Zoleka Mandela took to Instagram to show off her new pair of breasts which are in the process of being fully reconstructed by a plastic surgeon and as well shared details about her inspiring journey to becoming cancer free.
The 34-year-old granddaughter of Nelson Mandela has found her ray of sunshine in the form of her daughter, partner Thierry Bashala and new pair of breasts.
After a gruelling battle with breast cancer which saw her lose all her hair after undergoing chemotherapy, the death of her thirteen-year old daughter in 2010 and the premature passing of her three-month old son in 2011, as well as an ongoing fight against addiction – the mother of of two has tons to be happy about of late.
Mandela took to Instagram to show off her new pair of breasts which are in the process of being fully reconstructed by a plastic surgeon. With the addition of a pair of nipples, Mandela’s breasts will be as good as new when she undergoes an operation soon.
She said: “Today marks two years and 6 months since I was diagnosed with breast cancer, 15th March 2012. Had my bilateral mastectomy 3 months later with immediate reconstruction. Completed 16 cycles of chemotherapy during the course of 6 months to save my life.
“August 7th, 2014 I had my bilateral second stage reconstruction breast reconstruction to replace my tissue expanders with breast implants and I am currently on my aftercare treatment to reduce the risk of reoccurrence.
Today, I have an appointment with my plastic surgeon to discuss my upcoming surgery – my nipple reconstruction after living without them for over 2 years.”
Mandela, who released a book last year titled When Hope Whispers, was awarded a Humanitarian award at the Fabulous Women Awards this year.
She has been candid about her battle with cancer and how she experienced a miracle when she fell pregnant with her daughter last year.
“I said it then and I will say now and always … I truly believe my journey with breast cancer was never about my experiences but how I could use my story to raise more awareness and save more lives because remaining silent will never put an end to the fight against this disease.
Early detection saved my life and will continue to celebrate my life by changing the lives of my fellow strugglers and survivors in honour of those who lost their battle,” she said on Instagram.
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