Beyond the Diagnosis – The Raw Truth of Cancer Survivorship
“Beyond the Diagnosis” is an unfiltered, deeply personal podcast that dives into the real, raw experiences of cancer survivors. This is not about sugarcoating the journey or focusing solely on resilience and triumph—it’s about the unspoken realities, the emotional and physical toll, and the challenges that persist long after treatment ends. From the loneliness of survivorship to the fear of recurrence, financial burdens, and the impact on relationships, this podcast gives voice to the truths many survivors hesitate to share.
Episode 1: The Aftermath No One Talks About
Boitumelo “Tumi” Ramasodi, Regional Director – Southern Africa, Global Colon Cancer Association
At 45, Tumi Ramasodi’s life changed with a colon cancer diagnosis in September 2020. After six months of chemotherapy, treatment ended—but the mental, physical, and emotional battles didn’t.
Now on long-term management, Tumi has turned her experience into action. As the first Regional Director for the Global Colon Cancer Association in Southern Africa, she is a patient advocate and navigator, fighting for better cancer support at the grassroots level. Her passion for community work began long before cancer, with years dedicated to health advocacy, TB awareness, and youth development. Now, she’s using her voice to ensure survivors get the care, resources, and recognition they deserve. In this episode, Tumi shares the truth about life after cancer—what happens when treatment ends but the struggles continue. Tune in for an honest, powerful conversation.
Episode 2: Advocacy & Finding Purpose in Survivorship
Faizel Jacobs, Founder of SASS (South African Stoma Support)
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.
Episode 3: Body Betrayal The Impact of Cancer on Body Image, Fatigue, and Chronic Pain
Machuene Sejeng – invasive ductal carcinoma stage 3 breast cancer
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.