Welcome to Apffelstaedt, Hoosain & Associates Patient Stories

Read through the journeys that have been provided to us by our amazing patients. We hope that you find inspiration and hope in them.

  • Understanding the signs: Merisca’s journey through breast cancer and self‑advocacy

    Her journey began quietly. At 29, she noticed a cyst in her breast that grew over time and caused occasional light pain. Her nipples began to invert, and she saw yellow discharge. The skin around her nipple developed the distinctive “orange peel” appearance often associated with breast cancer. Her breast even began pulling slightly to the left. Later, a lump appeared under her arm, accompanied by a swollen lymph node. Like many younger women, she didn’t immediately recognise these as warning signs. Merisca's story is one of genetics, diagnosis and the journey towards healing. It's also a journey of faith.

  • Christine’s Story: “A little voice, a dorinkie, and a whole lot of courage”

    When Christine Marais felt a tiny “dorinkie” (a thorn-like sensation in her breast), she never imagined it would mark the beginning of a life-changing journey. At almost 64, with no symptoms and only a faint bluish mark to hint that something was wrong, she trusted her instincts and acted quickly. That decision, she says, made all the difference.

  • Linda shares her breast cancer journey

    Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer at 45 years of age. She shares her journey to remission here.

  • Annette’s inspiring story

    Annette is now 63 years old and was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012. She has been clear since 2013 and shares her story here.

  • Jeanne-Marie’s oncology journey

    Jeanne-Marie is 41 years old and has been diagnosed with Stage 2 cancer. She is currently on her treatment plan with Dr Hoosain. She shares her BRCA2 story here.

  • Anne and Diane

    Anne is currently 71 years old and was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014. Dr Apffelstaedt diagnosed her, and Anne had Stage 2 cancer at the time. Anne’s daughter Diane, who is 36 years old found that she too, had breast cancer, in 2022. Diagnosed by Dr Fortuin, her cancer was found at Stage 2. Grade 3.

  • Understanding breast cancer and men

    When Graeme Comrie received his breast cancer diagnosis in 2009, it came as a shock for several reasons. At the age of 64, he had been leading a healthy lifestyle, he did his medical check-ups regularly, and lastly, he never thought that – as a male – he could be diagnosed with breast cancer.

  • Apffelstaedt, Hoosain & Associates Patient Stories Page

    We are excited to add a Stories feature to our website. We will be sharing some patient stories with you to inspire and bring hope. We hope that you enjoy reading them. To read our patient stories click here>

More testimonials from some of our other patients.

What our patients say

“I would like to wish the most amazing team, Happy Holidays! Thank you for all your care, support and excellent work. You are the best multidisciplinary team! A special thank you to Dr Lyn, Dr Fatima, Dr Rika, Dr Alexander, Shaziah, Natasha and the kind radiographers!”

Dr Adri Smith

“Dr Lynne Fortuin. I will not swap you for anyone.”

Heidi Coetzer-Potgieter

“Dr Hoosain is a wonderful caring doctor. Thank you for what you have done for me.”

Sandra Jones

“During this traumatic time and pandemic, our lives are often surrounded by fear. In December 2020, I had to see Dr Apffelstaedt for an important visit. I was pleasantly surprised to see how well Covid-19 processes are monitored and managed at the practice. The doctors and all staff adhere to these same protocols. Even whilst having a mammogram, ultrasound or any other visits, COVID protocols are strictly adhered to. I am grateful to the team for making sure that it is always a relaxed and safe experience.”

Rachelle Barioli

“In May 2020 I discovered a small lump in my breast. In the following weeks I had to visit Dr Apffelstaedt quite a few times. I was pleasantly surprised by the efficiency and strict protocols adhered to by the friendly staff and doctors, in spite of the difficult circumstances caused by Covid-19. I would encourage you to stay healthy by keeping your appointments regularly. I am certainly very glad I did.”

Mickey Rautenbach

“As you can imagine, discovering a lump in your breast is incredibly scary. From the very first consultation, Dr Hoosain made me feel completely at ease. She is kind, compassionate, and takes the time to explain everything in detail — before, during, and after surgery. Her calm and caring manner gave me so much confidence throughout the process. I felt informed, supported, and in the best possible hands. I’m truly grateful to have had her as my doctor.”

Jeanette

“I would like to express my deep gratitude to Dr. Fatima Hoosain and her medical team for their exceptional care during my recent total thyroidectomy. From the very beginning, she welcomed me with warmth and instilled confidence through her professional manner and skill.

This was a delicate surgery following the diagnosis of multi-thyroid follicular nodular disease that left me with a massive growth, yet she performed the total thyroidectomy with remarkable precision. I am thankful to God for providing me with such a highly competent and caring surgeon, and for answering my prayers in guiding her hands and the medical staff.

Dr. Hoosain’s expertise and confidence throughout the process reassured me, and today I can testify to the excellent outcome. She truly is an expert specialist not by chance, but by training, dedication, and ability.

For anyone considering surgery and perhaps feeling anxious, I want to encourage you that you will be in very capable and compassionate hands with Dr. Hoosain.”

Herman Roodt

“I previously had a partial thyroidectomy with a different surgeon, and after being diagnosed with one of the less common thyroid cancers, I sought a second opinion from Dr. Hoosain.

Of course, I’d rather not have had to have another thyroid surgery, but if it had to be with anyone, I’m grateful to have found Dr. Hoosain. On top of being an incredibly skilled surgeon, she’s also really knowledgeable about the thyroid, fantastic at explaining, and just really patient.

Not only was the recovery this time better, but Dr Hoosain also managed to fix my really ugly, painful scar and somehow make it smaller?! Incredible.

Having thyroid issues is very scary because of how central the organ is to so many functions in your body. But if you do have to have surgery, go to Dr Hoosain!”

Amaal Salie

“Dr Hoosain and her team saved my life. She is such a caring and compassionate specialist who was there for us every single step of the way. Nothing was too much for her or her team and her quick response and reaction is why I am 4 days post recovery and have not had any complications or pain. Then…Dr Zuhlke is an angel and his expertise in plastic & reconstructive surgery is next level. I never had to go and sit at a hospital and just be a number waiting for tests or appointments. Everything was done at their practice and from the reception to the radiologist to the practice manager..we are always treated like royalty. Their multi disciplinary team are unvelievable and I have such a deep respect for each and everyone at Apffelstaedt & Hossain. Thank You for looking after us and for walking with us through this journey. We are forever grateful.”

Tanya Mans

“Very caring doctors, technicians, and environment.”

Grace Nortier