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Janet Antrobus, the daughter of Philip and Barbara Sceales was diagnosed with breast cancer at 30 years. The lump was picked up on a pregnancy examination, and after surgery, she faced the emotional trauma of both a complete mastectomy as well as the removal of her baby. Then, re-construction was not on offer.
Those early years of breast cancer treatment were somewhat barbaric by today’s understanding and empathy. There was only one unit where chemotherapy was administered, entailing an hour’s drive in both directions for treatment, with violent aftermath results of continuous vomiting on the journey home, and thereafter. The all-male medical offering of the time was not particularly conducive to kindness and sympathy, making the treatment process an ongoing ordeal.
Janet’s treatment enabled a long duration of survival but at enormous emotional and mental cost. Her cancer metastasised initially to the bones, and later to the lungs. Her children were young when she was initially diagnosed, and the effect of their sick and anxious mother played havoc in their own youthful development and their young adult life.
The Trust was set up in discussion with Janet: she was desperately anxious no one would remember her, her children would forget her and all the other fears facing a young woman as death approached. The irony lies in how often we do talk and remember her, and the satisfaction of knowing how the Trust has helped in a small way to contribute towards the superb treatment now available for many.
Over the past three decades, it has been a privilege to watch the extraordinary dedication and generosity of visiting cancer specialists from all over the world, sharing their knowledge, enabling the transformation of breast cancer treatment into a journey of loving care, kindness and consideration towards both the patient and attendant family.
As a family, we are hugely indebted to the many leading medical specialists who have agreed to visit South Africa, whilst sharing their expertise with their local colleagues.
Janet Antrobus, the daughter of Philip and Barbara Sceales was diagnosed with breast cancer at 30 years. The lump was picked up on a pregnancy examination, and after surgery, she faced the emotional trauma of both a complete mastectomy as well as the removal of her baby. Then, re-construction was not on offer.
Those early years of breast cancer treatment were somewhat barbaric by today’s understanding and empathy. There was only one unit where chemotherapy was administered, entailing an hour’s drive in both directions for treatment, with violent aftermath results of continuous vomiting on the journey home, and thereafter. The all-male medical offering of the time was not particularly conducive to kindness and sympathy, making the treatment process an ongoing ordeal.
Janet’s treatment enabled a long duration of survival but at enormous emotional and mental cost. Her cancer metastasised initially to the bones, and later to the lungs. Her children were young when she was initially diagnosed, and the effect of their sick and anxious mother played havoc in their own youthful development and their young adult life.
The Trust was set up in discussion with Janet: she was desperately anxious no one would remember her, her children would forget her and all the other fears facing a young woman as death approached. The irony lies in how often we do talk and remember her, and the satisfaction of knowing how the Trust has helped in a small way to contribute towards the superb treatment now available for many.
Over the past three decades, it has been a privilege to watch the extraordinary dedication and generosity of visiting cancer specialists from all over the world, sharing their knowledge, enabling the transformation of breast cancer treatment into a journey of loving care, kindness and consideration towards both the patient and attendant family.
As a family, we are hugely indebted to the many leading medical specialists who have agreed to visit South Africa, whilst sharing their expertise with their local colleagues.
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