I've never felt so alone

I don’t think I have ever felt so very alone as when I was first diagnosed. I knew I had the support of my family and friends, and I also knew the diagnosis was just as traumatic for my wife, Vicki and our children, as it was for me. But I’m the one with cancer and I’m the only one who is going to have to face this disease. From a medical perspective I was alone – or that is what I felt.

The first thing I told myself to do was to stop feeling sorry for myself and find out as much as I could about cancer, for example, what exactly is it?

The Cancer Council of WA on its website (www.cancer.org.au) says “Cancer is a disease of the body's cells. Normally, cells grow and multiply in a controlled way, however, if something causes a mistake to occur in the cells' genetic blueprint, this control can be lost. Cancer is the term used to describe collections of these cells, growing and potentially spreading within the body. As cancerous cells can arise from almost any type of tissue cell, cancer actually refers to about 100 different diseases.”

In 2016, Cancer Australia reported that the risk of an individual being diagnosed with cancer by their 85th birthday is estimated to be as high as 1 in 2 males and 1 in 3 females. That’s a lot of people and it is highly likely that everyone will know someone who is, has or will be going through it. However, my generation doesn’t readily share information via social media like later generations. Our way is to let those close to us know and deal with it. Our wider circle of friends may never know.

So after considerable thought, I posted a message onto my personal Facebook page about my condition. I did not know if it was the right thing to do or not. The responses I received from friends and family was overwhelmingly supportive. What struck me most though, was the number of people who commented or private messaged me with offers to discuss their own circumstances, or put me in touch with one of their friends who had been through it. Others emailed me their stories and some rang to discuss. I was gobsmacked. I came to the conclusion that social media can contribute to the wellbeing of individuals facing cancer by helping to share experiences.

A friend recommended I write a journal every day detailing how I felt, how I looked and describing any changes that may occur over the journey because recalling after the fact becomes increasingly difficult. A daily diary basically. Other friends suggested I start a blog to help me process the treatment and share the information with others. I felt that both of these were very good suggestions so with Vicki's encouragement, I decided to set up this blog to document my daily journey through my treatment program.

There are organisations that assist by dispensing information and providing an outlet for cancer patients to comment about their experience, but in my personal journey so far, I’ve found talking to others who have successfully been through the treatment very reassuring. First-hand accounts of someone’s personal journey are extremely valuable. Questions can be asked and information gathered specific to your circumstances.

While I felt like I was alone, I was not. I just didn't know it.

This blog will enable me to share my story and maybe help someone else going through it to know that they too are not alone.