons. Gill facilitates support groups for cancer sufferers and caregivers.  Gill is passionate to share her Christian faith to inspire and encourage others to receive God’s healing at a spiritual, emotional and physical level.  “I have learnt that living in the peace of God defeats anxiety, depression and fear. To overcome cancer and meet the challenges of life, Jesus is the anchor for my soul. He keeps me firm and steadfast.”. “ WHERE TO FROM HERE?” “Anchor for cancer” is life changing, enriching and empowering! This book offers you and your loved ones emotional and spiritual support, practical tips and tools to equip you to walk the journey through cancer.  Replace fear and worry with God’s peace. Receive hope and build faith.   Be guided to manage stress. Anchor in prayer and God’s Word.  Increase your emotional awareness and take care of your thought life.  Release buried hurts and receive new insights. Focus on the healing power of forgiveness. Readers’ comments: “Anchor for cancer“ is exactly what our society needs!” “A life saver in the middle of adversity!” Gill Kretzschmar has been on both sides of the fence: first as a caregiver to her late husband who battled cancer for four years and then as a cancer survivor of stage three melanoma. Gill has a degree in psychology and she has held leadership roles in Christian ministry. She is a successful business owner and a proud mom of two sons. Gill facilitates support groups for cancer sufferers and caregivers. Gill is passionate to share her Christian faith to inspire and encourage others to receive God’s healing at a spiritual, emotional and physical level. “I have learntthat living in the peace of God defeats anxiety, depression and fear. To overcome cancer and meet the challenges of life, Jesus is the anchor for my soul. He keeps me firm and steadfast.” “Anchor for cancer “supports an online course which includes videos of healing testimonies from cancer survivors and dynamic feedback sessions. To register: please visit our website www.anchorforcancer.co.za

An interview with Andrew Oberholzer, The Prostate Cancer Foundation NPC which was established in 2005 as a non-profit-company. Andrew shares how this foundations aim is to minimise the impact that prostate cancer has on South African men and their families. They do this by providing forums for: Healthcare professionals, who diagnose, treat and research prostate cancer on a daily basis through our Medical and Scientific Advisory Board Prostate Cancer Patients, their families and volunteers who want to make a difference in the lives of those who have been affected by prostate cancer through our patient affairs board Corporate Members who want to assist by providing financial resources and marketing expertise through our marketing and strategic planning board It is through the involvement of the medical specialists who research and treat prostate cancer, the companies that develop the treatments, and the patients and their families affected by the disease that makes their organisation unique and enables them to assist with  fighting the disease from all angles. Visit their site to find out more and to get involved in some of their events:  https://prostate-ca.co.za/about/