Michelle Botes’ Final Interview Reveals Why She Stopped Her Cancer Treatment

Why Michelle Botes Stopped Her Cancer Treatment Before Passing

Michelle Botes, best known for her role as Cherel De Villiers in the SABC soap opera Isidingo, made the deeply personal decision to stop chemotherapy in the final months of her life, choosing peace over prolonged treatment. The beloved actress passed away on 21 December 2024 at the age of 62 after a long battle with multiple myeloma, a rare and aggressive blood cancer. Her decision has sparked conversations about the emotional and physical toll of battling advanced cancer.

In her final interview with Bruis, Botes shared the reasons behind her choice, saying,

“When my friends say they can’t understand why I don’t want to continue chemotherapy, I explain that I am happy and at peace now again. More chemo, steroids, and transplants may extend my lifespan slightly, but then I am constantly anxious and sick and never fully myself to enjoy life.”

Her words have resonated deeply with fans and admirers, who have taken to social media to honour her memory and reflect on her courageous decision.

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Fans Reflect on Michelle’s Brave Choice After Final Interview

Tributes have poured in from fans and colleagues, with many sharing their thoughts on the bravery it took for Botes to make such a decision.

Twitter user @Ladyormisstoyou wrote,

“Looks like she was ready to leave this earth and decided to stop taking chemo coz she was tired of being in pain. Aah Michelle Botes, why can’t we live forever? #RIPMichelleBotes.”

Another fan, @TipTucci, related Botes’ journey to a personal experience, posting,

“Reminds me of a late family friend that was battling cancer too and when it came back, she just said that she is tired of fighting the disease and wants to enjoy what’s left of her life .”

Prominent advocate @KwaneleAsante added,

“Prolonged treatment for a potentially life-threatening illness is emotionally, physically, and spiritually tiring. We are grateful for her life. We are grateful for her talents. We are grateful that she was at peace.”

A Message of Acceptance and Peace

In her Bruis interview, Botes reflected on her final days, offering a poignant perspective on life and death. “Life is so contradictory; I am dying, but everywhere in nature there are signs of new life. This gives me joy and peace,” she said.

Her words have inspired fans to consider the importance of quality of life and the courage it takes to make decisions about one’s health. Twitter user @LBZR_WZRD shared a comforting sentiment, writing, “We can’t live forever because we are not humans having a spiritual experience, we are spirit having a human experience. For all we know, death might be a bridge to another state of life.”

Michelle Botes will forever be remembered for her talent, grace, and the peace she embraced in her final chapter. Her legacy continues to inspire countless fans who admired her strength on and off the screen.