Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 121, August 2019 | Page 14

IN THE LEAD
empathy and understanding of just what the patients
are going through – and the fact that she speaks from
experience makes it that much easier for patients to
be able to relate. “I know I struggled initially with the
news and how to deal with everything. The scary thing
is there is so little, and yet so much information out
there. The problem is that most of it is not necessarily
accurate, but people soak it up, and that adds to the
trauma.”
Nicole sharing her story to
help others deal with cancer
Nicole will therefore outline what happens when
you undergo chemotherapy, or worse, radiation. “It
is hectic, and just to be able to tell people what will
happen to their body, what they need to take and
what sort of side-effects the process has on the body,
is just so important. They need to be prepared.” To
that end Nicole has done various online courses
through the Cancer Recovery Institute in America,
which allows her to understand even better what is
happening to the body, but more importantly, also to
provide some sort of counselling. “I’ve done a whole
course on exercise and how that actually helps with
recovery, and even dealing with things during the
actual treatment.”
Nicole had to undergo a double mastectomy, and the
trauma to both her body and her mind caused her to
re-evaluate many aspects of her life. “It was traumatic,
and not something you are ever prepared for. There
is no one who talks you through the process of what
is happening to your body, because oncologists
simply do not have the time to explain everything. It is
frightening, because you are lost.”
Fortunately, Nicole was also treated by Professor
Carol-Ann Benn, who was very involved in her
procedure and who did take the time to explain things
to Nicole. Still, this experience saw Nicole decide to
become part of the solution, and immediately after
recovery she decided to become what is called a
Patient Navigator. Basically, we try and explain to the
patients before and after treatment what will happen,
just to put their mind at ease, because it is scary.”
NEW BEGINNINGS
Nicole now often tells her story, of how she survived
and overcame cancer, and how cancer does not
distinguish between your health, your creed or your
gender. “Cancer doesn’t discriminate. I was healthy
– no longer competing, but still fit. I mean, I run 8km
six times a week, but that meant nothing. Cancer will
attack you, no matter who you are.”
Invariably, when hit by trauma, most people suffer
from some sort of depression, but Nicole used her
love for running to make sure she did not become
depressed. “Look, I did struggle, but having
competed at the top flight all those years, a very
strict discipline was instilled in me, and that was to
be active. And I love it, because it just makes me feel
good. So I went onto the elliptigo machine as soon
as possible after my op, and started running again
as soon as possible. Exercise does help in healing,
and it definitely helped me. So I use my story to
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encourage those who are about to undergo treatment,
or who are in post-treatment recovery, to get out there
and exercise. Even if you just go for a walk, just do
something, because it will help.”
Nicole is very involved at the Helen Joseph Hospital
in Auckland Park. “I was very, very fortunate. I was
admitted to Milpark Hospital and had the best
facilities and resources, but what about those who do
not have access to those resources? Helen Joseph
is a public hospital and does not have access to all
the resources that a private hospital would have. And
the people are scared. In a way, my experience gave
me a new purpose. And by volunteering as a Patient
Navigator, I am hoping I can make the process a bit
easier for others.”
AMBASSADORIAL ROLE
Today, Nicole is involved in speaking engagements
where she tells her story and helps others to deal
with the trauma of cancer, whether they are directly
or indirectly affected. She has also become an
ambassador for the group Women of Stature, which
specialises in providing high quality transformational
programmes. As the Facebook page says, “Women
of Stature provides a platform where women learn the
art of ‘Living on Purpose,’ and in so doing, reach their
full potential.”
Thus Women of Stature strives to be a source
of opportunities and information to empower
women through mentoring and skills development
programmes, workshops, seminars and social events,
to help women connect and share attitude, knowledge
and skills. And Nicole certainly hits all those points.
Not only is she actively involved in health and
wellness activities through her coaching services,
but by sharing her journey and spending time with
patients at Helen Joseph Hospital, she is making a
difference in many people’s lives.
Her easy and open way of engaging with people
and her own experience, means she is able to show
ISSUE 121 AUGUST 2019 / www.modernathlete.co.za
MAKING A ‘COMEBACK’
Nicole’s efforts and vocal campaign, in particular
with the Breast Health Foundation, have seen her
be invited to the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in
September, where she will be presenting her journey
as a guest speaker at the event’s annual High Tea.
This year the Breast Health Foundation is one of the
charities that will be a beneficiary of the Marathon,
and that makes Nicole want to not only present at, but
also run the event. “I’ll be running the 10km, my first
race in years,” she chuckles
Nicole is still fit and will no doubt give a good account
of herself come race day, but she says it is the
Foundation, and breast cancer awareness, that will
be in the spotlight. Still, her example will continue to
inspire. She is a fighter who is making a big difference
in the lives of many women struggling with their own
battles with Cancer.
breasts and my first reaction was to ignore it, but then
I went in to have it investigated. I got the call to come
to the clinic immediately and I went numb.”
Nicole also emphasises to her cancer patients that
even post the operation or treatment received, the
patient has to monitor their health on an ongoing
basis. “I’m on medication called tamoxifen, an
endocrine medication, for 10 years. I’ve had minimal
side-effects, because of my fitness and exercise, but
you still need to monitor things every six months –
and explaining all that goes a long way in alleviating
the anxiety of the patients.”