Patience Msaka looks forward to life after brush with cancer
“I woke up one morning and noticed my right eye abnormally swollen. I thought it was a minor issue, but a couple of appointments with a doctor gave the most dreaded news. I had cancer. This changed my life forever,” begins the life story of cancer survivor Patience Msaka.
“The eye problem was just a symptom of stage four cancer that had spread to my lungs and bones. The news shattered my life,” she continues.
It also concerned her family as none of her relatives ever imagined the seemingly minor problems would lead to cancer.
She recalls the good old days when she would run her projects and a restaurant, but noticed her energy levels were going down along the way.
Says Patience: “I remember as it was a special time when my husband’s family organised a Christmas vacation to the lake and this was the last time I fenjoyed outdoor activities.

“I started having stomach pains and loss of appetite, My husband knew something was wrong. We both agreed I shouldn’t eat or drink anything that may cause stomach upsets.”
Patience visited a private hospital and was diagnosed with stomach ulcers and was put on treatment, but the illness persisted and worsened.
She narrates: “One morning, I woke up with a swollen right eye. Since I already wear glasses, I rushed to Lions Eye Clinic. The doctor told me the symptoms might be linked to cancer and referred me to the Renal Clinic for more tests.
“From there, I was sent to the Cancer Unit, where they did a biopsy on my right breast. That’s when I was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer which had spread to my lungs and bones. This was in September 2022 at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital.”
After the diagnosis, Patience immediately started six sessions of Paclitaxel chemotherapy and other medications to prevent bone complications.
By January 2023, she had completed the chemotherapy sessions, but her journey was far from over.
She was placed on monthly checkups and prescribed daily medication of Tamoxifen which she was to take until June 2024.
“During these checkups, doctors discovered a new tumor behind my right eye and was once again put on a much stronger chemotherapy called Doxorubicin [also known as the red devil] Which I finished in November, 2024. I had to do five sessions of radiotherapy at the newly-opened International Blantyre Blantyre Cancer Centre.
Patience came out of the medical process stronger.
“The treatments did wonders to my body. I am stronger and capable of doing anything like anyone at my age, I still have to go for monthly check ups and take my once a day medications to prevent the cancer cells from developing again,” she shares.
Patience says many people get frustrated with public hospitals because of the long waiting times or the environment itself, but she says: “Honestly, there are experts there.
“Who could have believed that a mere eye problem could result in cancer? l am so grateful to my eye doctor,” she says.
Patience reflects on the many lessons she has learned from people around her during this difficult journey.
“I have lost many friends, but I have also seen real friendship and genuine love during my journey. It wasn’t an easy one—hospital for admissions, weight loss and my appearance changed beyond recognition. I was overweight compared to now,” she says.
She acknowledges the fear her loved ones felt during her battle.
“I am so sure I scared a lot of people, thinking my days are numbered, but God said, no. It’s not your time yet, my child.
“This is just a phase. One day, you will be a testimony. Here I am today,” Patience shares her story with pride.
“Love was all around me. I had guardians sometimes even three at a time. Someone would buy me food, someone would push my wheelchair during tough times,and someone would hold my hand to keep me from breaking down.”
She especially praises her sister-in-law, Ellen Matchuwa, her mother, the Reverend Rosta Msaka, her husband Clifford Bandawe, her sister Patricia, Janina, and her brother Duncan.
“My friends Thobe and Mbumba, were also my constant support during hospital admissions,” she says.
Patience emphasises a common misconception many people have about cancer.
She says many people think when you’re diagnosed with cancer, you’re going to die tomorrow.
They don’t understand that cancer is like any other disease. In some cases, it’s just that the treatment is intense.
“But once you’re done with chemo and radiotherapy, taking a once-a-day pill is the same as someone with high blood pressure, diabetes, or HIV taking their daily meds. We just have to follow a special diet recommended for cancer patients and still go for regular check-ups,” she says.
She also advises that early diagnosis is key to easier treatment. It’s important to get the tests done early
Patience calls upon people who have cancer cases in their family to frequently go for cancer screening
“In my case, my grandfather had prostrate cancer and one of my aunties had breast cancer. Having such a background it is better to do the cancer screening,” she says.
The mother of three says cancer survivors should not allow cancer to define them.
She says it’s manageable with the right attitude and care, staying positive and maintaining hope can make a huge difference in the journey.
“Always, reach out to your doctor with any questions or concerns. They are there to guide you through the process.”
Coming from a Christian home, Patience believes in the power of prayer.
“I believe that everything is possible with God,” she says. “Here I am today, a testimony to that, with continuous prayers from people who prayed for me.”
Patience is on her way to normal life and she has returned to work.