I have a high-grade aggressive brain tumour. I don’t like the stages term as it makes it seem real, so I prefer grading. Here’s why I’m still positive as possible.
Being diagnosed with cancer changes your life. It turns it upside down. You don’t know the words to say or how to act. Everything doesn’t seem real.
When I first went into the hospital, I just thought that I wanted to get checked, get the all clear and go home. That wasn’t the case. I was preparing for my move to Australia, my new start lay ahead for me,I was excited and then my world came crumbling down. After being in hospital a number of days, sitting by myself, I was told I had cancer. Nothing prepares you for that. Nothing.
A lot of people’s default response to being diagnosed is “why me?” “it’s not fair”, rather than taking it as what it is, a cancer diagnosis.
It wasn’t until after I was diagnosed, I wanted to create something to be remembered by. I wanted to create something positive, that people could look back on and say I did a good job. I decided after I was discharged, I wanted to make a difference, and the idea for the challenges spawned from that.
Your diagnosis teaches you about life, what not to take for granted, what you want to achieve, where you want to go, what you want to do.
It’s not a solo journey
You need support around you, this can come in the form of loved ones, family, friends, colleagues etc. because you will have good and bad days. When you think of a support team I’m not just referring to your close knit group, it’s your nurses, doctors, oncologists, radiographers, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, they all matter and play a part in your journey.
There’s a long road ahead
Currently, there is no cure for a brain tumour, but that doesn’t mean it’s the end. It just means life is tougher for me.
Once you’ve completed your current phase of treatment, it doesn’t mean it is the end of the road for you. It’s what you do with your life and the remaining time that you have left, that what matters.
All patients receive the same wonderful care, it’s the high standard which they judge themselves on, the gold standard as such. The healthcare professionals have my health in their hands, they’re the ones who know my treatment path, how I’m reacting to the treatment and what’s best for me.
As there is no cure for brain tumours my journey is about prolonging my life, being around for as long as I can, do as much as I can, and vitally, living each day to the fullest & enjoying it.
Be a yes man, take on the provided opportunities
It’s to take every opportunity that is thrown your way, you shouldn’t be scared of change or making yourself uncomfortable. Every opportunity is there for the taking, you just need to take the plunge, find that confidence and make yourself uncomfortable - I promise you won’t learn if you never take any shots.
I used to be afraid to put myself in uncomfortable positions, I used to hate the feeling when you couldn’t control something, to let your guard down. I wanted to be driven and not let stuff affect me. I thought that would help me be successful.
Everyone have an inherent goodness that manifests itself in the world without any conscious effort on their side. I focus on being the best version of myself. Why exactly am I here? What can I provide in return? I succeed better when my behaviours are in line with who I really am.
I'm doing my best to never say no to anything. If I can do it and it fits in my schedule, I will do it. I want to do whatever I can in my remaining years that I can. Nowadays, I have a never say no attitude, I want to inspire other people, other patients to read this or be told this and think there’s someone like me and he’s able to do this.
Cancer gave me resolve. What harm can someone inflict upon me that the cancer won't? What’s worse than cancer?
Embrace life - don’t have any regrets
I think about death a lot. What I would leave behind, who I would leave behind, how I would be remembered, would people attend my funeral, who would carry my coffin. Everything comes to an end, everybody meets their maker, it’s just mine is cut short, and I’m have to deal with that.
I hope I'll have the strength to let nature take its course when the pain outpaces the pleasure.
I’m embracing my life, taking the opportunities that are sent my way so I don’t have any regrets when my time does come to an end. I just hope my journey and everything I undertake makes you never take things for granted.