DANA BAY NEWS - After battling breast cancer for five years, which had been slowly been spreading since 2023, Sonja Deyzel (56), a Dana Bay resident, was devastated to learn that it had now developed into two new tumors in her brain.
Since her diagnosis in February, Deyzel has been able to manage her treatment with the help of her medical aid, as well as the endless love and support from her family and friends.
However, in March last year, she and her husband, Johan (73), both lost their jobs. This sudden change has made it difficult for the couple to keep up with the costly treatments, as well as the monthly medical insurance payments.
Additionally, the two treatment options Sonja's doctors had suggested and applied for with the medical aid had been denied, leaving her with only one treatment option available, known as gamma knife radiation. She had to travel to a hospital in Johannesburg for that.
"When you are fighting a disease like cancer, every delay and uncertainty feels frightening, because time matters so much," says Sonja.
She told Mossel Bay Advertiser she had received no explanation from her medical aid provider as to why the first two treatment options had been denied.
However, the medical aid's chief clinical officer says these two treatment applications were denied based on the clinical information available at the time.
The applications involved medication known as Enhertu, a prescription medicine used to treat adults who have positive breast cancer that cannot be removed by surgery or has spread to other parts of the body.
"Following further engagement with her treating provider, the clinical details were clarified and alternative treatment options were considered.
As a result of these discussions, the medication Kadcyla has been approved. This approval ensures that Sonja Deyzel will have full cover with no shortfall, which would not have been the case had the Enhertu treatment option continued," says Nematswerani.
The gamma knife radiation, a once-off treatment, was approved and has since been completed. Sonja will now continue her treatment with the Kadcyla medication.
Throughout all of this, she has remained hopeful.
"Cancer changes the way you see life. It teaches you to appreciate the smallest moments, the support of family and friends, and the value of every single day," she says.
However, even though the medical aid has fully covered the costs of Sonja's treatments, the continuous external costs in their lives still loom, as both Sonja and her husband have not been earning an income since March last year.
If anyone would like to assist Sonja and Johan, a financial contribution can be made to their BackaBuddy campaign, Help Me Continue My Fight Against Cancer After Medical Aid Setbacks.
When asked if she has any words of advice for others in a similar situation, Sonja said: "There will be days that feel overwhelming, but there will also be moments of courage, kindness and hope that help carry you through.
Accept help when it is offered and try to hold on to the things that bring you comfort and strength. Most importantly, remember that you are not just a diagnosis.
You are a person with a story, a life and people who love you. Even in the most difficult moments, hope can still exist."
*This article has been amended since it was first published.
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