The first half of 2009 saw my little family busy making lots of plans. Plans to sell our lovely little home, to buy some land, and to build a new house for our children to grow up in. Plans to take our baby boy Lucas and our kinder girl Bronte over to New York so they could meet their American family. Plans to see and photograph Vermont in the Fall and plans to stop off at Disneyland on the way home and make one Princess loving little girls dreams come true. All those wonderful plans were running through my head on the morning of July 23rd 2009, as I sat waiting to pick Brian up from the clinic where due to family history he was having a routine colonoscopy. Just the day before we had paid the deposit for our land and chosen a builder and a floorplan for our home. Life was good, exciting.
When the Dr called us in to his office nothing seemed unusual. Half listening, dreaming, planning… the Dr, speaking… unexpected… surprising… unfortunately… tumour… referral…
Woh, what?? Sorry, tumour? Suddenly I was listening. I asked what he hadn’t said. By tumour do you mean cancer?
Well, I am not an oncologist.
But?
Yes, I am sorry, I believe the tumour is cancerous.
Ten unexpected words that stopped our plans in their tracks. Ten terrifying words that began Brian’s nearly year long journey through major surgery and chemotherapy. A journey filled with amazing Doctors and even more amazing oncology nurses. A journey that made us thankful to be in Australia where serious illnesses at least are met with serious treatment that didn’t bankrupt those previously mentioned dreams. A journey I wouldn’t wish on any family, but one which we we emerged from after 12 months with an all clear on Brian’s health. We celebrated by finally taking that trip to see family and friends in the USA, and we moved into our new home almost on schedule (the building process kept us distracted and busy throughout Brian’s treatment!)
July 23rd 2009 seems such a long time ago now. Brian (our whole family) was lucky, for want of a better word. They caught it in time. Genetic testing determined Brian will need to be closely screened for life. But, he is all good. We have exciting plans for the future!
Brian is participating in Movember to help raise funds for cancer research. Obviously it is a cause close to his / our hearts. You can donate to Movember by following the link to his page.
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