Oncology Buddies magazine

Real Talk An oncologist’s story of burnout

August 1, 2026 Word for Word Media

Dr Memory Bvochora-Nsingo explains that her burnout comes from working a job that never truly switches off.

I love my morning coffee. Every morning before work, I walk into the boardroom at Gaborone Private Hospital, sit with my colleagues, and allow the day to begin with laughter. Not polite laughter — real loud laughter. Many days, I’m one of the loudest people in the room. My colleagues often ask, “Ngaka, why are you always so jovial?” The truth is, I’m happy for many reasons. I have patients who survived. Patients who were once very sick but are now in…

Real Talk Be aware of scams and overpromises

December 1, 2025 Word for Word Media

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René Botha gives sound advice on the warning signs of medical scams and overpromises.

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

A cancer diagnosis leaves patients extremely vulnerable, fearful, and sometimes desperate. These emotions may make patients easy targets for exploitation. There are many legitimate advances in treatment that extend and improve lives, but there is also a darker industry of scams and false promises preying on those who seek hope. It’s crucial for patients and their families to be able to identify and avoid these deceptions when navigating treatment. …

Real Talk Start the mental health conversation

October 1, 2025 Word for Word Media

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Caroline Rich shares tips on how to talk to your doctor about your mental health.

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

Each person is different as to how they deal with emotional issues in life. Being diagnosed with cancer is overwhelming and brings about fear of the unknown and feelings you may not even realise you have. There is no wrong or right way to feel. Whatever you’re experiencing is your truth and part of your journey. It’s sometimes difficult to talk about emotions but in…

For the boys Richard Laskey – Open your eyes and look within

June 2, 2025 Word for Word Media

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Richard Laskey candidly talks about his struggle with addiction even during his late wife’s cancer diagnosis and how he chose to get sober and live a life he is satisfied with.

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

Richard Laskey (52) lives in Bedfordview, Gauteng with his fiancée, Isabel, and their blended family of children (aged 24, 21, 19, 17, and 13). Richard is the first to admit that he wasn’t the model husband or father while married to Melanie, his late wife. He has a history of addiction and even when…

Real Talk Honouring yourself daily

December 1, 2024 Word for Word Media

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Mel Fourie suggests ancient wellness practices to focus on yourself and give yourself the honour you deserve.

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

The modern world is moving to a different rhythm. Our ancestor’s lives were slower and they lived in tune with natural cycles that we in modern societies have become so far removed and disconnected from. We are moving at such speed that the art of conversation and listening has been narrowed down to 15 seconds. Anxiety and depression, stress, and insomnia are endemic. Our overactive…

Real Talk Healing words, say them

December 1, 2024 Word for Word Media

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Mel Fourie shares insight into the magic of healing words and the profound effect they have on your life.

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

It’s estimated that there are more than 7 000 languages in the world, with South Africa celebrating the art of cultural communication with a festive 11 official languages. There is no doubt that language and your spoken words bare significant importance in your everyday life. Affirmations vs mantra Affirmation The action or process of affirming something OR emotional support or encouragement. …

Real Talk Summers and your bucket list

September 30, 2024 Word for Word Media

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Mel Fourie encourages you to dust off your bucket list and make the most of the summers you have left.

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

Today I’m going to share something that I have never shared on such a big platform before. I’m going to be open and vulnerable and give you a glimpse of how I got here, and perhaps why you are here as well. I just finished a beautiful session for women in business where I guided them through their core desire feelings….

Real Talk Stop, ground, and refocus

July 31, 2024 Word for Word Media

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Knowing how to calm yourself through your senses is an easy way to stop your anxious thoughts. Sandra Bollen-Hughes expands on how to: stop, ground, and refocus.

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

Here or there? The human brain is unique on the animal spectrum in its ability to project creative scenarios into the future. This allows a much lengthier ability to plan and prepare for events and needs. With the twirls and swirls of our grey matter we can plan days, years, or decades in…

Real Talk Innovation as a life process

June 2, 2024 Word for Word Media

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Sandra Bollen-Hughes unpacks the term innovation and depicts how it can be used in your cancer journey.

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

To get juices flowing when writing about a topic, it’s often useful to look up the definition of the main concept. With due diligence, I looked up the definition of innovation and found it to be: “The process of bringing about new ideas, methods, products, services, or solutions that have a significant positive impact and value.” I found this definition tantalizing in psychological…

Real Talk A holiday could be just what the doctor ordered

December 1, 2023 Word for Word Media

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Cecile Booth shares a valuable check-list for planning your holiday during treatment.

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

When you are on the cancer journey so much of your daily life and mental energy revolve around doctors’ appointments and your treatment schedule. Sometimes you need to say bon voyage to the doctors and treatment, and hello to some relaxation and fun. Holidays are known to help us feel less stressed and cope better with various life situations, which includes symptoms of cancer or the side effects of treatment….

Real Talk Finding your inner calm

September 29, 2023 Word for Word Media

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How do you find your inner calm in the face of a cancer diagnosis and treatment? Avril de Beer suggests a few ideas.

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

Being diagnosed with cancer is a life-altering experience giving rise to distress, emotional turmoil, and feelings of helplessness. Fear of the unknown is ignited when your doctor explains your treatment plan with its unfamiliar terms and the odd-sounding names of different types of chemotherapy. It takes time to work through your emotions and to accept that you have cancer….

Real Talk Adapt Estate Administration – Taking control and easing the burden

May 31, 2023 Word for Word Media

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Louw-Mari Nell speaks openly about losing her youngest sister, Liezl, to lung cancer and how this has driven her to help grieving families by starting Adapt Estate Administration without prolonging or deepening their sense of loss.

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

Louw-Mari Nell (45) lives in Randburg, Gauteng. When Liezl was diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer in November 2019, all three sisters, Louw-Mari, Bernadette and Liezl, were living together. Liezl’s two older sisters were beside her every step of the way until her passing in April 2022. Notwithstanding that Louw-Mari is…