Zoleka Mandela: 'I’m dying… I don’t want to die'
Two-time breast cancer survivor, Zoleka Mandela, has revealed that she has cancer in her bones.
Activist Zoleka Mandela has shared a heartbreaking update about her cancer journey.
The 42-year-old says she has Bone Metastasis - which according to Mayo Clinic "occurs when cancer cells spread from their original site to a bone"
Zoleka, who is the granddaughter of Winnie and Nelson Mandela, says she became concerned after suffering with a sore back for over a month.
"[I] recently consulted with my GP when I could no longer tolerate the excruciating pain in my left rib. I went for an x-ray of my chest and rib a few days ago - I have a pathological fracture and swelling caused by cancer. My Medical Oncologist has scheduled me for a CT scan and bone scan, to determine whether I have cancer in the remaining parts of my body," she wrote in a lengthy Instagram post on Tuesday.
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The mother of six says she's scared about what lies ahead after her visit to the oncologist.
"From what she’s told me, cancer in the bones cannot be eradicated nor can it be cured. I have Bone Metastasis. I’ve just had my CT scan and awaiting my results, I don’t even have the words to articulate my thoughts and feelings, the words to describe how scared I am right now. What do I tell my children?"
Zoleka doesn't know how she will break the news to her children.
"How do I tell them that this time around, I may not get to live my life as a survivor? How do I tell them everything will be okay when it’s not? I’m dying … I don’t want to die," she concluded her emotional post.
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Zoleka gave birth to her sixth child in April. She welcomed her baby girl one day before her own birthday.
"8.4.2022. Dear Diary, this morning (11.10am) I gave birth to my daughter, Zingce Zobuhle Mandela, a day before my 42nd birthday! To my daughter —We did it, baby. Just me and you. Thank you for choosing me as your mom,” she captioned a post on Instagram.
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Earlier this year, Zoleka remembered the day in 2012 she learned she had breast cancer.
She was first diagnosed with cancer at the age of 32. Zoleka shared a quote to inspire people to be grateful for their lives every single day.
“If you woke up this morning in good health, then you have a great reason to be very grateful and thankful. Life is always better when you celebrate every moment of it with the spirit of gratitude," the quote read.
She has written a book - 'When Hope Whispers' - about her battle with breast cancer.
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Main image credit: Instagram/@zolekamandela