Oncology Buddies magazine

July 31, 2024 Word for Word Media

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…

Real Talk Telling your child’s teacher you have cancer

March 31, 2023 Word for Word Media

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Avril de Beer explains the support advantages for your child when you inform their teacher about your cancer diagnosis.

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

A cancer diagnosis is a life-altering experience. Every aspect of your life is affected by your diagnosis and your treatment. You might feel sad, overwhelmed, and scared. As a parent, you might be worried about the impact of your diagnosis and treatment on your children’s lives. Since your children spend most of their waking hours at school, their teachers are in the best…