A Langebaan resident, Inge Petersen, shared her personal story about her daughter’s diagnosis, her pain, suffering and loss, but also of coping, healing, surviving and thriving in her recently released book, Through my eyes.
Petersen said she started writing while she was a member of the Langebaan Library and a frequent visitor to exchange books.
On noticing black screens and computers in its reading room she enquired if she could gain access.
“Birthing my book after an elated six months, spending many hours in the library, I realised we just always have to run with optimism and our visions will become our greatest rewards.”
Petersen’s daughter Shelly-Kay’s diagnosis with Stage 3 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2023 sparked something in her to share the challenges they faced and overcame with the public.
“I attended every hospital visit with Shelly and every chemo session and watched patients attached to IV lines receiving the ‘Red Devil Chemo’. I witnessed their fear and unanswered questions and decided to become the voice of the voiceless on mental health, everyday life in the duration of medical care, while being a cancer patient.”
According to Shelly-Kay, she is deeply honoured that her mother chose to share their story.
“As someone who treasures my privacy, having her speak on my behalf means the world to me. It’s powerful that she’s used our experience to raise awareness and inspire other families. They deserve to know that a diagnosis doesn’t define their destiny. Together, with unity, cooperation, and unwavering faith in God’s miracles, we prove that even the darkest journeys can become beacons of hope.
“Fight with every ounce of your strength I received my diagnosis in January 2023 and reached remission by October 2023. If I can so can you. You are not your diagnosis. Cancer may live in the body, but it doesn’t live in your spirit.”
This journey taught her that life is precious: “Travel, fall in love, pursue your dreams and lean into God’s hands through every season. Always chase joy, and when challenges occur walk through them with faith. He never fails. Remember, God didn’t bring you this far to leave you here.”
Petersen said cancer patients try in earnest to be brave with every medical treatment, but they have many off days too.
“Their mental state causes major confusion. They forget, they are in disagreement with loved ones, but that is their coping mechanism. Just love them, consult your higher power, your belief, refuelling you spiritually all the time. It keeps you sane. I salute all cancer patients. You are so, so brave. Know that your Maker is big and you can ace this journey. Work with the oncologist and medical staff; they are just there to make your journey better.
“I trust my journey with my Shelly brings hope and courageous insight to whomever is on the cancer path.”
To buy the book Through my eyes send an email to peterseningrid41@gmail.com, submissions@shoffarbooks.co.za or ptrimaine@gmail.com. The book costs R250.
