Cancer survivors were informed about the ins and outs of pain management when they attended a CanSurvive support group meeting at the heritage home, Hazeldene Hall in Parktown on 10 February.
The meeting was characterised by a few tears, more laughter, great camaraderie and much hope.
Christa du Toit, a private nursing practitioner who specialises in pain management and palliative care, spoke to a large group of survivors who attended the support group’s monthly meeting.
Du Toit said it is extremely important that cancer survivors understand their diagnosis. She mentioned that patients are sometimes traumatised by the way their doctor or specialist informs them that they have cancer. In extreme cases, patients might even have to refer to ‘Dr Google’ to understand their diagnosis.
She added that the journey to pain relief does not only focus on the patients. It also includes the family and the caregivers who play an important role.
She also referred to the use of animal-assisted therapy and the important role pets can play in the recovery process of cancer patients. “Animals know you are in pain. They can smell it,” said Du Toit.
She encouraged cancer patients to find a reason to get out of bed every morning and to spend time with good friends.
“Chronic pain often has serious consequences for both the body and mind and may never disappear completely. It causes suffering and you may need to adapt your lifestyle, together with your family and caregivers.
“Lifestyle adaptation does not only entail a correct diet, an exercise programme and the correct usage of medication, but a totally new attitude to life. You have to be able to take control of a certain situation, so that it suits you. The key is that you need complete, current and accurate information in order to adapt.”
Joyce Bentley spoke to Rosebank Killarney Gazette about the trauma her family had to surmount when her daughter Evelyn was first diagnosed with brain cancer in March 2014 and she was diagnosed with breast cancer nine months later. “One family member with cancer is bad enough. Two is an absolute nightmare,” said Bentley.
“Because of early detection, my cancer was caught in time and a lumpectomy was done. I was very lucky. Evelyn, however, is still suffering serious side effects as a result of radiation therapy. The brain damage from the radiation treatment has affected her badly and she often has seizures. One week she’s fine, the next week she has no quality of life.”
Bentley was one of many survivors who spoke very highly of the support they received and still receive from CanSurvive.
Talk to us by emailing our editor, Ashtyn Mackenzie, at ashtynm@caxton.co.za
