Lizelle Knott, who is living with metastatic breast cancer, tells us why she started This Is Me Apparel.
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Lizelle Knott (44) lives in Port Elizabeth with her partner, Greg, and their respective children.
Lizelle’s first encounter with cancer started at age 16 when she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma in her chest cavity. She spent her Grade 11 year undergoing CHOP chemotherapy.
In 2014, her second and ongoing journey with breast cancer started. She was diagnosed with Stage 2 oestrogen receptive breast cancer for which she underwent treatment: mastectomy, chemotherapy, and two years on tamoxifen. In 2017, the cancer metastasised to her liver, so she now has Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer and in 2022, the cancer spread to her left shoulder bone.
She is currently on a three-weekly cycle of capecitabine to treat the liver mets and a three-monthly ibandronic acid injection to treat the bone mets. She has undergone numerous radiation sessions, two liver resections, and removal of her right kidney as the liver had grown into it and was causing endless kidney infections and blockages.
Accepting Stage 4 cancer
“The news of having metastatic breast cancer was difficult to deal with. At the time I was undergoing fertility treatment with my ex-husband as were trying to conceive a second child. I had to give up on that dream and the realisation that I’ll be living with cancer for the rest of my life. I quickly came to terms with everything and moved into fight mode, wanting to start treatment as soon as possible and get everything back under control,” Lizelle explains.
This Is Me Apparel
Ever since Lizelle was diagnosed with breast cancer, she dreamt of starting a clothing line to help breast cancer patients during treatment.
“I know how difficult it was finding something comfy to wear for long days in the chemo chair, not to mention how annoying it was trying to find a shirt or top that would accommodate my port. I had this vision of creating an outfit that you could wear to chemo that was comfy, pretty, functional and provided a bit of motivation too, hence the big This Is Me down the left leg. Almost like putting on your armour for the day. I also wanted the leggings to be pretty enough that you could wear them from chemo to coffee with your bestie, and hopefully they would motivate the wearer to be active through treatment. I kept active and truly believe it’s a contributing factor to me still being here, and dealing so well with my treatments,” Lizelle explains.
Lizelle’s dream finally became a reality in 2022 with the help of her partner. “My range consists of super comfy leggings in various lengths, with or without pockets. We also added flattering T-shirts (long and short sleeve), tank tops, and cosy sweaters that go beautifully with the leggings. There is a range of port shirts which we customise according to the side that the client’s port is placed on.”
“This December, we will be launching a range of post-op pyjamas and robes with hidden built-in drain pockets. I was embarrassed by my gross drains and was forever forgetting to take them with me when I moved around.”
She adds, “It’s not just about selling apparel, it’s about making someone else’s life a little easier, giving them the motivation they need to persevere through their own journey.”
Visit This Is Me Apparel
MEET OUR EDITOR – Laurelle Williams
Laurelle Williams is the editor at Word for Word Media. She graduated from AFDA with a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Live Performance. She has a love for storytelling and sharing emotions through the power of words.
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