Act swiftly: cancer survivors tell their tales
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Nine people, nine different cancer journeys. Yet the message from nearly all of their stories is clear ... no matter your age, gender or background, don't ignore health niggles. Act swiftly and get symptoms checked to give yourself the best chance at beating cancer.
If you have questions about cancer, join us for a live Q&A with Associate Professor Freddy Sitas and Lorna Allen from the Cancer Council at noon.
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Dolly Xu, 45, Chatswood (NSW)
Breast cancer
When my doctor confirmed I had breast cancer, my mind went blank with shock. When I told my family, they cried, except my husband, who was speechless.
It was when the test reports confirmed breast cancer that my husband cried out loudly. In over 20 years he had never shown that emotion. My tears came uncontrollably.
On the first day of treatment, numb with fright, I was reluctant to go in until the hospital staff put me on a bed and gave me a series of injections.
The side effects of treatment started to show and I felt depressed. I had nightmares, hid in bed and wrote a "to do" list for my family. I felt my life was coming to an end.
I felt despair and hopelessness and took it out on my family. I was angry with my condition and depressed.
The phone rang with a friendly voice at the other end. She was a cancer survivor. Someone cared about me. Because of her encouragement, a strange thing happened and I began answering phone calls and listening to people's advice. I got out of bed and joined the CanRevive support group.
Some members of the CanRevive group looked healthy and smiled even though their condition was worse than mine. I felt my ignorance, and realised there are many ways to fight cancer. I became involved in group activities and discussions. I was on the path to recovery and overcame depression.
We are surrounded by love. Everybody shared their knowledge with me on how to live a better life and never give up hope.
We need to live a more healthy life for those who love us and who we love. I am recovered and remain positive and happy. I rear chickens, grow vegetables, exercise, look after my diet and go for regular checkups.
It was when the test reports confirmed breast cancer that my husband cried out loudly. In over 20 years he had never shown that emotion. My tears came uncontrollably.
On the first day of treatment, numb with fright, I was reluctant to go in until the hospital staff put me on a bed and gave me a series of injections.
The side effects of treatment started to show and I felt depressed. I had nightmares, hid in bed and wrote a "to do" list for my family. I felt my life was coming to an end.
I felt despair and hopelessness and took it out on my family. I was angry with my condition and depressed.
The phone rang with a friendly voice at the other end. She was a cancer survivor. Someone cared about me. Because of her encouragement, a strange thing happened and I began answering phone calls and listening to people's advice. I got out of bed and joined the CanRevive support group.
Some members of the CanRevive group looked healthy and smiled even though their condition was worse than mine. I felt my ignorance, and realised there are many ways to fight cancer. I became involved in group activities and discussions. I was on the path to recovery and overcame depression.
We are surrounded by love. Everybody shared their knowledge with me on how to live a better life and never give up hope.
We need to live a more healthy life for those who love us and who we love. I am recovered and remain positive and happy. I rear chickens, grow vegetables, exercise, look after my diet and go for regular checkups.
Jane Barrett, Sydney
Cancer of Unknown Primary
Hope can be an elusive thing when you've been diagnosed with a cancer that is invisible - in every sense of the word.
In February 2009 I was told I had metastatic (ie secondary) cancer in my neck but that the primary could not be found. This makes treatment imprecise.
After two lots of surgery and six weeks of radiation, I began to research my cancer, called ‘cancer of unknown primary’ (CUP). This was the other invisible aspect.
Who has heard of CUP? No one I know. There was no patient information, no specialists, little research. Nothing that named cancer groups take for granted.
I learned that this cancer kills 45 Australians a week. How could there be so little known about it? Or done about it? I felt very despairing.
Yet hope comes in many guises - a consultant who helped me to face surgery when all I wanted to do was run; the radiation oncology team’s supportive care for a treatment I found frightening and claustrophobic.
For a while I felt better, then the breathlessness, aching bones and fatigue returned and I started to dread the worst.
Hope returned with an amazing feeling of wellness that came so unexpectedly from a 10-day cancer retreat at the Ian Gawler Foundation.
Also my advocacy found a home with Cancer Voices NSW.
Last year the Cancer Council NSW started its own CUP information and support project and I now hear medical voices talking about tackling this complex cancer.
Throughout, there has been the support of my partner, friends and family.
For the past year I have felt well. I continue my advocacy work.
Hope can be an elusive thing when you've been diagnosed with a cancer that is invisible - in every sense of the word.
In February 2009 I was told I had metastatic (ie secondary) cancer in my neck but that the primary could not be found. This makes treatment imprecise.
After two lots of surgery and six weeks of radiation, I began to research my cancer, called ‘cancer of unknown primary’ (CUP). This was the other invisible aspect.
Who has heard of CUP? No one I know. There was no patient information, no specialists, little research. Nothing that named cancer groups take for granted.
I learned that this cancer kills 45 Australians a week. How could there be so little known about it? Or done about it? I felt very despairing.
Yet hope comes in many guises - a consultant who helped me to face surgery when all I wanted to do was run; the radiation oncology team’s supportive care for a treatment I found frightening and claustrophobic.
For a while I felt better, then the breathlessness, aching bones and fatigue returned and I started to dread the worst.
Hope returned with an amazing feeling of wellness that came so unexpectedly from a 10-day cancer retreat at the Ian Gawler Foundation.
Also my advocacy found a home with Cancer Voices NSW.
Last year the Cancer Council NSW started its own CUP information and support project and I now hear medical voices talking about tackling this complex cancer.
Throughout, there has been the support of my partner, friends and family.
For the past year I have felt well. I continue my advocacy work.
My hope is to live to see the end of CUP.
David Oliver, 61, Ballarat (Vic)
Prostate cancer
I was sitting in the medical centre waiting for a doctor’s report on an employee. Someone walked past and jokingly said to me “David, are you here for your PSA check?” I didn’t even know what a PSA check was but when he told me about his recent prostate cancer journey and the importance of getting checked, I decided that age 55 it would be a good idea. Three days later the results came back high. After a referral to the urologist I was diagnosed with cancer and it was devastating.
My wife and three children helped me to realise that it wasn’t the end of the road and that we had to fight through it and stay positive. Following surgery in August, I was back to work - in a limited capacity - by late October.
At a check-up with the urologist I learned the PSA was unfortunately still elevated and I required further treatment and started a course of 36 doses of radiation.
During my cancer journey I vowed to have hope and stay positive. My wife and I spent time on our property near Ballarat where we took time to relax and meditate and build the strength to fight on.
I am now cancer free.
It was my wife’s positive influence that got me through. You don’t fight cancer alone. Without her there it would probably have been a different outcome.
I always said that if I came through my cancer journey I would give back. I have been a Cancer Connect Volunteer for almost four years and helped over 60 cancer patients stay hopeful through their diagnosis.
Susanna Casalis, 45, Bundoora (Victoria)
Non Hodgkins Lymphoma
At 39, my GP delivered the news that I have a mass in my abdominal area. The symptoms had presented themselves for a few months: extremely tired, abdominal cramping of excruciating pain, night sweats and loss of appetite. At first the medical professionals diagnosed the condition to be irritable bowel syndrome. Having left the GP with a new game plan of improving my diet, the pains hadn’t subsided. When lying in bed I said to my husband, “I can feel a lump in my stomach.”
Without hesitation, I called the GP and made the first appointment to have an ultrasound.
The next day, I was operated on to remove and analyse the mass.
After having the tumour removed, the surgeon said I had Non Hodgkins Lymphoma which has a good survival rate and cure. The mass, the size of an avocado, was removed and the intense treatment of chemotherapy began.
I felt I had no control of my body anymore, as my cells had mutated and the need for treatment was immediate. The side effects of chemotherapy included losing my hair and eyebrows, nausea, weight gain and also coping with immediate menopause.
Explaining to my boys, aged 9 and 5, that mum will look different and require regular visits to hospital was challenging. With the support network, the boys became stronger and compassionate to the exposure of a life threatening illness. They were my force of determination to beat the cancer, to stay strong - all I wished for was to live to see the boys grow up.
After six months of intense chemotherapy, my oncologist gave me the fantastic news I was in remission. After five years, the fear of the cancer returning has gone and I have resumed full-time employment.
Marcella Zemanek, 60s, North Shore (Sydney)
Breast cancer
In 1999 my father, who had been battling bowel cancer for 10 years, finally said au reviour. Seven years later my beloved husband of over 30 years (radio personality Stan Zemanek) was diagnosed with grade 4 glioma. Initially given 6 weeks, we were given 15 months.
I learnt a lot in that time, to never give up or be a victim and to quote a song from Monty Python “always look on the bright side of life”.
We got through by setting goals and spending time with family and friends. Our grandson Hamish was the best medicine, as well as knowing we were to become grandparents once again.
Then my younger sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. How could anyone be so cruel, I can’t lose anyone else? Fortunately she had radiation, no chemotherapy.
I don’t know whether or not my sister realised what a gift she gave me for without her diagnosis I wouldn’t have gone for a check up.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent two operations, chemotherapy and 6 weeks daily of radiation. My biggest fear was losing my hair. However I quickly learnt it doesn’t define you - even when I was at my lowest, my little granddaughter would say “hello gorgeous”. If that doesn’t lift your spirits nothing will.
The most important lesson is not to become a victim. I get up every day and embrace it. I put on my war paint and face the world. I’m involved in some marvellous groups and have met some amazing women.
It is important to tell the ones around you that you love them and how much you cherish them.
A year on since my diagnosis, is likened to an aftershock. But I did get through it. I wasn’t going to be a victim and stayed positive and focused - cancer was never going to beat me.
A year on since my diagnosis, is likened to an aftershock. But I did get through it. I wasn’t going to be a victim and stayed positive and focused - cancer was never going to beat me.
Morgyn, 8, Sydney
Rabdomyosarcoma
When I was only two years old, I was diagnosed with cancer. I don't remember lots about when I was sick; mummy tells me that's a good thing.
I know that I had a rare and aggressive cancer called rabdomyosarcoma and I know that I'm really lucky to be alive.
Back when I was sick we had to spend lots of time at the hospital, I remember my mum carrying me and dragging my chemotherapy machine along. Every time I had chemotherapy I would cry and sometimes the nurses would have to hold me down and I would kick my legs trying to get away. Mummy still jokes with me and reminds me not to kick anyone when we go in for check ups now. (I don't do that anymore).
I can also remember the smell of the gas they gave me each time I had an operation, I really hated that smell. I know that I spent a lot of time vomiting, it doesn't really bother me vomiting anymore, my sisters really hate it, but I think I kind of got used to it when I had cancer.
When I was really sick, I wasn't allowed to go anywhere except for home and the hospital because the doctors said it could make me sicker, but we still had heaps of fun at home, we would camp under the dining table eating pancakes, do obstacle courses outside, and dress up and be silly. I think that probably helped me stay happy.
I've been in remission for five years and I feel sad that other people still have to get cancer, I wish there was a cure.
When I was only two years old, I was diagnosed with cancer. I don't remember lots about when I was sick; mummy tells me that's a good thing.
I know that I had a rare and aggressive cancer called rabdomyosarcoma and I know that I'm really lucky to be alive.
Back when I was sick we had to spend lots of time at the hospital, I remember my mum carrying me and dragging my chemotherapy machine along. Every time I had chemotherapy I would cry and sometimes the nurses would have to hold me down and I would kick my legs trying to get away. Mummy still jokes with me and reminds me not to kick anyone when we go in for check ups now. (I don't do that anymore).
I can also remember the smell of the gas they gave me each time I had an operation, I really hated that smell. I know that I spent a lot of time vomiting, it doesn't really bother me vomiting anymore, my sisters really hate it, but I think I kind of got used to it when I had cancer.
When I was really sick, I wasn't allowed to go anywhere except for home and the hospital because the doctors said it could make me sicker, but we still had heaps of fun at home, we would camp under the dining table eating pancakes, do obstacle courses outside, and dress up and be silly. I think that probably helped me stay happy.
I've been in remission for five years and I feel sad that other people still have to get cancer, I wish there was a cure.
I want people to support Daffodil Day to help people who are still sick.
Major Matt Carr, 34, Cremorne (NSW)
Testicular cancer
I didn’t want to hear after seven years of remission the cancer had returned. In fact I was pretty pissed off.
Already enduring six months of chemotherapy and six operations, I had lost a kidney, 30 per cent of my lung function and a nut. Now I was going to go under the knife and probably lose my life.
Had I been smarter in my 20s and gone to the doctor when I first had aching pains in the testicle, the outcome would’ve been different, and less painful. Most cancers are not life threatening if diagnosed and treated early.
The keys to winning any war are to have good morale, a strong mission focus and be well trained to fight (keeping fit and strong mentally and physically). There is no difference when fighting cancer. This is how I maintained hope when things got heavy. Little goals such as taking the next breath, getting out of hospital or going for a walk or surf to clear your head help you deal with the big ones.
After almost 10 years fighting cancer I can share this simple formula for battling any disease. Step 1 - limit the potential damage by prevention and early diagnosis, don't be proud or ignorant, just get it checked out. Step 2 - If you find yourself under attack, fight back, with all the hope and strength you have. We have only one shot at this life; it’s not worth holding back when we’re fighting for it.
Two years on from my last operation – I am back at work with the Army and bringing my health and fitness levels back to a standard that is “operationally ready” for deployment. My wife and I are planning to become parents and I regularly surf and take groups out on the water on stand up paddle boards.
I didn’t want to hear after seven years of remission the cancer had returned. In fact I was pretty pissed off.
Already enduring six months of chemotherapy and six operations, I had lost a kidney, 30 per cent of my lung function and a nut. Now I was going to go under the knife and probably lose my life.
Had I been smarter in my 20s and gone to the doctor when I first had aching pains in the testicle, the outcome would’ve been different, and less painful. Most cancers are not life threatening if diagnosed and treated early.
The keys to winning any war are to have good morale, a strong mission focus and be well trained to fight (keeping fit and strong mentally and physically). There is no difference when fighting cancer. This is how I maintained hope when things got heavy. Little goals such as taking the next breath, getting out of hospital or going for a walk or surf to clear your head help you deal with the big ones.
After almost 10 years fighting cancer I can share this simple formula for battling any disease. Step 1 - limit the potential damage by prevention and early diagnosis, don't be proud or ignorant, just get it checked out. Step 2 - If you find yourself under attack, fight back, with all the hope and strength you have. We have only one shot at this life; it’s not worth holding back when we’re fighting for it.
Two years on from my last operation – I am back at work with the Army and bringing my health and fitness levels back to a standard that is “operationally ready” for deployment. My wife and I are planning to become parents and I regularly surf and take groups out on the water on stand up paddle boards.
Di Bussell, 62, Brighton (Vic)
Bowel cancer
Only this week I had my regular two-yearly colonoscopy, and after 15 years, am totally free of bowel cancer.
At age 47 years, I felt a pain in my right side at odd times. I had several tests conducted by my gynaecologist, and finding no cause (and beginning to feel I was imagining things), he sent me along for a colonoscopy. Months later I went, by which time I was unable to sleep on my right side where the pain was; and each afternoon at the same time I experienced searing pains in my stomach and struggled to stay awake.
Immediately following the colonoscopy the doctor advised me I had bowel cancer. The shock was indescribable – a mix of ‘why me’; ‘they must have made a mistake’ and ‘I’m too healthy for this to happen’. I was playing netball twice a week and considered myself too young for cancer.
My family and I were in denial for a couple of days. After that it was ‘just get rid of it and move on!’ The following week I was in hospital for a colon re-section.
My two siblings (aged 50 and 38 at the time) were advised to have a colonoscopy, and my elder sister was diagnosed with bowel cancer. She had a re-section, and is in good health.
Early detection saved the life of my elder sister and me.
Subsequently, I found out that two of my father’s brothers had passed away with liver cancer, but which possibly was the secondary cancer, with the primary cancer being in the bowel. In those days no screening was available.
I have a celebratory tattoo every 5 years I am cancer free. Currently I have two, both almost invisible to anyone but my husband as a reminder of just how lucky I am!
At age 47 years, I felt a pain in my right side at odd times. I had several tests conducted by my gynaecologist, and finding no cause (and beginning to feel I was imagining things), he sent me along for a colonoscopy. Months later I went, by which time I was unable to sleep on my right side where the pain was; and each afternoon at the same time I experienced searing pains in my stomach and struggled to stay awake.
Immediately following the colonoscopy the doctor advised me I had bowel cancer. The shock was indescribable – a mix of ‘why me’; ‘they must have made a mistake’ and ‘I’m too healthy for this to happen’. I was playing netball twice a week and considered myself too young for cancer.
My family and I were in denial for a couple of days. After that it was ‘just get rid of it and move on!’ The following week I was in hospital for a colon re-section.
My two siblings (aged 50 and 38 at the time) were advised to have a colonoscopy, and my elder sister was diagnosed with bowel cancer. She had a re-section, and is in good health.
Early detection saved the life of my elder sister and me.
Subsequently, I found out that two of my father’s brothers had passed away with liver cancer, but which possibly was the secondary cancer, with the primary cancer being in the bowel. In those days no screening was available.
I have a celebratory tattoo every 5 years I am cancer free. Currently I have two, both almost invisible to anyone but my husband as a reminder of just how lucky I am!
Anthony "Anno" Avery, 26 (deceased), Taree (NSW)
Bowel cancer
Anthony "Anno" Avery was a young Aboriginal man, proud of the colour of his skin and his culture. Anno was born in Sydney, raised in Redfern, and moved to Taree, his mother's birth place, as a young adolescent.
One thing he disliked was racism against Aboriginal people. He had friends of all shapes, sizes, colour and backgrounds.
From an early age it was clear that Anno was a gifted athlete, and during his sporting career he represented Australia three times in touch football and North Coast in rugby league, and also dabbled in AFL. He was famous for his speed, agility, passion and beaming smile.
Anno was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2007, and died in 2008 after a long period of losing weight, nausea and bleeding from the bowel. He was initially diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome; although Anno felt quite sure it was something more. After seeing a television interview with a former player who had been diagnosed with bowel cancer, he knew that's what he had. Further tests confirmed his fears.
Anno was a very fit athlete, he did not smoke, drink alcohol or use drugs. Despite this, bowel cancer was too far advanced by the time Anno was correctly diagnosed.
One of Anno's impassioned final messages was: "If you're sick, see the doctor straight away and make sure they listen."
From an early age it was clear that Anno was a gifted athlete, and during his sporting career he represented Australia three times in touch football and North Coast in rugby league, and also dabbled in AFL. He was famous for his speed, agility, passion and beaming smile.
Anno was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2007, and died in 2008 after a long period of losing weight, nausea and bleeding from the bowel. He was initially diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome; although Anno felt quite sure it was something more. After seeing a television interview with a former player who had been diagnosed with bowel cancer, he knew that's what he had. Further tests confirmed his fears.
Anno was a very fit athlete, he did not smoke, drink alcohol or use drugs. Despite this, bowel cancer was too far advanced by the time Anno was correctly diagnosed.
One of Anno's impassioned final messages was: "If you're sick, see the doctor straight away and make sure they listen."
His family are passionate supporters of Cancer Council NSW and its work to connect with Aboriginal communities.
Anno was a son, brother, father, uncle and friend. The 2ndAnthony Avery Memorial Touch Football Tournament will be held in Forster/Tuncurry on 22 and 23 October. His only child, Britney, now proudly displays his Australian green and gold jersey on her wall .
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/diet-and-fitness/act-swiftly-cancer-survivors-tell-their-tales-20110825-1jbxx.html#ixzz1W47FGMsi
