Daniel and Ngaire share their cancer journey for Daffodil Day. Daniel faced cancer three times with support from Ngaire and the Cancer Society. Daffodil Day is the 27 August 2021.
Like all new parents, it had been a year of both joy and challenges for Daniel and Ngaire. They were now excitedly preparing for their daughter Mia’s first birthday. But their life was about to turn upside down.
The young dad had been feeling unwell when his doctor called and told him he needed to get to the hospital urgently.
Daniel called me from work, pretty upset. He said his doctor had rung and told him to go straight to hospital because his organs were in danger of shutting down…we raced to the Emergency Department
Ngaire, Daniel's wife
Daniel was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of leukaemia called acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APML).
It was critical Daniel started treatment that day. He was put into an isolation room for 30 days because he was so unwell and couldn’t risk picking up any illness. Daniel’s daily chemotherapy included arsenic and high-dose vitamin A.
Ten months later, Daniel was recovering well. He was back at work and life was getting back to normal.
But sadly, there was more devastating news to come.
Daniel went to see his doctor after having pain in his testicle. He was diagnosed with stage 3 testicular cancer and needed surgery and chemotherapy.
During the surgery, they found it had spread to his lymph nodes. And in the midst of it all, we found out the APML had caused an additional blood cancer.
Ngaire
It was a heart-breaking blow for Daniel and Ngaire.
The physical effects for Daniel were significant – his lungs were damaged because of the treatment. And as a family, it was incredibly tough to go through it all again.
Thankfully, Daniel recovered but he still suffers from some chemotherapy side-effects, lung damage, and requires daily medication. He has regular appointments with his specialists to monitor his health.
Cancer Society looks after patients with any type of cancer. They don’t just look after the patient either, the whole family has support. The impact of practical and emotional help is huge
Ngaire, on the Cancer Society's support
This Daffodil Day is significant for Daniel and Ngaire as it’s the day of Daniel’s first diagnosis, a day that reminds them of all they’ve been through, and how fortunate they feel to be here together.
You can make a difference for New Zealanders like Daniel this Daffodil Day.