Day 1 - Treatment Begins

This is a reproduction of my Facebook post.

I've pondered for a while whether Facebook is the correct platform to share this news, but unfortunately my diagnosis is common amongst men my age, and maybe if I raise awareness, it may help someone else.

In October of this year I was diagnosed with cancer. For someone who has spent a lifetime being fit and trying to be healthy, it was a shock.

I noticed a lump on the right side of my neck, so I checked 'Dr' Google, which more or less implied that most neck lumps are innocent cysts that just go away. Vicki and I ignored this and checked with our local GP, which led to a heap of tests (think pin cushion). Diagnosis - Squamous Cell Carcinoma. The primary was located in my tonsils, which I had removed when I was 5 years old.

So the first point I'd make is never believe 'Dr' Google. Always, always get things checked by your GP.

After my diagnosis, instead of asking 'Dr' Google for answers, I read as many medical journals as I could to find accurate information and asked a lot of questions. Special mention has to go to the wonderfully accommodating Specialists and caregivers in Vicki's unit at St John of God Hospital in Subiaco, they have been very supportive and a wealth of information and knowledge.

Treatment over the next 7 weeks will involve concurrent chemotherapy and radiation, but prognosis is good, and research shows if I can maintain some level of fitness throughout, it may decrease my recovery time afterwards. I'm told I have to stop swimming during treatment due to the chemicals in the pool. However I can continue to cycle, albeit more slowly that usual. I've been riding to the cancer centre from home each visit, which I'll continue for as long as I can.

The second point I want to make is cancer treatments have progressed a lot. While there remains risks, the prognosis for this type of cancer, if caught early enough, is very good. I am involved in a trial for a new chemo drug, and this photo is me receiving my first round of chemotherapy today. It is administered more frequently, but with lower doses, and (hopefully) fewer side effects. The crew at the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital Cancer Centre have been excellent in helping me understand what is going to happen. With better knowledge, I'm confident of a positive outcome.

I have taken the view that showing everyone what is involved might take away the anxiety for others, so I intend to post photos of my treatment as it progresses. I'm told around week three I will start to feel the effects. My challenge is to continue to work throughout.

Thanks for all the messages of support and offers of help, we are lucky to have such wonderful family and friends.