Introduction to my blog - raising awareness of two illnesses: Cancer and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

Appeared on Facebook on 22 March - am now copying it to my blog...

CANCER AND MYALGIC Encephalomyelitis (also unfortunately referred to as CFS) Part 1 by Retha Viviers - founder of The ME CFS Foundation South Africa As you know I was diagnosed with cancer on 5 January 2020. Thanks to the wonderful, generous and empathetic ME/CFS community, I was able to start chemotherapy in the private health sector (I don't have private medical insurance) at the Krugersdorp Oncology Centre Krugersdorp Gauteng Oncology Gauteng Oncology Krugersdorp Session 3 is scheduled for 31 March.

I just want to thank them for accepting that I have ME/CFS as well and when I talk about it they show interest! Also, they address my fears re cancer with such empathy, it is truly a wonderful centre for a terrible illness. Lastly, as someone who now have BOTH ME and cancer I can truly say ME's life quality is exceptionally low, especially if you have it more severe on the spectrum. Cancer is no joke, and it forces you to face the possibility of dying. It is an illness I wish on nobody. BUT, people understand it, sympathise and BELIEVE you! The treatment either works or it doesn't. However, to this day, ME is still stigmatised, patients spend decades in a room, isolated from society and there is still no cure. I want to use this time in my life to raise awareness of both debilitating and devastating illnesses as well as those who have both illnesses!

Love Retha Viviers #ImHopeful #mecfs #cancer