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What a journey I am on!

It began when I visited my GP experiencing what I thought was a kidney infection and she sent me for a number of tests to determine the possible cause of my problem. It took some time and many tests but they eventually discovered signs of cancer.

So the first stop was our local hospital where a tumour was discovered, a biopsy done and I was diagnosed with vulva/vagina cancer. A cancer that only 5% of women develop and one that is not spoken about, being of a more personal nature than most. Well, I don’t believe we should keep it quiet and I’m doing my best to bring this type of cancer out into the open.

Things moved fast for me from then on.

Destination two was Wellington Women’s Hospital for a general anaesthetic and full exploratory by a surgeon from Christchurch. It was here I first made contact with the Cancer Society and was welcomed by their friendly staff who provided support, useful information and, of course, tea and biscuits.

Little did I know that my third destination was to be Christchurch Women’s Hospital.

This really put me on edge. So far away from home and into the unknown. Fortunately, my surgeon, ‘call me Pete’, his colleagues, and the nursing staff soon allayed my trepidation and the eight days bed rest passed with jokes and laughter, interspersed with the serious stuff. One delightful nurse was even up for my teaching her the Irish Jig, much to the amusement of her colleagues and the other patients. Albeit a very sedate jig as she was making sure I did not take a tumble whilst trying to curb her laughter. What a team they have down there!

My daughter took 10 days off work so I had that necessary family support and love and I’d like to think it helped her come to grips with our situation too.  She stayed at Ranui House with other carers and cancer patients who were always up for a chat. The staff were absolutely brilliant, very caring and supportive to both of us. They even gifted me a pot plant for Mother’s Day which happened to be while I was in hospital recovering from my op – how thoughtful is that?

Destination four was for radiation therapy at Palmerston North Hospital. This is where our local Cancer Society support really kicked in. I had a huge amount of support from their volunteer drivers - what a fabulous group! They’d have to be, as I was a chatterbox on our trips, but they were such an interesting and fun bunch of people who helped the trips pass far more pleasantly. Some made a point of avoiding the potholes, as even with a cushion, I was finding sitting a real problem and they were also very generous of their time, no moans or groans when an extra visit to see a nurse or doctor after my treatment was required. Nothing was too much trouble and they even made sure I was drinking my 500ml of water at the right time.

My radiation therapy was unfortunately not straight forward, I only managed 21/33 sessions due to burning, but I can’t thank the team enough for their efforts. Genuinely caring young folk, who made arriving after the tiring trips over something to look forward to. I even had my own lovely admin lady who took my arm and walked me up on the days I wasn’t feeling great. Each day, I would swap them a joke for my treatment which would be passed around the department and led to many laughs and hugs, so essential when travelling this road.

So here I am back home. My journey has not finished yet and I don’t know my next destination, but I’m sure it will entail meeting more people who genuinely care and will do their best for me. What more can I ask for?

All through this unexpected journey, I am grateful to have had the full support of my new friends at the local Cancer Society. They’re a bunch of welcoming, caring, and helpful folk with a great sense of humour, so there have been many laughs. Don’t they say laughter is the best medicine? It sure is!

My cancer journey has covered many miles, entailing four hospitals so far and has been a time of meeting many wonderful health professionals and carers who have not fudged or glossed over my cancer but allowed me to come to terms with it in my own way.

Now, thanks to the Cancer Society, I have been given the privilege of sharing my journey with you. So, if I can keep laughing and hugging, mixed in with the serious stuff, it will help me and I hope everyone around me too.

Thanks to the Cancer Society for all their support in lightening the load. All the services they offer are free of charge, so if you’re thinking of donating, please do, knowing you’re helping people like me get through challenging times. To make a one-off donation or set up a regular donation, please visit www.cancer.org.nz/cd-donate or use one of the other options listed on the front page. Your generosity will make an incredible difference.

Hugs everyone,

Glen