Midwest Auto Group Biggest Morning Tea

My Story

My husband was diagnosed with cancer in November 2024. It was quick and our world totally changed in 4 days. He had been losing weight for over a year and had trouble with digestion, he tried a few different things low FOD map, gluten free, dairy free but nothing changed. After some nagging, he finally went to the dr had blood tests and scans when they came back, he was referred to the oncologist with suspected lymphoma due to enlarged lymph nodes the lymph node biopsies were in conclusive. So, on 26th November 2024 we were at the oncologist office he seemed like the youngest healthiest person in the waiting area. But when we went into the office the concern was obvious the oncologist asked us how soon we could get to Perth for scans, I asked how soon he wanted us there and he said tomorrow. That was it we organised things at home and were in Perth by 8.30 am Wednesday morning, after more test the PET scan came up with results and on Thursday 28th November, we were told they found a large tutor in his colon it was in operable, and they wanted to start chemo right away. Then chemo he required would need a pump implanted under his skin with a direct line to his artery this was done on the Friday and Chemo started that afternoon. 

Each chemo round lasts 3 days one in hospital and 2 at home with a little bottle connected to the pump. There would be a round every second week for at least 6 months. At this stage you unfortunately think about money finances how we will cope will I need to take time off what does the future look like for us for the kids. Your told he will be extremely immune compromised that after the pump comes off every bloody fluids will be toxic and can make the family sick. If he bleeds, or vomits double glove to cleaning up, if his temperature reaches 38 get to the hospital immediately. Our world was turned upside down and everything changed, what they don't tell you is your friends will get sick of hearing about your story and struggles. That your employer will look at you differently. 

We got home late Sunday evening everything changed within 7 days. He has been lucky we get to do chemo in our hometown and had minimal side effects. Being able to work one week and take the chemo week off his employer is amazing, our kids have been so strong. 

But unfortunately, I was made redundant just after he was diagnosed and 4 days before Christmas after the Christmas break, I was lucky enough to start a new job and now I get to host a morning tea at my new workplace and raise awareness and raise money with a supportive team. 

You know cancer is bad and chemo is awful we all feel sorry for those that have fought the battle and won, worse for those that have lost people. But the things you don't see are how relationships change how you’re a wife and mother and next minute you’re sneaking in when he's napping to check his temperature, how when someone coughs at work your whole body goes stiff and you start disinfecting everything. How even though he seems OK you worry about him driving, working getting too tired. How isolated you will feel and how bad you will feel when talking to someone who's having a harder time with chemotherapy and he's still working. 

I've never been one to ask people to donate their hard-earned cash, but please donate there are so many amazing services that the cancer council provides we have been lucky enough not to need them, but being a cancer that can reoccur who knows what the future holds. 

Support my Biggest Morning Tea

Join me at my Biggest Morning Tea or donate online to help me reach my fundraising goal! Together, we can help Cancer Council raise much needed funds that go towards vital cancer research, support services, prevention programs, and advocacy.