Stories That Matter 2021

It was not a nice Christmas for our family due to the uncertainty and what the possible consequences could be. I didn’t know what the right thing to do was and I just asked the Lord that if it is His will that He should lead me through this time and that everything will happen as He wants it to. After that there was a sense of calm in my mind, and I knew that the Lord was walking this path with me and was holding my hand. As my wife, Rina, had been diagnosed the with pancreatic cancer the previous year and they had removed half her pancreas, her gallbladder and 31 lymph nodes, I knew the road ahead would be long and arduous due to the chemotherapy and medical expenses related to it. We paid about R65 000 out of our own pockets for Rina’s treatment and as we are pensioners, I wondered what my expenses would amount to. On 14 January Dr Baledakis informed me that I should see the oncologist and I immediately knew there was a problem. Dr Rodrigues saw me and explained the options for treatment to me. We decided to use brachytherapy and on 15 March 2021 I was treated. The accounts started streaming in and I wondered what I was going to do as my shortfall on payments from the medical aid were around R45 000, I didn’t know whether I was coming or going.

Then I remembered the policy that I had taken out with Platinum Life some time ago and I decided to contact them to find out if they also covered prostate cancer. They assured me that they did indeed cover prostate cancer and sent the necessary claim form through to me. I filled it in and sent it back. I always was kept informed of where in the process my claim was and also that my claim was successful. The money was paid into my account with an e-mail confirmation, and I was so grateful for this. Since then, I also received follow-up calls from Leandi Schoonees which I really appreciated because you don’t see an insurance company taking that much of an interest in you every day. I was also pleasantly surprised when they spoiled me with a gift package which came in handy during this difficult time. I have also received another follow-up call from Leandi to find out how we were, and it is exceptional of Platinum Life to make such a fuss of their clients. I’m also waiting for the gift voucher that they are going to send. Only people that really care can deliver such service. I would recommend Platinum Life anytime seeing that they are focused on customer service and make such a fuss over you. Lastly, I just want to thank my Heavenly Father for walking this road with me and that I was able to come into contact with Platinum Life. May the Lord bless you in everything that you do and just keep up with the wonderful service that you provide.

The medical journey started with scans and biopsies, and one feels like you are being prodded and tested all the time. I started chemotherapy with the “Red Devil” or actually Angel. I am sure this nearly killed me as I felt terrible, and my husband was hospitalised with COVID at the same time. Chemo was very tiring, and my body still feels like a train has hit it. I am due for surgery at the end of September and then radiation and chemo tablets. There are so many hidden costs with the treatments; I have blood taken weekly and there are extra scans, mammograms and procedures that have a shortfall with my medical aid. My Platinum policy was paid out very quickly once they received my paperwork and it has been an absolute blessing.

This journey is hard to say the least, if it was not for the support of my wonderful family and friends I would have been totally lost.

To Platinum Life, what can I say? I have never dealt with such an amazing company. Jani Jooste, you are an angel. I received the most amazing gift box from yourselves, filled with the most amazing goodies which was just what I needed. I have then been blessed even further with a Pick n Pay gift voucher. Tears come to my eyes when I think of these amazing blessings and how very thoughtful and kind you are.

You truly are a blessing.

Once again thank you, thank you, thank you.

Thanks to my Platinum Life policy I was able to cover all my medical expenses, my salary and even had something left over for savings without financial worries. Without Platinum Life I would not have been able to do it. Their genuine interest, excellent friendly service as well the gift packages and telephone calls were a real source of encouragement.

We serve a great God. Despite stage 4 cancer, I am doing well, and my follow-up scans were clean. I can only praise the Lord.

Thank you, Platinum Life. You were angels on my path.

I was then referred to Dr B Van Eeden, the oncologist at The Medical Oncology Centre of Rosebank and the cancer plan was six chemo sessions at intervals of three weeks, with an injection, which also has side effects, the following morning. On 6 November, I had to have an injection to highlight any cancer cells in the lymph nodes and then they did a lymph node sentinel extraction. The injection was given via nuclear medicine before the op, which was the worst pain I had ever experienced at that stage in my life. The result was that they found three cancer cells in one of the nodes and because of that I would need radiation. I cried like a baby. My daughter and daughter-in-law came in with me and they were shocked by the pain I was experiencing. The first chemo session, which I opted for on a Thursday, was bad and by Saturday I could barely stand. My kids watched me go through this process and could do nothing. Just as I felt human again, I would have to have chemo again. In these six sessions my symptoms varied from diarrhea, nausea, body pain, and burnt veins. The last chemo was on 18 March, and this was the worst session. I am still having issues as the chemo leaked into my hand and caused extravasation. I now experience pain in my fingers and my wrist is sore and stiff and has limited mobility. I am taking this further as a case of negligence because I told the nurse about the drip leaking onto my fingers. I did not know how dangerous this could be, but I do now. I had to see Dr Gabriel Doucas, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, however he was glad I did not need to go into surgery. My hand looked like it was burnt, and it was very painful. The skin has now peeled but there is still pain. Now I need physiotherapy because of the negligence of the oncology centre. I am scheduled for an operation on the 20^th of April to clean the area of the lump and thereafter do radiation for six weeks.

I am on medical aid, of which the oncology benefit is only R200 000 for a year. I now have a balance of approximately R17 000 as all the investigations and the initial biopsy moved to the oncology benefit. I still have the operations, physio, follow-ups with the doctors and radiation. Going forward, because I would reach my R200 000 for the year on the medical aid, they will pay 80% and I will need to pay the remaining 20%. I can only say thank God for Platinum Life because I have comfort in knowing that they have paid out on my cancer policy, and I can continue with the treatment as I have made provisions for the shortfall. I cannot even imagine what I would do if I did not have my policy. Platinum Life has been awesome in this respect, and I had no issues regarding the payment. I also received a beautiful gift which I am so grateful for.

When I received the results of the final histology report it was a shock to realise that my lymphatic system as well as a portion of my rectum still contained cancer. However, the doctors explained their plan of action and I realised I was in good hands. As a result of COVID restrictions, my family was far away, but I received messages of concern. My wife was part of the whole process, and she attended every doctor’s appointment. She was also very shocked, but we discussed it frequently as well as the suggestions from the doctors. I wrote farewell letters to my loved ones and kept them in my safe for fear that I might die during the operation. I was thankful that the letters were not opened.

Prostate cancer was never discussed with us by our parents. I do know that my father had an operation for his prostate but in those days, it was kept quiet, and children weren’t informed of what was really going on. Both my parents were fairly healthy until their seventies and we were first made aware of cancer in the family when my mother passed away from colon cancer at the age of 78. My father lived long after his prostate surgery and passed away at the age of 87 due to an infection he picked up in the hospital while undergoing routine testing. My two brothers are still very healthy, so I am the only one in our family that got cancer in their sixties. One of the most important tools during this time was the competence of my oncologist and urologist. Their direct and honest conversations with us allowed us to put our trust in the process. We know we are in competent hands and that the best processes are being followed to help me. I received hormone suppressor injections as well as a long series of radiation. The treatment is very expensive, and I have to pay for whatever the medical aid doesn’t cover. We walk this path as it comes.

The Platinum Life policy that paid out really helped us cover the extra costs. When I was recovering from the operation, I frequently had to buy adult diapers. Other unforeseen expenses were also covered by this. We are very thankful that Platinum Life paid out so quickly and that the claims process went so smoothly. We tell our friends about the good service we received from Platinum Life. All the staff that have contacted us were friendly and empathetic. It was indeed a blessing to deal with you. The unexpected gift was such a nice surprise. The book about prostate cancer was an excellent source of information and we have lent it to several friends. The garments were neat and very well chosen. I personally feel less alone with my cancer now that I have read the case studies in the book. I realise now that prostate cancer happens to many men and that one shouldn’t delay in getting medical testing done. I consider the second chance I got to be able to live as such a precious period. I am grabbing life with both hands. I use every opportunity to remind people that insurance like Platinum Life’s can make a big difference in difficult times and that the reasonably priced premiums are a small price to pay in times of crisis with cancer.

Thank you to Platinum Life and all the staff that treated us so kindly.

The doctor decided to do the necessary tests and sonars immediately. Later during the day, it was established that I had a 7.5 cm by 5 cm growth on my kidney and that it was possibly kidney cancer.  The urologist contacted my husband at 9 pm that evening to break the news to him. The shock was immense but at that stage it wasn’t a reality for me yet. No one is ever prepared to hear you have cancer! I knew I had to break the news to my children and family as soon as possible because there was no way I would be able to walk this path alone and of course also not without the grace of God. On Sunday 23 August 2020 I was taken to the theatre so that my bladder could be flushed but on Monday 24 August 2020 the kidney started bleeding badly again and the doctor decided that it was imperative that the kidney be removed.

On Wednesday 26 August 2020 my kidney was removed. I was completely alone in the ICU and could not have any visitors. I was literally trapped by my own thoughts and uncertainties, but the doctor assured me that he was there for me at all times. I also experienced a sense of calm because I was aware of the Lord’s presence as well as all the prayers that had been said for me.

After I was discharged on 2 September 2020, we contacted Platinum Life. The person was very helpful and immediately sent the necessary forms through for the claim to be processed. I can recommend Platinum Life anytime. The service was outstanding!

It was a hard blow for me. I am a widow with two sons, and I have my brothers and sisters, but things like this don’t happen in our family. It was like a nightmare that I couldn’t wake up from. I only told my family the day before the operation, and everyone was shocked, but I received wonderful support. I stay with my sister, and she assisted me in every aspect. My other sisters supported me from afar. My sons assisted me with transport to appointments from one doctor to another.

In the meantime, I contacted Platinum Life and they were so accommodating and immediately sent the forms through which were very self-explanatory; I filled them in and sent them back. They were in contact with me throughout the process. The staff at Platinum were very supportive and I really appreciated the phone calls and the gift. At the moment I am busy with chemo and the pay out that I received is coming in handy now as the medical aid isn’t covering all the expenses.

When I finish my chemo in September, I am going to take a break somewhere for a little holiday. I’d also really like to send my sister on holiday to thank her for all her support during the last few months. Fortunately, I have Platinum Life to thank that I can afford that.

I would like to express my gratitude to your staff that assisted me with my policy. Every year Gronighan Grobler, Charne and Theresa helped me to do the necessary upgrades. It’s not always easy for a pensioner to do but your dedication and help in finding a solution that will suit our pockets is always welcome. I upgraded in February and at the end of March I was diagnosed with breast cancer and received a generous pay out.

Last but not least I want to thank our Heavenly Father and all the people that prayed for me. I have a wonderful prayer group and friends that supported me. Then there was Jani and her phone call that gave me courage. I will never forget what she said, “See the red chemo as the blood of Jesus that is flowing through you.”

Once again, thank you for your assistance.

Two weeks before the test results, I contracted COVID-19. Fortunately, I suffered minor symptoms and spent ten days in isolation. The pain I was experiencing with the vulvar ulcer made the symptoms of COVID seem like a walk in the park. On the eleventh day I couldn’t take it anymore. I called the hospital for any update on the biopsy and was told to come in and they would check with the doctor. My worst fears were confirmed, it was cancer. Even though I suspected as much, the shock of hearing the dreaded ‘C’ word was frightening. I remember the tears just rolling. Thoughts of my family, my grandchildren crossed my mind. How are they going to deal with this? My heart broke. I was admitted immediately for further tests and assigned to the oncology section, plans were immediately put into place and the operation was scheduled for 2 February 2021, two weeks later. All I wanted was the monster (which is what I called the cancerous lesion) to be removed so the pain would stop.

The big day arrived. I remember getting washed at 6 am preparing for the op which was at 7 am. The anaesthetist came around at 6.15 am and gave me a calming tablet. The next thing I remember was waking up surrounded by doctors. Feeling dazed and confused I asked if they were fetching me for the op, they burst out laughing and said it was done. It was after 5 pm. I looked down and saw all the pipes and drips protruding from my body. I couldn’t believe I slept through it all. I thank God every day for being with me throughout my operation, and for blessing and guiding the doctors and surgeons.

I was afraid of checking the extent of the vulvectomy but put on a brave front and checked after the second day. Right away I decided I would fight this and be strong. I had a radical vulvectomy which meant that the right side of the vulva was removed as well as the right and left groin lymph nodes. Depression did set in, there were good days and bad days. The healing process was slow but positive. Support from family and friends, and my faith and trust in our Father in heaven saw me through. On the bright side, the cancer was removed, but vulvar cancer being very uncommon and not much being known about it, the chance of reoccurrence is concerning.

I thank Platinum Life and all the staff, especially Leandi Schoonees, who was always supportive and brought light into my darkness with her caring nature. Financially it was a struggle, being out of work for more than three months with no income and a bond and debt to pay. Thank you, Platinum Life, were it not for the policy which helped cover all those unwanted medical expenses and loss of income, the healing would have been more difficult emotionally and physically. I now smile every morning when I awake and thank God for another day.

I will be attending the hospital for follow-ups every three months for the next five years and with a positive attitude and faith I will face my cancer journey.