IN a first for the Eastern Cape, a young cancer patient is in remission after becoming the first child fully treated for kidney cancer in the province.
And for Emihle Xhoma, 3, the best thing about being healthy is not having to face so many needles any time soon.
In the past, paediatric oncology patients were always referred to the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital in Cape Town for treatment.
But Emihle, who was diagnosed with Wilms tumour, a form of kidney cancer, in January and nearly died twice, is now on the road to recovery – without having had to leave the city.
Paediatric oncologist Dr Johani Vermeulen and her team wage the battle against childhood cancer from a four-bed ward that was fitted for six and now houses nine patients at Dora Nginza Hospital.
This week, however, she had lots to smile about – and so did Emihle.
The child told her mother: "I am so very happy. Now that I am healthy I won't need any more drips!" - Estelle Ellis
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