When Megan Brink learned of her cancer diagnosis, she saw worry on her children's faces. Instead of abandoning her pursuit of a master's degree, the mother from Altona continued her studies during chemotherapy, determined to give them confidence that everything would be alright with her.
The forty-three-year-old resident of Hasendal, diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphoma in August 2025, completed her studies on October 9, 2026, after a five-year journey to qualification. Now in complete remission, Brink notes that finishing her studies was more than just receiving a diploma.
Searching for Answers
Brink's first symptoms appeared as unexplained bruises, constant fatigue, and breast issues. Initially, she attributed the exhaustion to working full-time, studying, and raising her children.
After several medical consultations and treatment for tonsillitis and bronchitis, an X-ray revealed fluid in her lungs. Further examination discovered a mass in her chest. She recalls: 'When I heard the diagnosis, I didn't react. I was simply happy to have an answer because for months, no one could give me any answers or solutions.'
Reality became harsher when hair loss began during treatment. She shared: 'Standing in the shower and watching my hair float at my feet, sticking to every part of my body. I cried so much; my shower saw many tears that others did not see.'
Studying Amidst Uncertainty
Brink reported undergoing six cycles of R-CHOP chemotherapy before starting radiation therapy in the new year. Chronic fatigue and loss of appetite made daily life difficult. Nevertheless, she continued her master's studies in education, adult learning, and global change, striving to reassure her children.
She explained: 'I resumed my studies during treatment because I needed my children to see that I would be okay. I saw the worry on their faces. We needed normalcy; our home shouldn't be dark and sad.'
Her qualification took five years instead of the planned three. After the diagnosis, she considered giving up, but completing her studies became a symbol of resilience. She emphasized: 'It was about getting the diploma while going through a dark and difficult time, facing death.'
Brink's sister stayed with her and the children, helping manage their schedule and routine, while her three brothers provided logistical support. Friends and family provided food and practical assistance. She noted: 'People prayed for us, and that was the most important thing for me.'
Brink received her diploma on Friday, October 9, and was grateful for the opportunity to return to work and spend time with her children. She said: 'I am getting a second chance in life, and it cannot be wasted.'
Alongside her treatment, Brink changed her diet, switching to anti-inflammatory foods, eliminating sugar, reducing carbohydrates, and eating more greens. Chemotherapy affected her appetite so severely that she mostly subsisted on smoothies and liquids. Even drinking water sometimes caused nausea, so she drank lemon and cucumber-infused water.
Furthermore, she limited contact with other people because the treatment weakened her immune system.
The Power of Support
Brink's sister stayed with her and the children, managing their schedule and routine, while her three brothers helped with logistics. Friends and family provided food and practical help. She added: 'People prayed for us, and that was the most important thing for me.'
Brink received her diploma on Friday, October 9, and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return to work and spend time with her children. She concluded: 'I am getting a second chance in life, and it cannot be wasted.'