"Journey of me"

Before my diagnosis myself and my family (my wife and 2 daughters) resided in QLD. Although I started experiencing excruciating stomach pains from July 2024 we travelled down to Syd Nov 2024 for a family members wedding when I fell very ill and ended up at Prince of Wales Hospital, emergency department. It was here when my whole life did a 360. 

I was later diagnosed Dec 2024 with stage 4 gastric stomach cancer. Seeing as both our immediate family members lived in Syd we had to make that hard decision to move back to Syd Jan 2025 so that we could have that physical and emotional support from everyone here rather than riding it out by ourselves back in Bris. 

Its been 16 months since my diagnosis and I can truely say I am so grateful and blessed to be able to be a patient at POW hospital especially apart of 4N ward, under the oncology team of Drs/Professors, nurses, social workers and palliative care. Here are some of my experiences:

4N Ward - It can feel overwhelming entering those front doors but being greeted with a big smile and positive energy by the beautiful Cindy at reception takes all of that away. The compassion, care and professional approach from everyone that works here is amazing.

Palliative care (in patient service) - They’re like wizards. They juggle all my meds, help to control my pain and most importantly they listen. Dr Eddie is brilliant, he gives great advice and is excellent at his job.I could be explaining my side effects, symptoms and his always thinking, his brain is always working hard to come up with what we can/can’t change in regards to my meds.

Palliative care (home service) - They’re all pleasant to deal with. Collette is great. Her and the team always make sure I’m comfortable at home, I have what’s needed and they also do the home visits to check in on me from time to time. They give great advice and are great listeners. 

Drs/Professors - I fall under Dr David and his team. At first I didn’t know how to take him. If you know his straight forward, his wise and he gets straight to the point. This has grown on me and I really appreciate the care, professionalism, knowledge that he shows. I am thankful himself and his team are able to guide me through my journey of treatments and trying to overcome this long battle. PS - You might not SEE him coming but you will HEAR him coming. Click, clacking down the corridors with his bright, funky socks. It makes my day!

Nurses - Number 1!! They are the best at what they do. Even under the pump the care, compassion and empathy they show is next to none. I am grateful for the care they show not only myself but my family when I’m admitted.

Social workers - They were able to help me with my finances, guide my with help outside of the hospital and also offering assistance, referring us to programs that can support myself, my wife and 2 children. They are a lovely team and it’s great to have their ongoing support.

Cleaners - My wife is a clean freak so I can tell you first hand that she also appreciates all the hard work they do to always keep my room and common areas sanitised and clean.

My experience with every single person I have crossed paths with here on my journey has made my experience with cancer comfortable knowing that they are there to support me along the way. 

With regards, T.F