The Swallows Australian Edition Magazine

Trust and Friendship
- Paul Pascall
In March 2016, I went for a check-up with my
GP as I was feeling very tired and run down. I
had been working long hours for some time
and thought that was the issue. I had full
bloods done and all were OK. In May I had a
24/48 hour cold, three days later I noticed a
painful lump on my neck. Back to the GP with
a diagnosis that it’s more than likely a
secondary infection in my lymph glands from
the cold and will go away in a day or so, which
it did. In July I noticed some hard lumps where
the original lump was. Back to the GP and it is
now my story begins.
Immediate scans and biopsies revealed I had
HPV Virus cancer at the base of the tongue
with approximately nine tumours in the neck.
The specialist said statistically this type of
cancer affects fit, healthy males,
predominantly in their 50’s and early 60’s.
Ninety-six percent of males have the virus in
their bodies from possibly a young age and 4%
get cancer. Basically, in the words of my
specialist, “It’s just Bad Luck”. Patients have
been known to be in their 20s and it can affect
females. The incidence of this cancer had
quadrupled in the last 10 years.
The prognosis for this cancer is very good with
particularly high survival rates and the
treatment consists of radiation (the weapon)
and chemotherapy (the kicker).
From the outset I had the most amazing
confidence and trust in all the medical staff I
came into contact with – the specialists,
radiography staff, chemotherapy staff, nurses,
nurse co-ordinator, administrators and the
entire team at Royal North Shore Head and
Neck Cancer Clinic. I was truly blessed with
being in possibly the best medical unit on the
58
planet with the most capable, expert
professionals.
Everybody’s cancer journey is totally unique
with no two being alike. Some similarities yes,
but at the end of the day the journey is totally
yours and your body and mind will react in its
own unique way.
My mental headspace for getting well was to
look at the treatment as having two pathways.
1 - The medical team(s) would kill the cancer
and 2 - I will take care of handling the treatment
and do everything possible to aim for the best
survival and recovery. I asked lots of questions
(no question is a stupid question), learned
what I needed to do and did it. I became very
focussed. The staff do this every day, so they
know what it is all about. I had total trust in
them all. I followed their advice on everything
the best I could.
I would like to thank from the bottom of my
heart, my partner (wife to be) Toni who was
there every day during my treatment and
beyond. Preparing food and doing her best to
keep me comfortable. She is amazing and I
love her dearly. To my parents who are always
there for me and are totally wonderful humans
who gave a me a strong body to fight and stay
focused.
To the numerous friends and colleagues of
whom many have had their own journey
through cancer, be it direct or supportive, who
gave enormous support and advice. One
standout was to “be kind to yourself”.
Everybody above contributed to the saving of
my life. I am now six months out from treatment
and the cancer is GONE.
I am so grateful and blessed to have such
wonderful people be with me on my journey.