Hosted by Belinda Wagner | Guest: Machuene Sejeng

In this deeply personal episode of Beyond the Diagnosis, host Belinda Wagner speaks with Machuene Sejeng, a cancer warrior diagnosed in 2023 with invasive ductal carcinoma stage 3 breast cancer , both oestrogen and progesterone receptor positive.

Machuene opens up about the often unspoken physical and emotional challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis—particularly how the disease and its treatment impact body image, identity, fatigue, and chronic pain. She shares her experience of navigating drastic changes to her body and how these shifts affected her sense of self, strength, and femininity.

Together, Belinda and Machuene explore the emotional weight of feeling betrayed by your own body, and the mental resilience it takes to continue showing up in a body that feels unfamiliar. This conversation is a powerful reminder that healing is not just physical—it is emotional, psychological, and deeply personal.

Tune in for a raw, honest, and empowering conversation that sheds light on the lived reality of cancer survivors.

A colo-rectal cancer diagnosis in 2016 changed Faizel Jacobs’ life forever, but it did not define him. Cancer left him with a permanent stoma, something many see as a burden—but Faizel has embraced it as his daily reminder of survival. Affectionately naming his stoma and bag "Dolce & Gabbana," he has transformed what many consider a limitation into a symbol of resilience and purpose.

Adjusting to life with a stoma wasn’t easy, and much of what Faizel learned was through trial and error. But through this journey, he also discovered a greater issue—the lack of consistent stoma care and support. Recognizing the urgent need for better resources, education, and advocacy, he founded SASS (South African Stoma Support), a community built by stomates, for stomates. The organisation fights for minimum standards in ostomy care and holistic support, ensuring that others navigating life with a stoma don’t have to do it alone.

In this episode, Faizel shares how he turned pain into purpose, why advocacy matters, and how finding meaning in survivorship can create lasting impact. Join us for an inspiring conversation on resilience, acceptance, and the power of community.

Beyond the Diagnosis – The Raw Truth of Cancer Survivorship

When cancer treatment ends, the battle is far from over. In this debut episode of Beyond the Diagnosis, we dive into the unspoken realities of survivorship the lingering mental and physical struggles, the emotional weight of uncertainty, and the challenges that persist long after remission.

Joining us is Tumi, a colon cancer survivor and advocate, whose diagnosis in 2020 reshaped her life’s purpose. Now serving as Regional Director for the Global Colon Cancer Association, she shares her deeply personal journey how she turned her pain into advocacy, the struggles she faced beyond treatment, and why she fights for better support at the grassroots level.

This raw, unfiltered conversation challenges the glossy narratives of survivorship and sheds light on what it really means to live beyond the diagnosis. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion on resilience, advocacy, and the truths that often go unspoken.

Welcome to today’s episode, where we bring you an incredibly moving and inspiring story. Joining us is Lydia Staats, a 46-year-old wife and mother of two daughters, who has faced a battle few can imagine. Diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in February 2022, Lydia’s journey has been one of incredible courage, resilience, and faith.

From enduring multiple rounds of chemotherapy, a mastectomy, and radiation delays due to systemic backlogs at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, Lydia faced a recurrence in May 2023. Despite the setback, she underwent another round of intensive treatment and surgery, emerging stronger than ever. But Lydia’s story is more than just a personal battle—it’s a fight for thousands of cancer patients left waiting for critical care. As a voice for these patients, Lydia is actively involved in a court case against the Gauteng Department of Health, challenging the ongoing radiation crisis.

Today, Lydia shares her journey, her unwavering faith, and her passion for helping other breast cancer patients stay positive and keep fighting. Her story is one of hope, perseverance, and advocacy. We are honoured to have her with us, and we know her story will inspire and uplift you.

So, sit back and listen to Lydia Staats’ powerful testimony of strength, survival, and purpose.

Heidi, 53, diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, shares her inspiring story of determination and unwavering faith. Despite facing a challenging series of operations and treatments, her resilience and strength shine through, serving as a true testament to the power of hope and perseverance.

Heidi has been married to her loving husband for 11 years, although they have known each other for almost 40 years. Their long history together has led them to become involved with Marriage Ministries, believing that God offers second chances. They have one son together.

After working in finance (retail) for over 30 years, she was first diagnosed in 2020 during the Covid pandemic with Non-Hodgkins Follicular Lymphoma (grade 2) Stage 4 cancer. She was on a "Watch-and-Wait" approach for almost two years before being diagnosed in August 2022 with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) during a follow-up visit.

Over the past 14 months, she has spent 111 days in the hospital. Despite setbacks, including heart failure after the first two chemotherapy sessions and a relapse in June 2023, she remains strong and believes that God has a plan for her. She is now nearing a Stem Cell Transplant (SCT) and is actively trying to raise awareness about the importance of registering to become a donor. She emphasises that people can become donors without "giving up" their lives – one needs to be alive to be a donor.

In this insightful episode, we have the privilege of sitting down with Shaun Waison, a seasoned nutritionalist from Life Health SA, to explore the critical role of nutrition in the context of cancer care. Shaun sheds light on the profound impact of maintaining a healthy diet and leveraging vitamins and supplements to support the body throughout and post cancer treatments.

Join us as we delve into the nuances of how proper nutrition can play a pivotal role in enhancing the overall well-being of individuals undergoing cancer therapies. Shaun shares his expertise on the strategic use of vitamins and supplements, offering practical insights into optimising nutritional intake to bolster the body's resilience during the challenges of cancer treatment.

Throughout the conversation, Shaun addresses the specific needs of individuals navigating the intricate journey of cancer recovery. From understanding the importance of key nutrients to exploring personalised supplement regimens, this interview provides valuable information for anyone seeking to integrate nutrition as a cornerstone of their cancer care strategy.

Tune in for an engaging and informative discussion that underscores the significance of a balanced diet and targeted supplementation in promoting not just physical health but also overall vitality and resilience during and after cancer treatments. Whether you're a cancer patient, survivor, or simply interested in the profound impact of nutrition on health, this episode with Shaun Waison is sure to offer valuable insights and practical tips for cultivating a nourished and resilient body. For more information visit: https://www.lifehealthsa.com/

Meet Nancy, a courageous survivor of both Ovarian and Cervical Cancer. Not only is she the author of the autobiography "What if it Was Me?" but also a talented poet and short story writer, with some of her works published by Vine Leaves Press.

In addition to her literary pursuits, Nancy is a dedicated counsellor with a passion for helping individuals navigate through traumas, particularly those related to cancer, as well as other health issues, sexual assault, grief, marital struggles, and financial challenges.

Through her interview, Nancy generously shares her life journey, offering valuable insights into how she conquered cancer and triumphed over various life adversities. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience, illustrating how she has gracefully faced and overcome the obstacles life has presented to her. Nancy's narrative serves as an inspirational beacon for others facing similar challenges, showcasing the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

An interview with Colin Hall, a cancer warrior in the true sense of the word. At the age of 80 Colin shares how he has fought his Lymphoma not only with a positive attitude but he describes his journey as one that has taught him to reevaluate how he deals with challenging situations in life. Colin believes it is important to allow your family and friends to not only help you but also to love you. He shares how laughing has helped him through many dark days. Colin explains how he fought his cancer and continues to live his live with his "10 minute battery charging routine". He also believes that fighting cancer can be compared to charging a battery. Just as a battery needs to be charged to function properly, a person fighting cancer needs to undergo treatment to restore their health. Colin explains how replenishing energy is similar to how a battery stores energy, the body also has its own reserves of energy that can be replenished during cancer treatment. Proper nutrition, rest, and exercise can help the body regain strength and energy during and after treatment.

A book recommendations from Colin that provided him with insight and comfortable to overcome cancer:

https://radicalremission.com/about-the-books/

Colin's 10 minute energy recharger secret:

https://ltl.co.za/a-ten-minute-energy-recharger/