First patient receives radiation
The first patient has been treated on the state-of-the-art radiotherapy equipment at the oncology centre
PHOTO: Dave Savides
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.
Cure Doug Bain of his cancer and you will have an ambassador of immeasurable value.
Your hospital and new radiotherapy facility will be fully booked before you can say, “anaplastic astrocytoma”
Best regards
Brendon
Doug, we are all routing for you and really glad there is a facility somewhere in SA that is able to treat patients as people and not just another number. It is really refreshing to see that! Shirley & staff at Transworld Financial Services
Yay Douggi! I’m thrilled that it’s going well and that you are obviously in very good hands! We continue to pray for a speedy recovery and sending you lots of love and positive healing thoughts. May this machine and the team of doctors work their magic on you!
This is great news Doug. We are all pulling for you to get through this. Congratulations to the whole team at RBMI for being world class in their field.
All the best Doug and a Blessed Christmas to you and your precious family.
Dave Hansen
Doug, you are a brave man and a fighter. If its possible to win this battle you will do it. You have made a great contribution to the Golf Industry and we need you back. My family and I are thinking of you and praying for your speedy recovery.
Cheers,
Dale Hayes