Double cancer survivor inspires patients

October is a dedicated breast cancer awareness month, and scores of women often open up about their experiences around this time. One such woman, who has experienced the pain of cancer and has lived to tell her story, is Mphoentle Bandu Dimbungu, a mother of four in her 50s, who is cleared of breast and lung cancers. The upbeat gregarious woman tells The Midweek Sun that any situation can be overcome through faith, perseverance and resilience. Dimbungu was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 and immediately started treatment. She went through six cycles of chemotherapy and seven cycles of daily radiation treatment. She was depressingly ill but held on and despite the terrible side effects of both treatments she managed to recover and return to work. She then went for check-ups every three months. Both her breasts were eventually removed. It was a huge blow but she took it in her stride. In 2016, Dimbungu noticed lumps on her neck and she went for a check-up. She was told that they were benign. However, not too long after that, she started experienced sharp pain on her chest. She went to have it checked at hospital. “I had an X-ray and the radiographer informed me that it showed that there were cancerous tumours on both my lungs. I was referred to a surgeon for surgery but I did not want to go under that whole experience again. I had been through a lot and was tired of the severe pain. I was still too weak and believed that I would possibly get worse,” she says. Throughout this challenging period, Dimbungu, who is a teacher by profession, reached out to other cancer survivors through the Internet. “They offered me support and shared their knowledge. I connected with a group of cancer survivors from UK and they advised me to fight cancer without chemo and radiation. “I learnt that diet could play a crucial role in fighting cancer; I learnt that it was important to consume a clean healthy diet with lots of vegetables and fruit and fibre. Cancer thrives in an acidic body.” Between April and July 2016 she went to see an oncologist and was eventually told that the cancer was in remission. She continued to live healthy: exercise regularly, get adequate rest and sunshine, follow a healthy diet and consume fresh water. Dimbungu is now clear of cancer. She offers support to other patients, visits them at hospitals and teaches different people about the importance of making positive lifestyle changes towards good health. She also runs an office in Main Mall. Dimbungu has also penned a book that chronicles her experiences titled: Understanding the effects of cancer and its treatment.