Can you imagine the power
of a single word!
Sometimes one word can make all the difference.
49-year-old Ingrid Rabie is someone
who understands the true value of hope.
In 2019 Ingrid consulted with her GP and was misdiagnosed. Then came the interruption of Covid. And only in late 2023 was Ingrid correctly diagnosed with colon cancer.
Ingrid says, “Even though the possibility
had been in the back of my mind, I was in
shock – because nobody wants to hear the
C word.”
For Ingrid, or anyone else living with cancer, the journey can be likened to the weaving of a fabric.
Every woven fabric consists of two layers: the warp: the long strong threads that form the basis and length of the weaving; and the weft: the shorter threads that criss-cross the warp and create the width, the colours and the pattern.
In Ingrid’s pattern, there were the dark threads starting with the shock of the diagnosis; the late identification of the cancer at stage 3; and the initial fear that comes with hearing the word ‘cancer’.
Then add not having a medical aid to help with the cost of treatment; and a post-operative infection that led to another operation and two stoma bags.
But there were also some lighter threads: starting with Ingrid’s husband who insisted on getting her into treatment no matter what the cost.
Following on was the professional and caring hospital treatment she received during the scans, the biopsy, the quickly arranged robotic surgery; the good days; and the love, compassion and encouragement she received.
Hope was in Ingrid’s heart in her determination to live. And uppermost was the hope that she would one day run around with her future grandchildren.
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