My thoughts on being diagnosed with cancer

Thursday, 1st December 2022


In the upcoming months there will be the occasional family gathering, business meeting, volunteering commitment at Puffing Billy or the ThinkUknow organisation, birthday party, friendly BBQ and other things that I do everyday in my life that I won’t be able to attend or join in with. 

You see, I seem to be having too much fun playing with the medical industry and enjoy having needles stuck in me, being wheeled in and out of operating theatres, sitting in queues that last forever, getting pumped full of radioactive dye, then wheeled in and out of machines that look like doughnuts. 

Yep, I’ve got to let you know that I’ve been diagnosed with cancer, and there’s a few treatment things going on in my life at the moment that have to take priority.

Now, before you think “so that’s how he lost all that weight” I want you to know that the weight loss was achieved through hard work, healthy eating and lots of physical exercise; cancer is not getting credit for that. In fact, the cancer only got diagnosed after a lump appeared on my neck recently after a big yawn and I actually thought I had strained a neck muscle; I am not kidding!

My prognosis is good, and over the last few weeks I have mentally arrived at a place on the other side of this journey. Sadly, my body, and the medical industry, have to go through a complicated process of chemotherapy and radiotherapy before my body and mind are whole again! I’ve had ultrasounds, MRI’s, throat surgery for biopsy purposes, CT scans, PET scans, and am generally contributing to the dissemination of paper and ink across Melbourne (omg so much paperwork!). I am in good health, feel great, still exercising and have no symptoms which makes this all the more frustrating. My treatment of radiotherapy and chemotherapy starts on Dec 19th and runs till early Feb. It will be brutal on my body, but bring it on 🙂

What can you do to help? Keep being the same bunch of fantastic people I admire and respect and have the privilege of knowing. It’s not contagious, I won’t break if you touch me, and I’ve got a fantastic team of doctors, nurses and other medical groupies, so there’s no need for you to tell me what you and Google working together have found online. More importantly, take some time to hug those you love a little bit tighter and longer. Knowing that you appreciate what you have will make me feel like I’ve played it forward for the next unlucky person who lands where I did, as that love and support is so important.

I am surrounded by a beautiful family, inspirational supporters, caring and thoughtful friends, and teammates at work whom I care about, and who I know care about me. I will get through this, so please be normal, happy and supportive; I’m still the same Greg. Yes, it’s the biggest battle of my life, but even the doctors said I am so young, healthy and fit, that I will get to the other side (I like all my doctors and think they’re awesome!). There is going to be an amazing party on the other side of this, and I hope you will be there to celebrate with me: Date and location to be advised!

I have been floored by the many offers of help, and am truly humbled by everyone who has contacted me, Claire and our children; Elizabeth, Tim, and Caitlin. Please look after my family so that they may look after me. We're going to need help with dinners, shopping, driving into town and back EVERY day for at least seven week, and this will take it's toll if left to Claire alone. I can't think of a better way to help me, than by helping my family.

Thanks, and remember: HUGE party on the other side!

Greg
xxxx

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