June 2, 2024 Word for Word Media

Dr Daleen Geldenhuys explains the diagnosis process of gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) and how targeted therapy has made it a treatable cancer.

You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours likely originate from the interstitial cells of Cajal. These cells are the pacemaker cells of the muscle cells in the intestine. They regulate peristalsis (involuntary muscle movement that moves food through gastrointestinal tract) by forming the interface between the (autonomic) nerve connection from the brain to the bowel wall and the smooth muscle itself. GISTs…

June 2, 2024 Word for Word Media

Des Watkins tells us about how a drug trial and surgery gave him his second life, how losing his first wife to metastatic breast cancer impacted him, and the joy of finding love again.

You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/oncologybuddies

Desmond Watkins (67) lives in Umkomaas, KwaZulu-Natal with his second wife, Burnice. He has two adult children from his first marriage. Diagnosed in 2003 Des and Glynis, Des’ first wife, were staying in Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland) at the time when Des began experiencing…