On top of the world – Lance Bainbridge
Lance Bainbridge tells us about the gifts that stomach cancer gave him and how he rediscovered his passion for surfing and playing guitar after he beat it. Lance Bainbridge (51) lives in Westville, KwaZulu-Natal with his wife, Jane, and their four children, Luke (20), Peter and Philip (17), and Rebecca (10). Not many people will [...]
Radiotherapy for head and neck cancers
Dr Mariza Tunmer informs us about the common side effects experienced by patients undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancers. One of the treatment modalities that may be used to treat head and neck cancers is radiotherapy. For patients requiring a long course of radiotherapy, usually over six to seven weeks, often chemotherapy is combined with radiotherapy. [...]
Reconnect with nature
Far too often we forget the miraculous and incredible natural environment in which we live. Slow down and embrace the simple pleasures of nature and feel revived. Be in a nature mind-set Recognise that nature is not just a word, and the environment is not simply something we desperately need to take care of. But […]
Prostate brachytherapy
Dr Nirasha Chiranjan explains how prostate brachytherapy works. Prostate cancer Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide. Screening for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels have led to prostate cancer being increasingly diagnosed. Common symptoms of prostate cancer are difficulty urinating, reduced stream of urine, blood in the semen, erectile dysfunction and discomfort in [...]
Hormone therapy in prostate cancer – Part 2
Dr Sithembile Ngidi goes into detail about the three types of hormone therapy for prostate cancer and their side effects. Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists Also called GnRH agonists, LHRH analogs, are injected as small implants under the skin. Depending on the drug used, they are given anywhere from once a month up to once [...]
Living with prostate cancer
Chief Moabi tells us how he lives his life with prostate cancer, the side effects of hormone therapy, and how the Tsakane CanSurvive Support Group has helped him. Chief Moabi (67) lives in Tsakane, Gauteng with his wife, Nkele. They have one adult son (28) and two grandchildren. Four years ago, in 2015, Chief went to Tsakane [...]
My little rainbow child
Candice Hamer shares why her baby daughter, Charlotte, is her best present of all after undergoing embryo cryopreservation and facing Stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer. Candice Hamer (32) lives in Meyersdal, Gauteng with her husband, Warren (41), and their five-month-old daughter, Charlotte. Since Warren and Candice got married in 2015, starting a family was always on [...]
Reliable medicine supply keeps oncology treatments on track
The careful handling and transport of chemotherapy drugs is fundamental to the treatment patients receive. We hear more about how Medipost Pharmacy gets this right. From the time an oncology practice places an order with the dispensing pharmacy until the moment it reaches the practice where it will be mixed and administered to patients, the [...]
Lung cancer treatment in 2019
Medical oncologist, Dr Sze Wai Chan, informs us of all we need to know about how lung cancer has been treated in 2019. Lung cancer is common and is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. In South Africa, it often gets confused with the epidemic of TB. The signs and symptoms of TB are very [...]
Dream Rooms
We hear about The Reach For A Dream Foundation’s latest project: Dream Rooms and how they are sanctuaries for children with life-threatening illnesses. The Reach For A Dream Foundation initiative that was launched in 2018, Dream Rooms are dedicated spaces in hospitals for children who are facing life-threatening illnesses and undergoing treatment. The Dream Rooms are sanctuaries for the brave children, […]