My whole life has been plagued by cancer. I lost both my parents and nine siblings to different types of cancer. Three years ago I was diagnosed with lung cancer but I continue to think positive, and I feel so grateful to be surrounded by a huge amount of support.
About three years ago I noticed blood in my phlegm and, while I didn’t feel unwell, I thought I had better go to the doctor and get it checked out.
I was sent for an X-ray and it was discovered I had cancer on my left lung and on my lymph nodes. It came as a huge shock because I had no other symptoms and have always been a healthy, active person. I had never suffered from any type of health issues!
The hospital referred me to the Cancer Kaiarahi Service and I am so grateful for that. I met the two lovely kaimahi and they supported me throughout my entire treatment and did everything for my wife and I.
They would often come and check on how I was doing and knowing they were just a phone call away was a huge reassurance. Every day I think about the amazing support they were and continue to be. You couldn’t expect anything more!
I was sent to Dunedin and stayed at Daffodil House while I underwent radiation treatment for a month. Following radiation, I had chemotherapy at Southland Hospital for several months.
The chemotherapy had no ill effects on me – I didn’t lose weight, I didn’t feel sick, and since then the cancer on my lung has decreased in size.
Throughout my treatment I continued to stay active. I was out mowing the lawns, in the garden, doing housework and walking daily. I kept my mind completely occupied and I think this, along with the support of my amazing wife Thelma, the Cancer Kaiarahi Service, and my whānau, is what got what me through it all.
I continued to remain positive throughout treatment. I would never think about the bad things, only the good things. I just don’t take the time to worry about what’s happening inside my body. What’s the point?
The specialists have now said I am in remission. Without the amazing support I received I could have been in a completely different place!
The support has made a huge difference in my life, and because of this the Cancer Kaiarahi kaimahi will always be important to me.
