AprMay 2023: Speaking truth about your diagnosis

Welcome to another packed edition of Buddies. As Henry David Thoreau said, “It takes two to speak the truth, one to speak and another to hear” so please read. 

The theme of Speaking truth is really dear to my heart right now. Chief Joseph said, “It does not require many words to speak the truth” and as I was just told by a patient that she couldn’t see me as I was on pension, I realised again the importance of checking sources when going through a traumatic event like a cancer diagnosis. There is a vulnerability in having cancer and as clinicians we should realise that “The only way to speak the truth is to speak it lovingly”; more wise words from Henry David Thoreau. 

Thanks to our Super Survivor, Lee-ann Goliath, read and listen to her story; as Thomas Jefferson said, “Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.” 

I’m so pleased that Paget’s disease is discussed (one of the cancers that is often not detected early enough). Read about diet and lifestyle improvements we can make, that means all of us, keeping in mind Arthur Schopenhauer’s words, “Life is short, and truth works far and lives long: let us speak the truth.”

So, let’s practise what Genie from Aladdin said, “Tell her the truth” and may our wishes and dreams come true. 

To our Buddies here and there, come and gone: “The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.”

Your Buddie For Life
Prof Carol-Ann Benn

Photo by Antoinette van Staden Photography | Follow on Facebook & Instagram

Venue: Ascot Mews Visit ascotmews.co.za

Make-up: Jeanine Artistry Follow on Instagram @jeaninejacksonartistry

Hair: Caroline’s Hair and Beauty

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Jocelyn Moodley shares her story of how an incredible team of doctors removed her salivary gland cancer leaving no facial scarring in My miracle surgery.

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Word For Word Media are pleased to present The 2023 Big C Survivor’s Guide, with the focus being the top five cancers
in South African women and men. We have also included the top five cancers affecting children. To all the survivors, our hope is that this booklet will assist in your journey, no matter how big or small, as long as you know you are not alone; we are here for you, we are oncology buddies. 

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