Oncology Buddies

Colin Smith - the battle of the two Cs

Despite a relapse in 2021, eight years after his initial diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, Colin Smith says recovering from COVID has been worse than his recurring blood cancer. This episode is brought to you by Word for Word Media, publishers of Oncology Buddies and Buddies for Life in the…

31 Jul 2024 5 min

Living with diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Dr Garrick Laudin unpacks diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma and how such a diagnosis may impact your life. This episode is brought to you by Word for Word Media, publishers of Oncology Buddies and Buddies for Life in the interest of education, awareness, and support. Dr Garrick Laudin is a…

31 Jul 2024 4 min

How is acute lymphoblastic leukaemia diagnosed?

Dr Karen Gunther, a clinical haematologist, explains how acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is diagnosed. This episode is brought to you by Word for Word Media, publishers of Oncology Buddies and Buddies for Life in the interest of education, awareness, and support. Dr Karen Gunther ((MBChB Cum Laude (UCT), MMED Cum Laude…

31 Jul 2024 5 min

Pieter Le Roux - life connections

Pieter Le Roux shares how his leukaemia diagnosis steered his counselling career into making valuable life connections, and how he sees this as what life is all about. This episode is brought to you by Word for Word Media, publishers of Oncology Buddies and Buddies for Life in the interest…

31 Jul 2024 7 min

Differentiated thyroid cancer in South Africa

Dr Hunadi Molabe shares an overview of differentiated thyroid cancer in South Africa. This episode is brought to you by Word for Word Media, publishers of Oncology Buddies and Buddies for Life in the interest of education, awareness, and support. Hunadi Molabe ((FCS(SA), MMed (UCT)) is a surgery consultant in…

31 Jul 2024 6 min

The role of adjuvant chemotherapy

Dr Karisha Quarrie, Life Healthcare’s Head of Clinical Directorate, explains the significance of adjuvant chemotherapy, a post-surgery therapy, in safeguarding against cancer recurrence and enhancing survival rates. This episode is brought to you by Word for Word Media, publishers of Oncology Buddies and Buddies for Life in the interest of…

31 Jul 2024 4 min

Forever 2,442 days old

This is my journey with my son, Jed Brady Suckling; forever 2,442 days old. Anaplastic astrocytoma, brain cancer. My son fought for 1,071 days of his life. This episode is brought to you by Word for Word Media, publishers of Oncology Buddies and Buddies for Life in the interest of…

31 Jul 2024 10 min

Stop, ground, and refocus

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. This episode is brought to you by Word for Word Media, publishers of Oncology Buddies and Buddies for Life in the interest of…

31 Jul 2024 5 min

Transitioning from cancer treatment

Gabriella Kourie offers simple ways to make the transition from cancer treatment to your new normal that much gentler. This episode is brought to you by Boston Scientific. Statements of fact and opinions expressed in this episode belong to the contributor and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position…

31 May 2024 4 min

Graeme Le Roux - it was a no-brainer

Graeme Le Roux tells us how cryoablation saved him from having major surgery, to remove a cancerous tumour, that would have left him with a urostomy bag.

31 May 2024 5 min

How are GISTs diagnosed?

Dr Daleen Geldenhuys explains the diagnosis process of gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) and how targeted therapy has made it a treatable cancer. This episode is brought to you by Boston Scientific. Statements of fact and opinions expressed in this episode belong to the contributor and do not necessarily reflect the…

31 May 2024 5 min

Des Watkins - my second life

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. This episode is brought to you by Boston Scientific. Statements of fact and opinions expressed in…

31 May 2024 7 min

Reframing sexuality for men on ADT

The management of sexual dysfunction caused by androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer is a critical aspect of survivorship, Dr Jireh Serfontein expands on this. This episode is brought to you by Boston Scientific. Statements of fact and opinions expressed in this episode belong to the contributor and do…

31 May 2024 9 min

Encouraging men to open up about prostate cancer: a guide for families

Robert Teunissen explores strategies to help men be open about their prostate cancer and offers families simple approaches to support their loved ones through this challenging journey. Robert Teunissen is a retired clinical psychologist and a prostate cancer survivor.

31 May 2024 8 min

Is cancer a matter of life and debt?

René Botha gives sound advice to help you understand what your medical aid or insurance will cover, and how to avoid unwanted financial burden. This episode is brought to you by Boston Scientific. Statements of fact and opinions expressed in this episode belong to the contributor and do not necessarily…

31 May 2024 8 min

Unveiling the invisible scalpel - gamma knife surgery

Dr Sylvia Rodrigues explores the power of Gamma Knife stereotactic radio surgery (SRS) and why it’s becoming an increasingly preferred choice for patients with various brain conditions. This episode is brought to you by Boston Scientific. Statements of fact and opinions expressed in this episode belong to the contributor and…

31 May 2024 6 min

How does the SANBS STS Department help cancer patients?

We all know that blood donations saves lives, but how does the Specialised Therapeutic Services (STS) Department at The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) help cancer patients? We learn more. This episode is brought to you by Boston Scientific. Statements of fact and opinions expressed in this episode belong…

31 May 2024 5 min

Dylan-Jay Vankeirsbilck - my first ever operation

In honour of International Cancer Survivors Day, Dylan-Jay Vankeirsbilck shares his experience of his first-ever operation, a full neck dissection, that eventually led to an oesophageal cancer diagnosis. This episode is brought to you by Boston Scientific. Statements of fact and opinions expressed in this episode belong to the contributor…

31 May 2024 5 min

Innovation as a life process

Sandra Bollen-Hughes unpacks the term 'innovation' and depicts how it can be used in your cancer journey. This episode is brought to you by Boston Scientific. Statements of fact and opinions expressed in this episode belong to the contributor and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Boston…

31 May 2024 4 min

Radiotherapy - the powerful and versatile ally

Radiotherapy is one of the pillars of cancer treatment. We take an in-depth look at what this treatment modality can achieve.

31 May 2024 5 min