Facing the challenges of cancer head-on, Yvonne Spierenburg finds hope in small victories and the support around her.
KwaNgwanase, South Africa (19 August 2025) – Leaving the Netherlands behind in 2012, Yvonne Spierenburg embraced life in South Africa and has since faced her cancer journey with strength, honesty, and hope. Seven months into treatment, she continues to move forward, finding moments of light even on the toughest days.
Yvonne is known for her insightful snippets about life in rural South Africa, sharing wildlife knowledge and creating a wholesome space on social media where people can connect through their love of the country. She has also been sharing her cancer journey on her page “Yvonne in the Bush“.
“Yesterday was one of the worst days I had so far in this cancer journey,” Yvonne shared on a Facebook post.
“The tiredness is on another level, it feels like I have the flu, every muscle aches, my head feels heavy, my body feels heavy, talking takes effort, even sounds are too much and the nausea is always there.”
But even in sharing the hard parts, Yvonne remains hopeful,
“Today is a little bit better than yesterday so that is positive.”
Treatment days are long, often beginning before sunrise. This past Tuesday, she and her husband, Leo left home around 5.30am and only returned close to 5pm.
Compared to earlier chemotherapy sessions, her new routine is shorter and easier to manage.
“It takes one and a half hours. Before it took over 4 hours. I had over 20 bags of medication and now I have only 4. Still a lot but if you put it in perspective it’s much easier.”
When she mentioned the recent wave of tiredness, nausea and headaches, the doctor suggested an MRI.
“She said it’s very unlikely but still she wants to check because my type of breast cancer has the tendency to go to the head. That was not what I expected.”
Even so, Yvonne is calm, “When I found the lump in my breast I knew it was cancer. This time I don’t have that feeling at all. I believe it’s side effects from the medication.”
The MRI will be scheduled for her next treatment day, alongside round ten.
Sharing her experiences will not only encourage others facing similar challenges but also be reminded just how much progress can be made.
Through it all, Yvonne holds onto the progress she has made.
“Sometimes I have to remind myself how far I’ve come. I believe the light at the end of the tunnel is real.”
Even with all the challenges of treatment, Yvonne still finds joy in the simple things. She continues to enjoy life in rural South Africa, appreciating the beauty and the pace.
Sources: Facebook/ Yvonne in the Bush
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