She has been fighting for her life ever since she was diagnosed with cancer 11 years ago. Author and activist Zoleka Mandela has been in and out of hospital, surgery and has undergone several rounds of chemotherapy. The grandchild of the first black South African president says her journey continues as she battles more health complications.

In a recent update, the young mom says she had a CT scan a few weeks ago. “I had a CT scan administered a few weeks back, which has shown that I have blood clots as well as fibrosis in my lung,” she says. “This explains the chest pains I had been feeling. My medical oncologist has recommended blood thinners and oral chemo.” Zoleka says she is grateful that she can be treated. “On the upside, I’m incredibly grateful that I am still treatable.
Zoleka was recently hospitalised for eight nights and had to inject Neupogen to help her body make more white blood cells, which are crucial to help fight off infections, as chemotherapy and radiation, typically reduce the cell count. “Possible side effects: Bone pain, fever, diarrhea, and weakness,” she documented.Day two, since my first chemo, the other day, was hectic! Feeling so much better this evening. Pain-free, active, and I was able to make my own dinner, and incorporate all the daily exercises and stretches the physio and OT Departments taught me to do!” When she was discharged, she asked for continued prayers for her loved ones. Zoleka says this phase of her journey is tough and needs strength and prayers.

This is a very hard one for me. On Saturday morning, I collapsed at home due to another tumour found in my brain,” she says. “Things are not looking good for me at all and it’s important for me to continue to be honest about my journey as I vowed I would for the betterment of the cancer community,” she adds. “I ask for your continued prayers, not for me but more for My blings ( My Riches: Zondwa, Lindo, Bambatha, and Zwelabo), for my Queenship (Those who have been there every step of the way: Thatohatsi, Jenine, Sanele, Jabulani and Sisipho), as well as My Assistant Mom, Aus’ Lerato who has been good to me and good for me, and most importantly my children – the very best of me, my lifeline and anchor: (Zwelami, Zanyiwe, Zenzile, and Zingce). As I rejoin you in prayer, for them all, I will pray for my comfort, peace acceptance.