Noko Mashilo
For Nonhlanhla Patience Ramuhala, looking in the mirror has become a reminder of a battle she never chose.
The Meyerton Park mother is preparing to turn 55 on 9 September. This year, however, she is not asking for presents.
Instead, she is appealing to the public to help her regain her confidence and dignity through a prosthetic nose.
Ramuhala, 54, was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the skin in January 2022. Since then, she has undergone major surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
The treatment resulted in the loss of her nose.
She currently uses a plaster to cover the area, but says it has become a daily physical and emotional struggle.
She needs to raise R83,000 for prosthetic nose surgery.
“I need my dignity back,” Ramuhala said.
Born and raised in Mofolo North, Soweto, Ramuhala later moved to Meyerton Park in the Vaal.
Her cancer journey began with what appeared to be a harmless bump on the right side of the bridge of her nose.
“I had a bump on the right side of the bridge of the nose. I consulted, and it was assumed to be sinuses,” she said.
After reacting badly to antibiotics, her condition worsened, and she was rushed to an emergency room.
Specialists removed the bump and sent it for testing.
“When I was diagnosed in January 2022, I could not believe that I had cancer on the face, worse on the nose. I didn’t know how to feel or think,” Ramuhala said.
She initially kept the diagnosis largely to herself.
“I didn’t want to share my diagnosis with anyone. It became a secret between myself and my husband. It took a lot from me because I was afraid of cancer and I struggled to accept it. I just thought I was going to die,” she said.
Looking back, Ramuhala believes the bump had been present for years. Occasional nosebleeds from her right nostril were among the warning signs.
In March 2022, she underwent surgery to remove the cancer and reconstruct the affected area.
In August that year, she underwent a rhinectomy, resulting in the loss of her nose.
Chemotherapy and radiation followed until November.
In January 2024, Ramuhala underwent another operation, a neck dissection, during which five glands were removed from the left side of her neck.
Further chemotherapy and radiation continued until August 2024.
The treatment had a severe physical impact.
“I lost my lovely afro and all bodily hair. I couldn’t look at my then dark nails, my complexion changed to darker, and I mostly survived on shakes instead of solids,” she said.
Radiation caused painful mouth sores, while chemotherapy affected her veins and contributed to muscle loss.
“Getting chemo became a struggle as the veins were gone. I lost muscle mass and would just fall as I was losing balance,” Ramuhala said.
At times, her immune system also became dangerously low, resulting in hospitalisation.
The physical changes were accompanied by an emotional struggle.
After her first operation, Ramuhala withdrew from people.
“In March 2022, I say I went into exile. I stayed home, not accepting any visitors and only went out when it was for treatment or doctors’ appointments,” she said.
She eventually sought psychological support as she struggled to accept her appearance and experienced difficulty sleeping.
“I hated mirrors and couldn’t even clean my nose as I couldn’t stand my sight. My husband was the one who assisted me with the cleaning of wounds,” Ramuhala said.
Today, she relies on a plaster to cover the area. She says it can be uncomfortable and difficult to maintain.
“Sometimes I paste it too tight that I struggle to breathe and have to adjust it until I can breathe,” she said.
She also experiences crusting and thick mucus. Changes affecting her tear ducts leave her with constantly watery eyes.
Changes to her mouth have also affected her speech and confidence.
“I used to put a hand when talking to people, ashamed of how my mouth is,” Ramuhala said.
Before cancer, she describes herself as talkative and someone who enjoyed shopping and spending time around people.
Today, she says public reactions can be difficult.
“I love shopping, but the stares and finger-pointing move me away from what I enjoy,” she said.
She has found some comfort in speaking at cancer awareness events.
“I am more comfortable giving inspirational talks at cancer awareness events as I feel I am not judged there,” Ramuhala said.
With her 55th birthday approaching, her greatest wish is simple: to have her prosthetic nose.
“Turning 55 knowing that I am about to have my nose would bring so much joy even if I don’t have a cake,” she said.
For Ramuhala, the surgery would mean much more than physical reconstruction.
“There is nothing more I wish for than having this surgery and looking normal. That would be the best gift ever,” she said.
She believes it would help her return to a fuller life.
“I would be close to normal and enjoy being alive and out, meeting people and just live a normal life I feel we all deserve,” Ramuhala said.
She understands the financial burden that comes with cancer treatment and is appealing to individuals, organisations and businesses to help her reach her R83,000 target.
“I would appreciate any amount one can afford. No amount is small. I believe in baby steps, so any amount donated will be taking me closer to the needed amount for the surgery,” she said.
Despite everything she has endured, Ramuhala refuses to let cancer define her.
“To all who are battling with cancer, please have a will to live, and always tell yourself that you have the power to defeat cancer. Never allow fear and negativity in this journey,” she said.
She also wants other cancer survivors to know that they do not have to face the journey alone.
“The cancer journey is a lonely one, but you are not alone. Reach out, and we will be there for and with you,” Ramuhala said.
Her scars, she said, are reminders of what she has survived.
“All the scars left by cancer operations are a testimony of the resilience in me,” she said.
Help Nonhlanhla reach her R83,000 target
Members of the public who would like to contribute towards Nonhlanhla Ramuhala’s prosthetic nose surgery can donate through the Princess Nakedi Foundation:
Bank: First National Bank (FNB)
Account type: Cheque
Account number: 62902630426
Branch code: 250655
Reference: Your name and surname
Every contribution, no matter how small, can help bring Ramuhala closer to the surgery she describes as the best birthday gift she could receive.