The Morningside Breast Care Unit
The Morningside breast care was established with aim of providing optimal care for patients with breast cancer treated at the Morningside clinic.
This is achieved through weekly meetings held where surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists, plastic surgeons, pathologists and allied medical personnel such as dieticians, counselors, physiotherapists discuss individual cases and recommend treatment that is individualised and appropriate for the management of each case.
We believe in the holistic management of patients with cancers and attention to all details regarding each treatment are addressed in the forum thereby ensuring that you receive the best possible available treatment.
A Survivor Story
My father, who ran the Comrades Marathon in 1979 and 1980, passed away on the 7th of June 2010. I was a young girl when he completed his ‘up and down’ run and was always planning that ‘one day – some day’ I would like to run the ‘Ultimate Human Race’. On the day my Dad passed away, I undertook to run the Comrades Marathon in 2011 and raise funds for CANSA.
I completed the Comrades Marathon (Up run) on the 29th of May 2011. I was adamant that I would one do ONE, but by the end of that gruelling day I know this race (journey) was in my blood. My running buddy (Chellaine) and I managed to raise R125,000 from friends and colleagues.
The Role of the Multi-Disciplinary Team
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women throughout the world. Internationally, it is widely accepted that breast care should be provided by breast specialists in each discipline and that multidisciplinary teams form the basis for best practice.
Although surgery plays a central role, treatment usually involves multiple specialities and needs to be individualized according to the patient and their requirements. A multidisciplinary team includes breast surgeons, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, radiologists and pathologist.
Your First Visit with The Oncologist - Questions to ask
Being diagnosed with cancer is a traumatic event, one than can leave you reeling and confused. To get the most out of your first Oncology Visit, you need to be prepare as much as possible. If possible, bring someone with you, to support and help you make sense of everything that will be discussed.
You may have to draw up a list of your questions, as you may forget them during the consultation. The Oncologist will usually reserve time towards the end of the consultation for questions. Here are some questions you need to ask.