Farewell – Dr Sid Selva – Darwin’s first oncologist
After thirteen years of being the sole provider of oncology services for the Northern Territory’s many cancer sufferers, Dr Sid Selva-nayagam is leaving the Territory to further his medical career in Adelaide. During this time Dr Selva has touched the lives of many people, none more so than those of us who have been his patients.
NT Breast Cancer Voice (NTBCV) and Dragons Abreast Australia (DAA) took great pleasure in hosted a reception on Wednesday 14 th December 2005 at Speakers Corner, Parliament House as a thank you to Dr Selva for his care and to mark the huge impact he has had on specialist cancer services.
The reception was attended by many of Dr Selva’s patients, breast, bowel, pancreatic and prostate cancers were amongst those represented as well the nurses from the chemotherapy unit and the Federal Member for Solomon, Mr David Tollner and his wife Alicia, the Member for Sanderson, Mr Len Kiely and the Member for Port Darwin, Ms Kerry Sacialotto.
Both NTBCV and DAA really appreciated Dave, Len and Kerry taking the time from their busy schedules to attend this reception. It is a clear mark of the understand they have of the important role Sid Selva has played in the Territory, and of their commitment to the cause of seeing improved services and conditions for all Territorians faced with a cancer diagnosis.
I spoke a few words on a personal level and those who know me are well aware that I feel passionate about breast cancer and can become quite emotional. However, I had not expected this short speech and occasion to so emotional, so it was quite a surprise to find myself quite teary. However, I have become far more adept at talking though tears these days and I managed without the tissues that some cheeky sole suggested they send for!
The reality is that if it were not for Sid Selva having been available to guide me through the treatment maze and more importantly prescribing the correct cocktails of chemotherapy, I don’t think I would be here today – Dragons Abreast would not have been born – and our lives would have all been very different.
I am one of the very lucky ones. Lucky I had excellent treatment. Lucky I have survived 8 years without recurrence. Lucky that Darwin had a wonderful oncologist in Dr Sid Selva. I hope my luck continues – because now that Sid is gone, I feel my safety net is removed! Knowing he was there - should the need arise – was always very comforting.
Susan Tulley, President of NTBCV spoke on behalf of all cancer patients and proposed a toast to Sid, while Jenny Scott made the presentation of our gift – a beautiful painting of East Point cliffs. Sid spoke eloquently, saying he was touched by the support from us all and that it was the Territory and its people who had helped him to also develop as a cancer specialist.
It was a lovely evening and a fitting farewell for a wonderful man!
Michelle Hanton
This page last updated:
December 27, 2007
