Oct-Nov 2024: Season of growth

#SpreadTheHope

Seasons of growth, what a great title. Let’s create our own personal playlist about growth; send in your suggestions and we’ll choose the best-liked playlist.

I remember at school learning this song: In the morning of my life I shall look to the sunrise. At a moment in my life when the world is new.

Well I’m in that season where my kids send info on super-aging and the youngest has fled the coop. How about Landslide by Fleetwood Mac?

Louise Turner epitomises the phrase Super Survivor. Through her many seasons from being diagnosed young and now being at almost 20 years out has proven that growth is the most important part of life. Lou, this song is for you: Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) by Kelly Clarkson.

We learn from every experience, positive or negative, and internal growth is what it’s all about.

I have learnt that I’m still confused by The murky waters of medical aids and insurance; Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) by Green Day.

Thanks Lucie for looking at When the dressings come off; Let It Be by The Beatles or Man in The Mirror by Michael Jackson.

As we all deal with Survivor guilt, Born This Way by Lady Gaga and Struggle with Body Issues, The Climb by Miley Cyrus, we can Rise Up by Andra Day as we deal with those issues. To all of you amazing, people don’t forget, The Eye of The Tiger by Survivor, I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor, Beautiful by Christina Aguilera and We Are the Champions by Queen because you are beautiful surviving champions. This is my playlist for all of you.

Your Buddie For Life
Prof Carol-Ann Benn

Click here to view a PDF of this issue

Cover by Mandy Steenkamp Photography | Follow @mandysteenkampphotography

SUPER SURVIVORS

Louise Turner – The healer and teacher

International award to help BHF improve breast cancer knowledge in SA

Thato Moncho – Living for the future

Devi Chetram – The boost that I needed

When the dressings come off

What is DIEP flap breast reconstruction?

The murky waters of medical aids and insurance

Intermittent pneumatic compression machines

High protein and high kilojoule smoothies

Newly diagnosed with breast cancer: what to do

Which psychosocial therapy suits you?

Survivor guilt – ogres and onions

The struggle of body issues and cancer

Mandy Steenkamp – The right exposure

Meet the TOP Dogs

This issue is all about the Season of growth and when hearing Helen Fivelman’s story The beauty of life and Lize Truter’s story Defying the odds, I’m amazed by how they were given a certain timeframe of life and inspired that they didn’t accept it and have proven that timeframe wrong. There can only be growth when faced with such situations.

cover 2024 BIG C - Preparing for treatment

In the 2024 Big C Survivor’s Guide, we focus on preparing for treatment; as we are well aware of the anxiety and overwhelming emotions that come part and parcel with a cancer diagnosis and facing treatment.

Thank you to the great group of healthcare experts who have shared their knowledge from their respected medical fields and much gratitude to the advertisers who have come onboard to support our 2024 Big C Survivor’s Guide booklet.

#SpreadTheHope