The following letter was written to SANBS by one of their blood recipients, Chanel Wewege, who has a message for everyone under lockdown currently in SA and the world.
The day I was told I needed to go into isolation was a mixed emotional experience. I was overwhelmed with fear, even though I had been informed that this day would soon come. I was so scared, and not because of being put into a room for five months but because of what it meant for my sanity.
I had been diagnosed with AML (Acute Myloid Leukaemia) just a couple of months before at the tender age of seventeen. I had to deal with chemotherapy, morphine and some extremely painful procedures. However, nothing could have prepared me for what was to come.
Let me not forget how blessed I was to even be having a transplant and to have a bonemarrow donor in the first place. The human in me knew this was going to be a huge challenge; one that I would need both prayer and mental strength to overcome.
Fast forward to isolation, and I was allowed to bring my own bedding and put some pictures up on the wall. The doors closed in that small room and so did the one that held my biggest fear. I was locked inside and left with my own thoughts.
The first couple of hours were ok, my mom was allowed in… but soon I started to realize what was happening, too weak to protest and too mentally drained to cry anymore. My strength came from prayer and the guidance and positivity from my mother. She’d try to make me laugh and keep me busy. Eventually each day got easier and easier until it was finally transplant day.
So many emotions rushed in… relief, gratitude and a sense of utter peace. I made it! Throughout this journey, I received numerous blood transfusions, from people who still probably don’t know they saved my life. Now that is humanity!!
So if you’re reading this today; you could have been one of my hero’s. Please endure your challenge the best way you can during the lockdown. Isolation is necessary for protection and healing. You WILL get through this. While you are safe in your home, remember those fighting other illnesses; keep donating blood and bone marrow. Keep saving lives. The world needs you.
Written by: Chanel Wewege, Port Elizabeth
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