First patient receives radiation

THE state-of-the-art advanced radiation therapy equipment at the Richards Bay Medical Institute’s oncology centre was put into use for the first time on Tuesday.

Showing the significance of the ‘Varian TrueBeam’ linear reactor, the only one of its kind in the southern hemisphere, it was fitting that the first patient making use of the technology was from Johannesburg.

Doug Bain, the CEO of Randpark Golf Club, has had a fairly large tumour removed from his brain and will require some 30 radiation treatments.

But it is not merely the modern equipment that gives him confidence looking ahead.

‘I am only 41 years old and I have precious children aged 2 and 4, so when I heard of the new facility in Richards Bay I jumped at the opportunity to give myself the best possible prospects.

‘To think that, in Johannesburg, I would have been treated using 12 year-old equipment was crazy – imagine that in any other field of technology!

‘I had also been disappointed during my treatment at the general lack of empathy,’ said Doug.

‘I wanted someone who would go through this journey with me but instead felt I was just a number, being processed along with all the rest.

‘However, since I arrived here and met the oncologist Prof Amo Jordaan and his team, I feel I am being valued and treated as a person, not merely a patient, in the warmest of environments.

‘I hope the people in this area realise what an asset they have on their doorstep.

‘I have travelled from Johannesburg, and others will come from all parts of the world for this best available treatment.

’The speed and accuracy of the treatments give me optimism for the best possible results.’

When not undergoing radiation therapy treatment, Doug is enjoying playing golf with friends he has met in Richards Bay, meeting his cancer challenge by being positive and leading as normal a life as possible.