While 2020 has been a turbulent year for most of us, an unexpected breast cancer diagnosis threw *Pat’s life completely upside down. A routine biennial mammogram – which she almost walked out on because she was running late – revealed a lump in one of her breasts. ‘I was dumbstruck,’ she recalls, ‘I did not suspect anything; I certainly did not feel any lumps. However, her doctor was concerned and ordered further tests. The results confirmed their worst fear: it was stage 3 aggressive breast cancer. This unexpected diagnoses put a whirlwind of events in motion. The cancer had to be removed surgically. She was booked in for surgery a few days after her shock diagnosis. It took surgeons three hours to perform a lumpectomy on her breast. After her surgery, chemotherapy followed, and the treatment was rounded off with radiation.
Pat is currently in remission. ‘I guess I am not out of the dog box yet,’ she says, ‘I have to go for a check-up every two months, but for now it feels like the worst is over.’
Her cheery nature made her stay positive throughout the ordeal. ‘One week after my first chemo session, my hair started to fall out. But that didn’t bother me – when the hair loss became too extreme for my liking, I shaved it all off! ‘I sported my new look proudly. I found the wigs to be too hot, so I wore hats and scarfs, but often went out ‘au naturel’. When people stared – which, many did – I quickly learnt to return the stare with a smile.
‘The treatment did have its negative side-effects and there were many times that I felt completely drained.’ Pat felt lucky to be able to continue working throughout both her cancer treatment, as well as the harsh realities of Covid-19. She says she wouldn’t have been able to do this without the incredible support of her husband, family and colleagues.
‘My husband has been so good to me. It would have been so much harder if I did not have him by my side, always encouraging and positive, always willing to help whenever I felt just too exhausted to do anything.’
She also has praises for Dr Smitha Abraham and her team at RBMI, whom she calls the ‘A team’. ‘I believe that God specially places people in certain positions to be of assistance to others, and I can say that wholeheartedly about the A team. From the receptionist, to the cleaner, to Dr Abraham herself – they have hearts of gold.’ A positive person by nature, Pat says she made the conscious decision to not give up, but to fight this thing.
‘One can never just sit back and fall into depression. You have to find the good in any situation,’ she says. ‘One thing I discovered during my chemo sessions was that it allowed me the time to sit quietly and think about all the blessings in my life. It was my special ‘Me time’. I also met some amazing people and made very good friends through this journey.’
Had it not been for Patricia’s regular mammogram, she would never have suspected that she had cancer, and it would have escalated into something much more serious.
She urges women to go for their annual or two-yearly mammograms and other check-ups. ‘As women we have to take care of ourselves. Examine yourself and make use of the opportunities given for free mammograms and pap smears – whether you think there’s something wrong, or not. Do it for yourself, do it for your loved ones,’ she says.
*Full names have been withheld to protect the patient’s identity

Annie* has never been diagnosed with breast cancer, but she realises the importance of a regular mammogram. She goes for her annual mammogram once a year at Richards Bay Medical Institute.
‘Breast cancer is very common among women, but it is not a death sentence. The earlier it is detected, the easier it is to treat and the better the outcome. ‘A mammogram is the most effective method of early detection,’ Annie says.
‘For us as mothers, wives, caregivers and career women, always taking care of others, we tend to forget about ourselves. However, we shouldn’t neglect our health.
‘Don’t wait until it’s too late and don’t put it off. Diarise your yearly mammogram and pap smear – make it a regular appointment that you simply cannot miss.’
*Full names have been withheld to protect the patient’s identity

Richards Bay Medical Institute is situated at 1 Lira Link Road, Richards Bay.
The Institute aims to provide the best medical equipment and technology to the attending patients, using principles and practices that are of international standards.
Patient care and comfort is at the forefront. The team provides care and efficiency whilst maintaining dignity and truth.

1. Radiation Oncology Unit with a Varain Truebeam Linear Accelerator – Our Radiation Oncology facility is equipped with a Varian Truebeam Linac, which utilises highly advanced technology that makes it possible to deliver radiation treatment to our patients faster and quicker with very high accuracy and precision. Resident Oncologists are Prof Jordaan and Dr. S. Abraham
2. Sub-Acute Facility
3. Day Surgical Theatres
4. Radiology Department

Richard Bay Medical Institute incorporates a functionally advanced Radiology Department, with the latest diagnostic equipment, which includes:
• CT scan
• Mammography, the socalled ‘Rolls Royce Mammo Machine’, which can do stereotactic breast biopsy and tomosynthesis