Kym’s strong belief was her powerful weapon
The Richards Bay mother was diagnosed with breast cancer last year.
IT’S always interesting to have a conversation with someone who went through an ordeal, only to see them emerge with a particular glow, almost like a diamond through a fire.
Diagnosed with breast cancer last year in August, Kym le Loux took the news surprisingly well.
Apart from the positive energy she exudes, I was instantly grabbed by the striking tattoo on her arm. ‘Believe’, which Kym said was completed after her first treatment – a reminder to stay focused and believe that all will be well.
The Richards Bay mother of three, loving wife and dedicated Unit Manager of NRC at the time, Kym knew the news would affect everyone and everything in her life, including her career, making her decision to stay positive her best option.
‘I knew I could not change anything, so I had to take it all in my stride. My husband was extremely stressed, as he works abroad and could not be here to support me during my treatments,’ said Kym.
‘I was sent for a mammogram by a gynaecologist after experiencing abnormal hormonal symptoms, unrelated to breast cancer. After lumps were detected I went into surgery and a few days later received a call to say the larger lump in my right breast was malignant.
‘It was in the early stages and if this was discovered only six months later, I would have not been this lucky.’
With four more years of treatment to go, Kym earlier this year quit her full-time job being a nurse, and now owns a stationery store at Tuzi Gazi,
‘The side effects of the radiation was painful and unpleasant. With the oncology centre in Richards Bay not being open at the time, I had to stay in Durban with my mum, where I underwent treatments at the Durban Oncology Centre.
‘It was a challenge to leave my children behind and being off from work was quite stressful. I took one day at a time, and focused on the end, rather than the moments.’
Kym believes having a support system is vital, as speaking about what you’re going through with loved ones, helps with the emotional healing process.
‘My advice for those affected is to not bottle up your feelings, don’t walk this journey alone, and speak to family or friends.
‘Stay healthy, and don’t give up.’
