Leah Naidoo: a journey from cancer diagnosis to recovery

FOUR years after being diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), Leah Naidoo has been given a new lease on life and is thriving. 

She was recently found to be “cancer-free”.

Kavashnee Naidoo said her daughter was six-years-old when she was diagnosed with ALL. 

ALL is a rapidly progressing cancer of the blood and bone marrow that affects the white blood cells. Symptoms may include fatigue, fever, bruising, pale skin, and enlarged lymph nodes. 

Naidoo, who resides in Darnall, said Leah, now 11, was taken to the doctor after they noticed her tying a bandage around her left leg on August 1 that year. 

“We initially thought she must have hurt her leg as she was quite an active child, but we were wrong. The next morning we took her to our family doctor, a general practitioner. Upon examination, the doctor said she had anemia and recommended we have some blood tests done. The doctor said we should return in two days for the results. 

“After the blood tests, the doctor called us later that day. He said we needed to see him urgently. Our emotions ran high as we did not know what could be wrong with her. When we arrived at his surgery, he said she needed to immediately be admitted to the hospital." 

The following day, Naidoo said they found out Leah had cancer. 

“At that stage we did not know what type of cancer or at what stage it was. That evening was also the first time her nose bled. I was terrified. They did more blood tests, as well as tested us both for Covid-19. While I was negative, she tested positive.  

“Leah was thereafter transferred to the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital and isolated for 10 days. These were the hardest days for our family, especially after just finding out our baby had cancer. We were only able to call the hospital for medical updates. 

“On the 11th day, and after having to test for Covid-19 again, I was able to stay with her at the hospital. More tests had to be done. During this time, the head of the children’s oncology department informed us that Leah was diagnosed with ALL. She said it was fortunately curable, which put us at ease. But there was always the fear that something could go wrong." 

Naidoo said Leah spent 39 days in hospital. 

“Leah started on chemotherapy and received a blood transfusion. After about two weeks, her hair began to fall. It was an emotional and difficult time. We had a strong support system, from our family, friends and members from churches who continuously prayed for her. While I was devastated, I also knew I had to be strong. I couldn’t lose hope or break down in front of her.” 

They thereafter moved into one of CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa’s houses. 

The foundation provides accommodation facilities for children and their parents or caregivers near treatment centres. 

“It was so beautiful. I met other parents who were going through the same experiences. We used to share our stories and pray for our children together.”

Naidoo said Leah had her last chemotherapy and third bone test on July 31 this year. 

“We patiently waited for her results while trusting in God. On August 26, she was given the all clear. There were no signs of cancer. She was cancer free. We are grateful and believe it is because of our faith in God that we have come this far. We will have to take her for a check-up every month until January, and then the doctor will let us know how  how often she will need to come in for a follow-up.”

She said Leah, a Grade 4 pupil, was now thriving. 

“She is fit and healthy. Leah loves going to school, playing with her friends, dancing, singing, and riding her bicycle. Through our experience, we have learnt that early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates. By creating awareness, it empowers families to recognise early warning signs, seek timely medical help, and ensure that children receive prompt, appropriate, and effective care.

“Unfortunately, the lack of public awareness often leads to delayed detection, with many children being diagnosed in advanced stages, which reduces the chances of successful treatment." 

Naidoo said her message to parents and children with cancer was to remember to remain hopeful. 

“Even when faced with immense difficulty, try to remain hopeful. As parents, you should focus on getting through one day at a time, take moments for self-care and remember that you and your child are capable of great resilience and love. You should also lean on your support network and trust in the doctors and nurses. I also always say, ‘Where there is a will, there is a way’, and seek God always.”

Leah said she felt excited when she found out she was cancer-free.

“It was scary, but I am happy to be able to do all the things I love to do again.”

She said her dream was to finish school, study hard, and become a veterinarian.

“I love animals. I want to help and care for all of them, but especially those that have been hurt and abandoned. I wish I could take care of all the stray animals.”

Leah said her message to children fighting cancer was to always be strong and never give up.“

"Remember that you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think. You are a fighter and a hero. You got this.”

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