Michael
Sydney architect and sports enthusiast, Michael, 43, had been experiencing constant and increasing back pain for some time leading up to Christmas 2006. Thinking it was just a sign of getting older; Michael kept pursuing his sporting interests including surfing and playing AFL football, running his Ultimo architectural practice and being an active dad to his two young boys, Thomas and Ewan.
He sought medical advice when he also began to suffer constipation and increasing lethargy and tiredness. Treatment suggested by his GP provided little relief and with the back pain continuing and now preventing Michael from enjoying sport, he was referred to gastroenterologist, Dr Bye at the Royal Prince Alfred Medical Centre in June, 2007.
Dr Bye was not convinced that Michael’s symptoms were specifically bowel problems and arranged further tests including an ultra-sound, CT scan and blood tests through the adjoining Sydney Cancer Centre.
These tests showed a large tumour in the middle of Michael’s abdomen which was pressing on his bowel, lower spine and kidneys – the cause of so much pain and discomfort.
“I was fortunate as Dr Bye was able to find me a bed at the hospital that night and arranged tests that quickly discovered the cause of pain. Over the next week a combination of CT scans, biopsies, blood marker tests and an ultra-sound confirmed I had testicular cancer,” Michael said.
“On the Monday after entering hospital a stent was put into my urethra which allowed my right kidney to begin working again. This was an enormous relief, and for me, the first step to recovery, as it relieved some pain. Two days later, the testicle was removed. After the operation, it was recommended that I have chemotherapy to shrink the abdominal tumour, which I began in early July.”
“Once removed the testicular biopsy showed scar tissue in the right testicle, an indication of cancer, although it was no longer present but had formed a secondary tumour in my abdomen.
“Having no immediate family who had had cancer, and despite the initial shock, I’ve had only good news both after diagnosis and since treatment finished,” said Michael.
“I had a wonderful team looking after me at the Sydney Cancer Centre including my oncologist, Associate Professor Michael Boyer and his team, nurse practitioner, Keith Cox and the wonderful nurses who I saw a lot of.”
“During treatment I was given regular test results promptly, and had any query answered when I needed it, which was a great help in keeping positive,” he said.
Michael’s treatment involved a three week cycle; five days of outpatient chemotherapy, followed by a two week break, for 12 weeks in total, which finished in late September, 2007.
Michael was supported by his wife Michele, who Michael first met when he had moved to Sydney when he was 18 and Michele 16. “My boys, Ewan, 11 and Thomas, 9 were also amazing with their support and maturity dealing with a sick dad. Colleagues, work associates, my staff, clients, friends and extended family were all been wonderful too.”
“Michele was helping run the office at the time, so she was able to bring our laptops into the chemotherapy ward so we could keep tabs on work while I had my treatment.”
“Prior to my experience, I was not good at seeing doctors. This is one of the main lessons I want to pass on to others if they notice significant symptoms – get them checked as there might be a reason for it”.
Since his treatment finished, Michael and his family have moved to Kiama on the South Coast and he commutes back to his office in Sydney during the week.
“I don’t think we would have made this move had I not had cancer. We’d bought a house down there to renovate and sell but thought we’d just try living on the coast for a while.”
“It’s been a great move and we all love it. I feel I have got stacks of energy back and I keep weekends free for family time now.”
Michael sees Ass Professor Boyer every six months for blood tests and X rays. He is due for one more CT scan and then hopes his visits will be once yearly.
“Life is good and when I look at photos of my family I think isn’t it fantastic that they kept us together – realising my cancer was not just about me but the whole family.”
“It’s amazing what the medical profession can do to get you better.”
June 2010