Four years ago I was suffering from a nasty flu, which ended up saving my life. That flu led to early detection of cancer. Throughout my treatment there were some days I didn’t think I would make it to see the following day. The Ngā Kete Cancer Kaiarahi Service were a huge support and feel like whānau to me now.
Suffering from a nasty bout of the flu, I went to see my doctor who sent me to the hospital.
This happened right around the time COVID entered the country and, due to this, I was placed into a tent for around seven weeks. I continued to get weaker, which concerned the doctors so much they sent me for a CT scan.
That scan showed I had cancer on the inside of my body near my hips. I was so shocked by the diagnosis, I had no idea I had cancer. If it wasn’t for the flu, I don’t know how I would have found out and, due to the early detection, it saved my life.
Soon after, my son took me to Dunedin to get a biopsy, and later a doctor told me if I didn’t start chemotherapy, I would be dead within two months.
That was a huge scare! I didn’t hesitate. I immediately started my chemotherapy. I had chemo every Thursday of every third week for around seven months, and I can’t even begin to describe how ill I was during this time.
I was sick every day, lying on the couch, and sleeping a lot during the day. I could barely eat and I dropped to 58kg. I was just skin and bone. I also got thrush throughout my mouth and that made eating even harder.
It was a hell of a ride. It’s so hard to describe what it was like going through treatment. I didn’t know if it would be a good day or a bad day. Would I be alive tomorrow? My mind continuously travelled all over the place, but I just couldn’t stop it.
My daughter helped me to refer to the Cancer Kaiarahi Service at Ngā Kete, and they were with me throughout my entire treatment. I remember that I could barely walk, and they would come to my house, help get me up, help me to the car, take me to my appointments and bring me back home again.
It was amazing to have their support. I can’t even put it into words. The Kaimahi, as well as the nurse from hospital, kept me going. They are like whānau to me now. I know I can ring them whenever I need.
One of the kaimahi even took me to Dunedin for my radiation treatment, following chemo. She organised the entire thing including my accommodation at Daffodil House. Radiation wasn’t as bad as chemotherapy, although I suffered from numb hands and feet for a long time. I still managed to have a few laughs during this time. I remember thinking, I’ve never sat around and drunk a ton of water with a group of men!
I have really struggled to talk about what I have been through, so I was grateful when the kaimahi introduced me to the Cancer Support Group. I found it helpful to talk to people who had been through the same as I had. I still enjoy attending the group every fortnight. As well, I am also part of the Kaumātua group every Wednesday at Te Tomairangi Marae.
I love being a part of it. Taurite Tū (strength and balance class) has been helpful for me, and I love being part of the ukulele group. It gives me a reason to get out of the house, which is great for me because I enjoy getting out and doing different things.
At my latest specialist appointment I was told the cancer is gone, and I feel lucky that part of my life is over. Now I can focus on the future. I feel so grateful to have had the support of Barbara and Jo, and the nurses at both Southland and Dunedin Hospitals.
