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Lesley Mac Donald
(Leukaemia)
Lesley was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia on 23 December 2023. The day that changed our lives and one we will never forget.
Lesley was born on 21 February 2020, a month before the COVID-19 pandemic. I had a normal pregnancy with Lesley, low risk with no complications. I carried him to term and gave birth via caesarean section due to him being 4.2 kg.
We took him to the paediatrician for his routine check-ups. He was growing well and had no problems. His tonsils and adenoids were removed, and he had grommets inserted on 3 February 2022. That is the only operation he had.
Last year he had a recurrent wheezy chest and fever. He was admitted to the hospital three times and stayed 2 to 3 nights in March, May and July again. He was diagnosed with asthma in July 2022 and started using pumps and chronic medication.
On 18 December 2023, I saw a rash appear on his neck, legs and stomach. It didn’t look like a normal rash and it concerned me. I took him to the doctor on Tuesday 20 December 2022 and asked if they could also draw blood. On Wednesday 21 December 2022, I took him to Pathcare to draw blood. The doctor phoned at 11h45 on Wednesday morning to say Lesley needed to be admitted to the hospital immediately because his blood didn’t look right.
I took him to Mediclinic Louis Leipoldt, and he was admitted on 21 December 2022. The doctor said his platelets, white cells and haemoglobin were low and could be a case of ITP but with three days of prednisone, it should improve. Friday 23 December came and none of his blood counts went up, they only went down.
The doctor was concerned so he drew more blood and smears and delivered the news at 22h55 on 23 December 2022. Lesley had cancer and it looked like leukaemia. It felt like my whole world was collapsing at that time. I burst into tears after hearing the word ‘cancer’ and I blanked out. My husband and the rest of the family were also very emotional.
It has been a roller coaster ride for myself and the family. It has hit all of us hard emotionally, financially, physically and mentally. Just seeing the side effects of the chemotherapy, what it does to his body and how my son also changed over these few months. The frequent hospital stays and visits really hit a person hard.
We support each other well as a family. His two sisters have also gone through a lot these few months as it has also been a huge adjustment for them. Seeing their brother’s hair fall out, nausea and vomiting, mouth sores, struggling to eat and more. They couldn’t go out on school holidays or during the year because Lesley couldn’t go out anymore due to a weak immune system and low blood count. They said they would rather stay at home with him.
Lesley has been really brave and is fighting this fight like a real superhero with everything he has been through. Fighting this horrible battle at only 3 years old.
It also took a toll on us financially, taking him to the hospital for chemotherapy every day or second day. Chemo medication is also expensive and large co-payments have to be paid if the medical aid doesn’t cover it. When he gets sick I can’t work and have to stay with him. There is a certain diet that he has to adjust to, toiletries and supplements he has to use and more. Every day-to-day adjustment costs money.
A nice family holiday is on our bucket list and I think it’s well deserved.
Thank you Platinum Life, we appreciate your support and compassion over the last few months, it helped a lot. Continue what you are doing and God bless.
Written by Meagan Mac Donald, Lesley’s mother.
Pat Fourie
(Ovarian Cancer)
How does one ever know how you will respond to the words “You have cancer”? Only when it happens, and you really can’t believe such devastating news!
I have led a healthy, active life and have three adult daughters, three grandchildren and a supportive husband whom I all love dearly.
I was on a hike with my husband and the hiking club members at Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens on 18 May 2022. On a very steep gradient, I found that I had no strength in my legs, and I just did not feel well. Over the weekend I noticed my abdomen began to swell, and I contacted my doctor for whom I had previously worked. I consulted with him on Monday and was sent for a CT scan which revealed ovarian cancer. My husband and I were both in total shock. My children were equally distressed.
I was then referred to a gynaecological oncologist whom I saw four days later. By then my abdomen was distended and the size of a nine-month pregnant woman! The discomfort was unbearable. This is called ascites and is the body’s response to cancer of an organ in the abdomen, usually the liver. Four litres of fluid were drained in the X-ray department using a catheter and the relief was instant. The fluid also confirmed that I had ovarian cancer. I had a further three litres drained a week later.
The next couple of days were a whirlwind of blood tests, X-rays and a visit to the oncologist who explained that I had stage 3 ovarian cancer that would require four months of chemotherapy, followed by debulking surgery (including a hysterectomy, oophorectomy, omentectomy) and then a further two months of chemotherapy. This would then be followed with an immunotherapy drug for the rest of my life to avoid a recurrence of cancer!
I was admitted to the hospital to have a port inserted in my upper chest which would assist with the administration of the chemotherapy. I was grateful for this as it was certainly less painful than using the veins in one’s arms. Blood tests are required before each chemo session and the first one indicated that my tumour markers were at a level of 3384. The final reading after four months of chemo was down to 12. What a miracle!
I was admitted to the hospital on 10 October for a pre-operative assessment by the physician and heart specialist and had another CT scan and lung X-ray. The debulking surgery took place on 11 October, after which I spent two days in high-care and five days in the general surgical ward.
My experience in the hospital was unremarkable but comfortable. My procedure was successful, and I recovered well. I have no doubt that my faith in our Heavenly Father, and the love of my family and friends, have aided in my healing. I am currently undergoing the last two months of chemo, and fatigue has been my most challenging side effect.
Platinum Life has played such a huge role in my acceptance of this disease. I took out the cancer policy some 12 years ago, not thinking for a moment that I would one day be the recipient of the cover. After some necessary paperwork so ably conducted by my husband, I received a generous sum of money that was totally unexpected. This will go towards paying for the immunotherapy which we understand is very expensive and won’t be fully covered by our medical aid.
The gift I received from Platinum Life, personally selected by Jani with a handwritten card, was so gratefully received and I wear my hat each morning when I sit in the sun and have my healthy breakfast. Thank you, Jani!
The medical aid has thankfully covered most of the oncology and in-hospital expenses thus far, although we have had to increase our medical aid cover with immediate effect as this enables an increase in the oncology benefits by a further R200 000. Related expenses that we have had to fund personally include out-of-hospital expenses totalling around R22 000, specialist co-payments of R46 000, and increased medical aid rates of R72 000 per annum. At this stage we have no indication of what the immunotherapy drug will cost, and whether it will be fully covered by medical aid.
My gratitude to Platinum Life’s management and staff for their personal interest and concern for me during this challenging time has been mind-blowing. I share this incredible experience whenever I have the opportunity.
Rirandzu Madhlophe
(Breast Cancer)
My name is Rirandzu Viola Phazima Madhlophe. I took the Platinum policy in 2015 and was managing well with the increasing premiums until COVID-19 impacted us. I contemplated cancelling the policy, but when I spoke to the consultant she convinced me to reduce the premium rather than cancel.
Little did I know that in October 2021 I would be diagnosed with breast cancer, and now I am grateful that I did not cancel the policy. The cancer was diagnosed during a routine mammogram and it came as a shock to me as I hadn’t even felt anything on my breast. No one in my family has had breast cancer, so it was a challenging time for me and my daughters as well as my entire family. In November 2021 I had a lumpectomy to remove the cancer, it was stage 1 as the lymph nodes tested negative.
I have medical aid however it could not cover all the costs of the surgery and the doctors as it only pays medical aid rates. The support that I received during the claiming process was exceptional and the lump sum was paid as per my policy schedule in December 2021. This alleviated most of the stress as I didn’t have to worry about how I was going to pay the medical bills.
My journey with Platinum Life has moved from just being a policy holder to a family that cares about my welfare, as they will constantly reach out to me to find out how I am endeavouring through the challenges of cancer. To show their care and support Platinum Life also sent me amazing gifts, which I am grateful for, as they are holding my hand as I go through this journey.
My daughters are the pillar of my strength.
To Platinum Life, thank you for your care and support. I would like to acknowledge Landi, Ramona Chetty, Patience and Nolitha amongst others. Ramona phoned me to offer an upgrade on my policy so that I could enjoy higher cover. I agreed to take the upgrade and later changed due to financial constraints. Patience and Nolitha convinced me not to cancel the policy however advised me to reduce the premium. Landi assisted me with the claim and she was very diligent in the way she handled the whole process.
Wilma Blom
(Cervical Cancer)
Cancer is never an easy topic to talk about in our family.
With cancer being a dominant factor in my family, I was adamant that I wanted to have a policy in place for the off chance I would be one of the people to get it. I was very happy when I was able to take out a Platinum Life policy.
My grandfather passed away from melanoma many years ago. My mom had cancer, but it was caught in time and removed with a hysterectomy after my sister was born. Jump a few years forward and suddenly, the “C” word was back. We thought it was just a small spot of lung cancer that could be treated, and my dad prepared to come stay with us for the initial scans and treatment. Before treatment could commence he had a stroke, then we got even worse news, he was diagnosed with brain cancer instead. He went home after getting some medical treatment and chemo. After three short months had passed, we bid him farewell as he spent his last days in hospital. Jump forward another couple of years and we get to my story.
In 2022 I decided to treat myself for my birthday and entered my husband and I into the Ironman 70.3 (it was my first attempt). After some health issues early in the year we started training late, however I felt confident enough to attempt it. I got an appointment with my gynaecologist after the event feeling great but still wondering if everything was okay. After my initial check-up, I was asked to come back for further tests as there were conflicting results. A cone biopsy was performed, and then the wait started to get the results back. In December I got the dreaded call that said the biopsy was positive and I was diagnosed with cervical cancer.
In January 2023 I had a hysterectomy, and it was confirmed that everything had been removed successfully. Throughout this process the support of family and friends was greatly valued, and everyone heaved a sigh of relief when the results came back.
I got in touch with Platinum Life in December after my first diagnosis. The compassion shown by the staff whilst helping me through the claims process made everything feel so much easier. My claim was processed very quickly after all the paperwork was completed by my doctor and sent through. I was very surprised by the amount that I received and was even able to put some of the money away for future use. The follow-up by Leandi to find out how I was doing and the thoughtful gifts I received from Platinum Life made the recovery process of two months fly past.
Thanks to my fitness level from the previous year, my recovery time was faster than anticipated. The fact that I did not have to have chemo or any other treatment also made my process so much easier than it is for many other people who go through the same thing. I am finally back to exercising again and looking forward to attempting another Ironman this year 😊.
Johan Frylinck
(Prostate Cancer)
I took out a Platinum Life policy in 2008. Today, I think it was one of the best decisions of my life.
After a few doctor’s visits and two biopsies starting in April 2022, my husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer in August 2022. You often wonder how you will react in such circumstances, but nothing really prepares you for the shock when it becomes a reality. We are pensioners so money for extra expenses just isn’t there. We had to go to Bloemfontein for a bone and CT scan. Thereafter, it was decided that brachytherapy needed to be done. There were so many expenses that we didn’t know how we would get to all of them.
Somewhere during all the turmoil I read the policy and realised that there was cover for prostate cancer. I contacted Platinum Life. The staff were helpful and sympathetic. About three weeks after the claim forms were sent in, the policy paid out! What a relief not to have to worry about money as well as Johan’s health.
After the treatment Johan, received a delightful pamper package from Platinum Life as well as a caring phone call.
Thank you Leandi Schoonees, for your phone call and your concern three months after treatment while Johan was recovering.
A big thank you to Platinum Life. It is wonderful to experience such good service and care in times of sorrow and worry.
Anita, Johan Frylinck’s wife
Kathy de Wit
(Breast Cancer)
My story – being diagnosed with breast cancer!
Looking back, I have come out of this ordeal on top by the Grace of God.
I had just completed the Cape Town 42.2 Marathon in October 2022 feeling on top of the world! November was my annual appointment for my mammogram, which came as second nature. The doctor said that she was very worried about my test results as things did not look good and suggested I have biopsies done on both breasts. This scared me because, in the back of my mind, I always thought about my sister having been diagnosed 30 years ago with breast and uterine cancer. Fortunately, she recovered so well that she gave birth to two beautiful girls and remarkably, was able to breastfeed them.
With the end of the year fast approaching, the specialist assigned to my case was unable to do the biopsies until early January 2023. With the biopsies done I thought all would be well, until I got the call on 20 January 2023 that I had been diagnosed with stage one breast cancer in the left breast.
The thoughts that go through one’s mind- What happens next? How will my life change? Fortunately, I am very strong-minded and don’t let much get me down, so I asked the specialist, “What’s next?” He said we would need to operate, then there would be radiation and a pill that I would need to take for at least five years. I asked my doctor when he could operate, he laughed and said, “You must wait at least two weeks for the body to recover after the biopsy. Don’t you want to talk about it first?” I said, “No, let’s do it immediately, then I will at least know how to go forward.”
After the operation, I had to wait another four weeks before radiation could start. The radiation was five days a week for five weeks but because of all the holidays in April, the radiation stretched over seven weeks, finishing in early May 2023.
I was told that I would need lots of support, I would need a support team!
I had many decisions regarding how to go about the next five weeks of my life, but once I knew what the future held it made life a lot easier. I worked through the radiation, not missing any work. Fortunately, I work from home in the afternoons so I would have the radiation at midday on my way home from work. Radiation takes a lot out of your system, but positivity plays a big role in the journey.
Being a runner, I was told that the running would need to take a back seat; this was very difficult, but I managed. I swapped my daily run for a walk which kept my mind active.
I had the best support, an amazing partner who was by my side each day, the most supportive man I could ever have asked for during this time, and a phenomenal group of friends who carried me through each day. What a way to get through a bad experience. My son and daughter-in-law were very supportive as well, calling and messaging every night as they live overseas. I decided against telling my mother and the rest of the family because they all live overseas, and I felt it was unnecessary to worry them.
With the radiation behind me, I am now on Laradex tablets for the next five years. I am focused on going forward; my body needs to get back to where it was but that will take a bit of time. I was blessed to be able to run the Knysna Forest Marathon on 8 July 2023 without much training. I have booked two more important races on my bucket list for this year, Meiringspoort 21 km in October and a team half Ironman in November 2023! This is what my friends call positivity, not much gets me down.
This is a very expensive exercise, but thanks to Platinum Life I have been blessed not to have to worry about the bills coming in thick and fast.
When I was diagnosed with cancer, I remembered I had Platinum Life insurance which I took out in 2005, thinking I would never need to use it, but had peace of mind that it was there if needed. My surgeon filled in the forms, which I submitted, and I waited for a response. It had not even been four weeks when I received an email saying that they would be paying out my claim. It did not end there, I received follow-up calls and emails from an amazing, caring Platinum Life employee named Leandi Schoonees. I was sent gifts from Platinum Life which were out of this world, carefully selected gifts to make one feel special.
Thank you, Platinum Life, for making my worries less. Not having to worry financially makes one’s healing so much easier.
Piet Snyman
(Kidney Cancer)
Piet has always been a healthy man, then suddenly in October 2022 he developed kidney stones. Our family doctor placed him on a drip and after three bags I had to drive him to the Urology Hospital in Pretoria. Fortunately, the doctor arranged everything so that Piet could be admitted immediately.
Dr Josh Strydom saw him that evening and gave him medication to manage the pain. While doing the laser procedure to break down the kidney stones, Dr Strydom saw that there was a malignant tumour on his left kidney that needed to be removed urgently. On 23 November 2022 during the operation, they saw that the tumour had grown and had closed the aorta and the renal tubes. They had to remove the entire kidney, not just a portion as they had planned, to prevent the tumour from growing and spreading.
It was a tremendous shock to both of us when we received the news of the malignant tumour. Piet was in doubt about whether or not he should do it. It was a matter of prayer and we are so thankful that Our Father showed us the right path to have the operation, because if Piet hadn’t he might not be here anymore with the tumour growing as large as it did.
Piet was in the ICU for four days, thereafter in high care and then only in the general ward. I had to stay in a guest house as we do not live in Pretoria. When he was discharged, the recovery process at home was slow. I had to take him back to the hospital in December so that they could do another sonar as Piet was experiencing incredible pain on his side and in his abdomen. Piet was at our local doctor’s weekly so he could assist with the pain and gout that he couldn’t seem to shake off since leaving the hospital.
Expenses were high- excess payments, doctors and pathology, radiology, accommodation, and petrol.
Piet now has to see the urologist, Dr Strydom, annually around October so that he can ensure that Piet doesn’t develop any further malignant tumours.
I only started coming to terms with it in January 2023 and sent an email to Platinum Life telling them about Piet.
Platinum Life’s staff have been amazing, from day one to date. They followed up regularly and sent encouraging messages. They even sent Piet a gift package, we were both so touched by that. Platinum Life settled the claim in March 2023 and we received a very welcome payout which we give thanks for every day.
Platinum Life can be rightly proud of its dedicated staff members. Special thanks to Leandi for all the phone calls and care, it is truly appreciated.
Dalene Snyman, Piet’s wife
Mavis Petersen
(Breast Cancer)
My name is Mavis Petersen. One evening late in March 2022 at the age of 71, while powdering myself, I felt a lump under my left breast. I remained calm and didn’t tell anyone because I didn’t want to alarm my family.
I went to our local clinic the next morning for a professional examination. The nursing sister referred me to a state hospital. I went there about three days later without a prior appointment having been made.
God opened doors for me that day because they fitted me into their busy schedule. The doctor wasn’t happy with the shape of the lump and did a biopsy immediately. Cancer cells were found. There is no immediate history of cancer in my family.
My reaction was calm, positively speaking to God, asking Him that whatever the outcome, He allows me to be a testimony to others. The hospital put all the necessary protocols in place.
The mastectomy was scheduled for 19 May. I thank God all went well and I did not experience post-op pain. Radiation followed and was completed on 3 August 2022. I was declared cancer-free with a follow-up date. I must be on certain preventative medication but that’s a small price to pay compared to other people. The doctor discharged me from the oncology clinic on 13 December 2022 and prayed over my life. I must still have regular mammograms and I haven’t received an invoice to date.
My experience with Platinum Life was a bit rocky at first because the hospital administration took long to get the wording correct but it all turned out amazing in the end. The service was outstanding.
Jani’s service is still excellent, she’s always checking in on me. She’s my new telephonic friend even though I haven’t met her personally. Thank you very much Jani. I appreciate what you do for me. May you soar to great heights in every area of your life.
Mavis Petersen
(Breast Cancer)
On 14 July 2022, I received the news that I had cancer. It came as a shock to me; I laughed and cried, then laughed and cried again in front of the doctor. I tried to prepare myself but still, you are never prepared for such news.
I am a mother of two daughters; I couldn’t tell them that I had cancer. They went to visit their grandparents over the school holidays, which is when I found out that I had cancer, and I asked my mom to tell them. I mean how do you tell your children you have cancer? I was emotional for a long time, I still am at times. It was very difficult for me to tell my mom, we cried over the phone.
I was only able to speak to my children over the phone two days after my mom had told them about my diagnosis. The first thing my youngest said to me was, “ Everyone is lying to me, everyone says you are going to be okay, but you are going to die.” That was the most painful thing to hear coming out of my child’s mouth! I promised her there and then that I would be okay.
I started chemo on 10 August 2022. What a journey! With the second chemo session, my hair started falling out. My children shaved my hair off, which was difficult, but we made it fun. I went for a total of eight chemo sessions. I don’t have medical aid so I went to Charlotte Maxeke Hospital in Johannesburg for treatment. It was a long day there every time. For the last four chemo sessions, I had to go back the next day because getting the drips and chemo took a long time.
I had my operation on 20 January 2023; I had a mastectomy. It was my first operation ever! I was scared! It was another sad story because no one wants to lose their breast, it’s our femininity.
I am positive! Everything happens for a reason in this life! I will come out on top!
I now have to go for radiation and then I am done with the journey. I have to raise funds for the radiation which I need to have urgently because the state is not able to do it as they are fully booked for the next two years, otherwise the operation and the chemo were for nothing. My friend opened a BackaBuddy campaign for me on Facebook. We are keeping our fingers crossed and believe and trust that we will raise the funds.
I have to be on medication for the rest of my life, hormone blockers to prevent the cancer from coming back.
My experience with Platinum Life was top-shelf. They care about their clients, they make you feel special. Every phone call, gift and handwritten card meant a lot to me. They have sympathy and show concern. The personnel at Platinum Life don’t treat you like a client, but like family. Thank you to every team member at Platinum Life! You are such dear people!
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