Rachel Robinson has been diagnosed with metastatic melanoma, a severe and fast-spreading form of skin cancer. Her journey began 17 years ago when she had two moles removed from her leg at the age of 27. At the time, she was told there was nothing to worry about and received no guidance on follow-up care.
“I was sent home completely uneducated,” Robinson said. “I didn’t know that melanoma, once in the body, could spread through the lymphatic system.”
Now, nearly two decades later, Robinson is fighting for her life. She believes early follow-up care could have made a difference. “If someone had told me to get checked every six months, this might have been avoided,” she said.
The cancer returned in the form of a growing lump on her leg, which eventually reached the size of a tennis ball. Robinson underwent surgery but faced complications, including sepsis, which left her in high care for 17 days.
Today, she is on targeted therapy, a treatment costing R58,000 per month—about R2,000 per tablet daily. Although her medical aid currently covers part of the expense, her family fears the support won’t last.
“This treatment is palliative. It’s not a cure,” said her husband, Robert Robinson. “Government hospitals don’t cover this type of therapy. We want a solution, not a temporary fix. We have two young children.”
If the targeted therapy proves effective, Robinson may begin immunotherapy next year.
In response to mounting medical costs, the Robinson family held a karaoke fundraiser in Bromhof, which drew about 150 attendees. Robert said the event brought in much-needed support and helped raise awareness. “It was a good turnout. We’re planning to do more.”
Robinson urges others to take skin changes seriously and to be proactive with their health. “If you see something on your skin, don’t ignore it,” she said. “Whether it takes a year or 17 years, once melanoma is in your body, it will spread.”
She also stresses the importance of thorough medical coverage. “Get the best medical aid you can. Have extra policies. If you’re in a financial position, prepare for the unexpected.”
The Robinsons are now focused on staying hopeful and continuing their fundraising efforts to cover the rising costs of treatment.
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