Oncology Buddies magazine

Nurses' Corner Haematology and oncology chose me

June 5, 2026 Word for Word Media

While Natasha Nunan’s professional journey has been shaped by knowledge, experience, and opportunity, it’s ultimately driven by a deep desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

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Natasha Nunan (44) lives in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal with her husband and two children. Sowing seeds early on It was in high school that the seeds of Natasha’s nursing path were sown. She volunteered as a caregiver at a government hospital and assisted in many…

Nurses' Corner Debriefing for nurses

June 5, 2026 Word for Word Media

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Pieter le Roux highlights why oncology nurses need to cool down to stay warm.

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There is something about winter that brings rest to the soul. The thought of warm food, precious times with family and friends, and, of course, that special moment of sitting before a crackling fireplace. In the cold months, we all seek out that source of heat and light. This isn’t intended to be a lecture or another item…

Caregivers Jamie Naidoo – Working in state is the perfect fit

March 24, 2022 Word for Word Media

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Jamie Naidoo, a haematology nurse at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH), tells us why working in the state sector is the perfect fit for her. Jamie (Deloshini) Naidoo (44) lives in Chatsworth, Kwa-Zulu Natal with her husband and two sons (10 and 16). Jamie has been a professional nurse (oncology trained) for 16 years. She currently works in the Haematology Ward and the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at IALCH. Her responsibilities involve administering chemotherapy and blood products; managing side effects and complications of patients during and post chemotherapy; monitoring patients pre/during and post bone marrow transplants and managing complications; as well…

Nurses' Corner Listening to understand, not to reply

March 24, 2022 Word for Word Media

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The last winner of our Exceptional Nurse Competition is Sister Tienie Ackermann from Dr Dino Chetty, Clinical and Radiation Oncologist. She was nominated by metastatic breast cancer patient, Romana James. The patient Romana James (30) lives in Pretoria with her husband and two children, aged 5 and 3. In life, you can meet someone new but have an instant affinity with them. This is exactly how Romana felt when she met Sister Tienie. “I’ve met many nurses since my breast cancer diagnosis and Sister Tienie definitely stands out. She is down-to-earth, always ready to listen, and cares very deeply. I…

Caregivers Pam Chetty – From caregiver to teacher

February 4, 2022 Word for Word Media

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Pam Chetty speaks about being an oncology and haematology nurse and her passion of sharing knowledge with colleagues. Pam Chetty (55) lives in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. She is divorced and has an adult son. At the age of 16, Pam knew she was going to care of the sick. “I lost a loved one to cancer and that was it for me, my path was set. I have immense love for the ill, I always think what if this person was my mum, dad, brother, sister or my child?” In 1989 Pam trained at St Augustine’s Hospital and worked there until 1997; when she left she was a…

Nurses' Corner Ntja – My dog, my buddy

February 4, 2022 Word for Word Media

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Senior oncology nurse, Sister Sinah Mokale, is the second winner of our Exceptional Nurse competition. She was nominated by Lizzy Kodisang, a breast cancer survivor. They each win a two-night midweek stay for two at Sun City’s Cabanas Hotel, including breakfast. The patient Lizzy Kodisang (45) lives in Ennerdale, Gauteng with her husband. They have two children and one grandchild. Lizzy was diagnosed with triple-positive breast cancer in 2018. Treatment consisted of six cycles of chemotherapy, 14 injections of trastuzumab, a lumpectomy, 36 radiation sessions, and five years of hormone blockers which she is still taking. A side effect she still suffers with is…

Nurses' Corner A give and take of kindness

December 2, 2021 Word for Word Media

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Stanley Rens, a melanoma patient, and Sister Andrea Brummer, Senior Nurse at The Mary Potter Oncology Centre, are the first winners of our Exceptional Nurse competition. They both won a two-night midweek getaway for two at Rosemary Hill, plus a gift pack courtesy of Sorbet. THE PATIENT Stanley Rens (64) lives in Dinokeng Game Reserve, Tshwane with his wife, Stephané. He has three sons, two step-sons and three grandchildren. Stanley met Sister Andrea in June 2020 when he started his prescribed two-year immunotherapy (pembrolizumab). Prior to this he underwent three surgeries on his shoulder after he was diagnosed with Stage 4 melanoma…

Nurses' Corner Eileen Claassens – The joy of making a difference

December 2, 2021 Word for Word Media

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Sr Eileen Claassens, the unit manager of Drs Brittain & Partners Incorporated, Netcare Pretoria East Hospital shares why she chose a career in nursing and why she decided to go into haematology nine years ago. Eileen Claassens (55) lives in Centurion, Gauteng with her husband. They have two adult children. It was when Eileen was in matric that she decided she wanted to care for sick people so she decided to become a nurse. In 1985, she started as an enrolled nurse at Frere Hospital, East London. After working in another government hospital and a surgical ward of a private hospital as…