Cancer patient's legacy for other sufferers

It was Annick von Sametzkí's final wish that the book she had spent three years writing during her battle with Hodgkin's Lymphoma be published to give other cancer patients hope, guidance and straightforward advice from her own experience.

Her dream became a reality when her friends raised funds and had the book, From Patient to Patience, published last year. Her story, a poignant but informative chronicle, is an invaluable guide for those dealing with any form of cancer.

Ironically, had Annick followed the advice she gives in the book, she may have had a better chance of survival. And this is the core message she wanted to share with those facing cancer, her book urges them to be better informed so that they can make the necessary life and death decisions.

The first days after a diagnosis are bewildering - dealing with the shock, family panic, and plethora of advice and treatment options available can be completely overwhelming. After a few treatments of chemotherapy and an unfortunate experience with her oncologist she gave up and pursued a range of other options and by then the cancer had progressed. She eventually realised that she had to go back to the conventional way and was in remission for a while and finally lost her long battle in 2009.

From Patient to Patience is available at a cost of R130 at www.annickvons.com. A portion of the funds raised from the sales of the book will be donated to the "Jungle Tots Mother Touch Academy" Pre School in the impoverished community of Diepsloot.