Lemaua, Susan. 2000. Three noses are better than one. Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand 6 (11): 22 - 23.
Susan (adult): cancerous tumour in her nose.
Susan remembers having a growing and disabling tumour while waiting seven weeks for a total rhinotomy. As a nurse from Waikato hospital, she was shocked by the care received at Auckland Hospital. Susan explains how she began to regain control of her life, her support system and how she integrated herself back into society. She recollects the times without a nose, needing to defend her rights of privacy in public areas, employs humour in explaining some of the advantages of being noseless, remembers her first public 'nose' outing, returning to work and reclaiming her confidence. Now liking her reflection in the mirror, having the choice of three noses, she believes her experiences have increased her empathy for the patients she cares for.
Treated by rhinotomy and six weeks of radiation therapy. Radiation was the lowest period of her care, where she experienced mouth ulcers, thrush and eating became a chore. She credits her support team: a clinical nurse specialist who completed wound care at home, helped formulate a care plan for the district nurse and the home help as helping her to convalesce. She incorporated her cat having kittens as the best diversional therapy and was fitted for a new nose seven months after surgery.
Osteoblastic sarcoma
R151
Kirsten. n.d. A positive outlook [online], CanTeen: Supporting Young People with Cancer, [cited 10 June 2006]. Available from:
<http://www.canteen.org.nz/Personal/Mind/CanteenMembersStories/Detail.aspx?id=304>.
Kirsten (20): osteoblastic sarcoma.
Kirsten reflects on the succession of misdiagnoses. She remembers the immediate and long-term impact cancer had on her sporting career. Now unable to play for the New Zealand Badminton team, run or jump. She mentions beginning to lose her hair, the fun she had pulling her hair out and choosing a blond wig. She mentions her scar that is 30 cm long. Kirsten accepts that the cancer could move to her chest. She recommends others facing cancer to be as positive as you can, live life as normally as possible.
Treated by surgery (replaced part of her femur bone with a 16cm titanium rod and several supporting rods, and a knee replacement) and chemotherapy. Side effects of treatments included painful blisters on her knuckles, losing hair and a feeling like chemical burn from the inside, supported by wheelchair and crutches. Her treatments lasted a year she is now monitored by x-rays and checkups to make sure the cancer doesn't return.
Cameron (teenager): osteosarcoma of the left femur in 2002.
DFK 6498 is a four minute film written and directed by Cameron Duncan. He uses prison as a metaphor for his time being treated for cancer at Starship Hospital. Aware of freedom so often being taking for granted when people cannot appreciate the small things Cameron illustrates the injustice and his hate of his and others suffering while being treated for cancer. Mentioning how slow the time goes but his resolution to never leave because it offers his best chance for freedom.
R153
Duncan, Sharon. n.d. Cameron Duncan: 20 April 1986 - 12 November 2003 [online], Sharon Duncan, [cited 10 June 2006]. Available
from: <http://cameronduncan.com/cancer.html>.
Cameron (16): osteosarcoma in 2002 and eventual death in 2003.
This is a memorial website dedicated to the achievements of Cameron (a young New Zealand film-maker) while he was alive. The website is managed by his mother, Sharon Duncan. Personal information and photographs documenting Cameron's experiences with cancer can be found by navigating the 'Cancer battler' link. There is a brief time frame of Cameron's cancer related activities and links to photographs while he was being treated in Starship Hospital and Houston Hospital. After taking five months for a diagnosis, the time frame of events shows the flurry of treatments, being told he was terminal and his efforts to find a miracle cure in Houston. Cameron completed two short films about his experiences with cancer: Strike Zone (semi autobiographical) and DFK6498 (autobiographical). This website links to Cameron's first website at:
Duncan, Cameron, and Sharon Duncan. 2006. Cameron Duncan [website]. Xtra Msn Groups, 2003 [cited 20 April 2006]. Available from http://groups.msn.com/CameronDuncan/cameronduncanwebsite.msnw. From the MSNgroup website Sharon answers chat-room questions and provides insight about her research into the connection of cancer and high voltage power lines in New Zealand.
Cameron was treated in Starship Hospital by chemotherapy: Doxorubicin (also known as: Adriamycin PFS, Adriamycin RDF and Rubex), Cisplatin (also known as: CDDP and Platinol) and Methotrexate, wisdom tooth extraction, limb salvage surgery: titanium joint implant and Houston Hospital for inhalation therapy. Cameron died in Houston Hospital.
Description: brief statements in timeline/ 41 colour photographs.
R154
Utting, Jenny. 1986. Judith: The story of a teenager's battle with cancer. Sutherland, NSW: Albatross Books. Original edition, 1991,
Jenny Utting.
Judith (15): osteosarcoma in her lower femur in 1975, later lesions on her lower right lung and finally a bone tumour in the head and eventual death.
Judith's mother, Jenny, traces the events from her Judith's diagnosis to her death. She remembers telling her daughter she had cancer, explaining what cancer is, Judith trying to keep up with school work throughout treatments, her shear frustration with her physical limitations, adjusting to having a leg six centimetres shorter, using a leg brace and her devastation that God had turned away from her when her hair began falling out. Post treatments, Judith came second in the national The Jaycees Young Datsun driver of the year competition; she left school and got a job in an accountancy firm. After being diagnosed with the bone tumour in her head Judith faced death believing she was lucky to be going to heaven, she organised her funeral and Jenny describes her as dying quietly.
Treated conventionally in Waikato Hospital with six weeks radiation, spinal block, chemotherapy: Methotrexate (also called: Amethopterin), Adriamycin (also called: Doxorubicin, Rubex, Doxil, Hydroxydaunomycin, Hydroxydoxorubicin and Liposomal Doxorubicin) and morphine. Complemented with a faith in God, receiving support, prayer and spiritual revelations through their Christian church and improving nutrition through multivitamins, minerals, raw foods, grains, nuts, seeds and using arsenicum for mouth ulcers.
Description: 141 pages/ black and white photographs/ 20 cm/ 0867600306.
Ovaries
R155
Ogonowska-Coates, Halina. 1995. Halina Ogonowska-Coates. In I feel lucky: Interviews and photographs celebrating cancer survivors,
edited by H. Ogonowska-Coates, n.p. S.I: R & J Watson Trust.
Halina (30): cancer of the ovaries.
Halina contributes to a compilation of uplifting and brief recollections from cancer survivors. The booklet accompanied the photographic exhibition "I feel lucky". Halina interviewed the contributors and was photographed by Ian Robertson. Halina reflects on how the medical profession dealt with her diagnosis and treatment regime. She confronts her inability to come to terms with her scar because it was linked so closely to her fertility. Feeling she is on a strange adventure, her experiences continue as she faces societies perception of childless women. She feels there are few role models with cancer and also few positive women role models without children.
Description: 2 pages/ black and white photographic portrait/ 16 cm.
Pancreatic
R156
Roser, Kathy. 2002. In From the brown couch: Martin's thoughts on life and facing cancer, edited by K. Roser, 127 - 180. Snells Beach:
K.Roser.
Martin (adult): terminal pancreatic cancer in 1999 and death in 2000.
This book is a tribute and memorial for Martin. It is written by himself and his wife Kathy. A chapter includes: transcribed Depot Church sermons written by Martin, his favourite quotes and thoughts he shared with others. Martins poems are spread throughout the book and several funeral memorials are attributed to Martin at the end. His wife, Kathy, who finished the book Martin began before he died, writes this section of the book. Kathy reveals Martins frustration at seeing his body waste away and her own difficulty seeing her husband cope with cancer, a distended stomach and dealing with increasing pain. She describes the practical issues involved in delivering his complex medications, getting a hospital stretcher into the house, deciding where Martin would sleep or eventually die in their home, the fury of action arranging the funeral and contacting people after his death. In his final days at home Kathy shares how people came to make their final goodbyes and Martin's last moments surrounded by his family. She is grateful to the support from the hospice nurses and describes her husband's final days with admiration for his continual faith in God.
Description: 235 pages/ black and white photographs/ 20 cm/ 0473089505.
R157
Roser, Martin. 2002. In From the brown couch: Martin's thoughts on life and facing cancer, edited by K. Roser, 1 - 126. Snells Beach: K
Roser.
Martin (adult): terminal pancreatic cancer in 1999 and death in 2000.
This book is a tribute and memorial for Martin. It is written by himself and his wife Kathy. A chapter is dedicated to the Depot church sermons written by Martin, his favourite quotes and thoughts he shared with others. Martin's poems are spread throughout the book, with several funeral memorials attributed to Martin. This section of the book contains Martin's reflections on being diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer; his life as a Christian, his faith in God; as a husband, father and friend; about having a close family and giving hospitality and time to others to share Gods words. Martin is grateful for his final year so he could bring closure to his relationships and provide sufficient male mentors for his sons. Martin reflects on his life and the risks that he took moving to the unknown and losing his regular incomes. Included are reflections about his work as an accountant in Porirua and Snell's beach, Financial director of a Wellington printing company, working in Nelson for Lucas Media Group and his time as pastor of the Depot church in Nelson, helping to set up a Lifeway's Ministry in Pennsylvania and finally selling his accounting business after his diagnosis. Significant is Martins unwavering faith in God throughout his story. Always believing if God chose not to heal him it was because there was no way he could be healed.
Description: 235 pages/ black and white photographs/ 20 cm/ 0473089505.
Parotid gland
R158
Jefferies, Pat. 2000. One of the lucky ones. In Beating our breasts: Twenty New Zealand women tell their breast cancer stories, edited
by M. Clark, 54 - 59. Auckland: Cape Catley.
Pat (adult): malignant tumour in her parotid gland in 1988 and later new primary lobular carcinoma of her breast, lymph node involvement.
A nurse for 30 years at Wellington Hospital, Pat, contributes to a collection of short stories by New Zealand women and for New Zealand women, about their varying experiences and different ways they coped with breast cancer. Her story is a reflection on her experience as a nurse during 1950 to 1980's and her adjustment to moving from being a nurse to becoming a cancer patient. She describes being well cared for by the nurses, medical practitioners and cancer society drivers.
Treated by surgery, five weeks radiation treatment in Wellington hospital and further treatment in Wellington using private and public care by mastectomy, radiation treatment, a blood transfusion, Tamoxifen (also called: Nolvadex) and a haemovac.
Description: 135 pages/ black and white photographic portrait/ 21 cm/ 0908561814/ REPEATED ENTRY see also breast cancer.
Prostate
R159
Bagot, Ted. 2000. My experiences with prostate cancer [online], [cited 15 March 2006]. Available from:
<http://users.iconz.co.nz/apeacock/Ted_Bagot.html>.
Ted (63): aggressive, advanced prostate cancer in 1997.
Ted recollects being told his poor prognosis and being explained the treatment options by his Urologist. He remembers dealing with the diagnosis through communicating with his wife, understanding medical jargon and by searching for information about prostate cancer on the Internet. With all the experience and knowledge that he built up Ted formed a prostate cancer support group to share knowledge and advocate for men in his geographical area. He is thankful for the support of prayer, positive attitudes and his wife. He credits cancer as giving him a sharper focus on life and a new direction to help others.
He was treated in a private Wellington hospital (using medical insurance) by: orchidectomy (to give him more time) and hormone therapy.
Description: 10 paragraphs.
R160
Hawke, Alan A. 2000. Prostate cancer, me and the Internet [online], [cited 10 June 2006]. Available from:
<http://www.phoenix5.org/stories/firstpers/pershawke.html>.
Alan (52): adenocarcinoma and prostate hyperplasia in 1998.
Alan remembers his doctor telling him he was too young for the PSA test despite having a lump in his prostate. He is thankful for insisting on the test. Alan utilised the Internet to arm himself with knowledge about prostate cancer. He found value in the discussions with others about their experiences, information from urology surgeons with specialist websites, keeping in touch with people in various email groups around the world, receiving case studies by email each day and information services specializing in prostate cancer and alternative medical advice. Alan shares information about prostate cancer including definitions and descriptions of procedures and treatments. He encourages others to take control of their treatments by learning as much information as possible. Alan is an exploration geologist and project manager based in Indonesia for six weeks and living in New Zealand for two weeks.
Treated by radical prostatectomy, combined hormone blockade (to suppress the growth of secondary cancer): Zoladex: implant every three months (also known as: Goserelin); Flutimide: 250mg tablet every 8 hours (also known as: Eulixen); Proscar: 5mg tablet daily (also known as: Finasteride); Tamoxifen: 10mg tablet daily (also known as: Nolvadex). He complemented his treatments by improving diet, exercising (joined local fitness club), enjoying family and friends, herbal, mineral and vitamin supplements.
Description: 34 paragraphs/ colour photographic portrait/ REPEATED ENTRY see also adenocarcinoma.
R161
Malcouronne, Peter. 2002. My boy! Metro, 249, 78 -86.
Brian (59): rare form of prostate cancer in 1998 (does not secrete abnormal Prostate Specific Antigen levels) and then further skeletal metastases and lesions in other places including a tumour pressing on spinal cord and eventual death.
By the time Peter's father was diagnosed, cancer had metastasised to his bones and his prognosis was terminal. His son, Peter, reflects on their lives together before and after his father's diagnosis and eventual death. Peter remembers the road trips they had together, revisiting their old hometowns of Bluff and Wellington, their conversations about rugby and politics. Peter elucidates his father as being a proud man who would never concede victory to his son, even as the cancer weakened him. While his father was in hospital Peter read his journal, listened to his father talk about what he wanted to happen at his funeral and he read the eulogy he wrote for his father to him before he died. Peter reflects on his father's death, the sound of his breathing, his coming in and out of coma. The article ends with Peter sitting by his father's grave reading the 30th birthday card his father wrote for the birthday he had after his father died.
Was treated by emergency radiotherapy, painkillers: Voltaren, Panadol and aredia infusions. His father experienced a fractured pelvis, was later hospitalised as his body began to deteriorate and he lost his ability to walk effectively.
R162
Peacock, Alan. 2000. My own experience with prostate cancer [online], [cited 10 June 2006]. Available from:
<http://users.iconz.co.nz/apeacock/myown.html>.
Alan (42): aggressive form of prostate cancer which returned in 1999.
Alan was initially misdiagnosed over a six-year period, eventually diagnosing himself from the Internet. The doctor admitted not considering prostate cancer because of Alan's young age. Alan lists his symptoms, and diagnostic procedures. Outside of cancer Alan and family were having financial troubles and sold their house to pay their bills. The long waiting list for treatment also forced the family to use private health care. He comments on how cancer impacted on his own perspective, improving his diet and the emphasis of lovemaking. He believes cancer has helped to make his relationship with his wife closer and was shocked by demands from people he owed money to during this time.
Alan was treated by prostatectomy, radiation and later an orchidectomy to relieve pain caused by hip trouble. After the cancer returned Alan continued the regular PSA (prostate specific antigen) tests but self prescribed his own treatment. Using alternative herbal medicines and monitoring their reaction to his PSA levels. Effects of treatments included: scar from naval to pubic area, catheter, incontinence, trouble with bowel movements, arthritis in left hip from radiation, headaches, depression and sensitive eyes from Viagra (also known as: Sildenafil and Revatio).
John (60): prostate cancer (medium grade) in 2003.
Venetia, John's wife, reflects on the impact prostate cancer had on their relationship and family life. Venetia explains the prostate-specific-antigen test, different treatment options, her desire for privacy in the workplace and knowledge about the cancer. The challenges they faced included John's reaction towards impotence, the roller coaster ride of medical advice, and clashes of opinion about treatments. Venetia looks back on how cancer has made their family closer.
John was treated by brachytherapy available in Melbourne.
Rectum
R164
Mark, Pat. 2005. The contemplation of death. Funeralcare, June, 21.
Pat (adult): cancer of the rectum in 1995 and then an inoperable tumour on her spine and death in 1997.
This is a transcript of Pat's speech to Levin Toastmistresses Club in 1977. She reflects on her own confrontation with death over the last 15 years. First facing the potential death of her husband from an aggressive cancer, with a young family and experiencing the stigma from others who chose to keep away when they most needed their support. Now she faces her own eminent death and is still confronted by the taboo nature of death in society. She feels frustration at being denied the right of talking about her death.
Pat was treated by surgery, colostomy with a prognosis of six months good health and then rapid deterioration and death.
R165
Martin, Lesley. 2002. To die like a dog: A mother, a daughter, a promise kept. Wanganui: M-Press.
Joy (adult): adenocarcinoma of the rectum and metastatic tumours on liver. Joy eventually died.
This is Lesley Martin's account of the controversial death of her mother Joy. Lesley returned to New Zealand to care for her mother until her death and then her further investigation of committing euthanasia. This account is written as a script utilising conversations between mother and daughter and other characters who were involved during this time. It is from Joy's diagnosis to Lesley attempting to end her mothers life by Morphine and suffocation. It is a story of a mother daughter relationship, describing their time together as being inseparable, playing jokes with each other, hurtling insults at each other and being able to say anything to each other. Lesley remembers her mother's habits of keeping everything just in case it might come in handy, describing her as a brave woman who never complained and the feeling that as her mother was dying she was dying. The story illustrates how exhausting it was for Lesley to care for her mother and the devastation at seeing her mother suffer. Promising to her mother she would not let her die like a dog Lesley shares the moment she decided to euthanize. After experiencing this intense event Lesley endured a murder investigation, enforced silence and began cutting herself. The investigation was eventually withdrawn as there was no conclusive evidence that Lesley's morphine had killed her mother or evidence that Joy was suffocated.
Joy was treated by anterior resection of the rectum and given a ileostomy to rest her colon. She suffered a raging sepsis, continual vomiting, vomited and urinated blood and had a rotting bowel filling her stomach with pus, which Lesley regularly irrigated.
Berryman, Alan. 2003. Pathway of the fighting spirit: The proven winning formula. New Plymouth: SakuraEbooks.com. Original edition,
2002.
Alan (adult): squamous cell carcinoma in 1983 and remission from 1993.
Alan was given three months to live after he experienced a succession of misdiagnoses. His story is designed to inspire others facing major challenges in their lives. He provides the details of his "powerful survival principles". These include to enjoy life to the fullest, do what you love, power to dream, using good logic, bringing children up right, having the right attitude, looking after yourself and the power of prayer. His conversational style narration; sales pitch attitude; use of stylising techniques to stress points (capital letters, italicising, underlining and bold font); use of humour to lighten the message and the inclusion of famous quotes helps illustrates Alan's concerns over the impersonal health care he received, the critical mistakes made by his doctors, the changes cancer made to his life, career changes, his relationship with his wife, his loss of physical abilities and confidence. Faced with a dying body Alan credits pharmaceutical grade vitamins to improving his condition (important to note he owns shares in the company he recommends). By 1993 he was in remission. Alan believes he is the only person to have survived this type of cancer after four operations.
Alan was treated in New Plymouth by radical block dissection, lymph glands removed, cobalt radiation and painkillers. The cancer returned three more times over the next seven years, each time requiring further surgery and radiation. Because of the treatments he had major back and shoulder pain; no lining on his throat and depression.
Description: 195 pages/ 3 black and white photographs of the burns from the radiation treatment on Alan's neck/ 21 cm/ 0473096110.
R167
Peacock, Lawrence W. 1992. Jesus healed me of cancer: A testimony of divine healing. Lower Hutt: Commonwealth Covenant Church.
Lawrence (49): malignant squamous cell carcinoma in 1965.
Initially a sore develop on Lawrence's lip, which, grew suddenly to a shape of a cauliflower until one half of the lip was covered. It was only diagnosed years after it had fallen off. In this small book Lawrence reveals his deep faith that Jesus could and did heal his cancer. It contains hymns, bible quotes and colour photographs of Lawrence with the cancer on his lip and after it had fallen off. He describes his experience of being given six weeks to live and deciding with faith that God would heal him without conventional treatment methods. As regular churchgoers at the Commonwealth Covenant Church in Lower Hutt pastors would anoint him with oil and pray for him. He met with Dr Hill who did not believe in surgery or drugs and work turned him down because the cancer became offensive to look at. Lawrence describes strong intercession during prayer with his wife and the next day the cancer falling off.
Treated by faith, prayer, %100 raw diet for six weeks, vegetable juice and sea water.
Description: 26 pages/ colour photographs of cancer on his lip (before and after it fell off)/ 15 cm.
Synovial sarcoma
R168
Buchan, Paul. 2004. Five long years. Next, July, 149 - 150.
Natalie (22): synovial sarcoma (low grade) in 1988 and death in 1999.
The synovial sarcoma had been on Natalie wrist since age 16 but was not diagnosed until she was 22 years. Her husband, Paul, reflects on the loss of his much-loved wife and his efforts to rebuild his life and children's lives. Together since they were 15 years old and married in 1988. Paul remembers Natalie being induced with their third son because the cancer had returned. In 1996 he had a new son in an incubator while his wife had her lower arm amputated. Paul intimately shares the moment of Natalie's death, holding her and feeling alone as she died. He reflects on her body after she had died, her wounds, scars and amputations. After her death Paul adopted the K.I.S.S. rule -'keep it simple stupid' to manage the household. He took a year off work, opting for government support to help his children recover. He compares the five years it took him to recover as a prison term, describing grief as a great leveller. He accepts he may not find another soul mate he believes he will love again.
Natalie was treated by surgery: a lower left arm amputation; removal of organs: gall bladder and chemotherapy. The treatments caused loss of hair and increased weight.
Testicular
R169
Jeff. n.d. Setting my own standards [online], CanTeen: Supporting Young People with Cancer, [cited 10 June 2006]. Available from:
<http://www.canteen.org.nz/Personal/Mind/CanteenMembersStories/Detail.aspx?id=302>.
Jeff (20): testicular cancer in 2002 and later metastatic tumours around his stomach, intestines and kidneys.
After the initial diagnosis Jeff reflects on the fast paced nature of receiving the treatments. He mentions attending school during chemotherapy to avoid boredom and receiving great support from friends and school staff. He remembers devastation at his second diagnosis. The emotions experienced before a five-hour operation and his satisfaction being able to rehabilitate faster than others. He inspires others by listing his athletic achievements since finishing treatments. Jeff encourages others to set goals everyday. He states cancer was a set back for him. With an attitude to not be beaten by cancer he states he is now living life, as he wants it to be.
Treated by removing left testicle, remove blood clot, chemotherapy and for second cancer five-hour surgery.
Raine, Michael. 1995. Michael Raine. In I feel lucky: Interviews and photographs celebrating cancer survivors, edited by H. Ogonowska-
Coates, n.p. S.I: R & J Watson Trust.
Michael (adult): testicular cancer.
Michael contributes to this compilation of uplifting and brief recollections from ordinary people who have survived cancer. The booklet accompanied the photographic exhibition "I feel lucky". Each person was interviewed by Halina Ogonowska-Coates and photographed by Ian Robertson. Michael explains the surgical treatment undergone and the removal of a testicle. He reveals his reaction to the diagnosis and after the treatment. He inspires others to live for the day.
Description: 1 page/ black and white photographic portrait/ 16 cm.
R171
Welham, Keri. 2002. My biggest fight. The Press, 16 November, 1.
Andrew (25): testicular cancer in 2002.
Andrew's diagnosis was six months after an initial misdiagnosis. Andrew states he became a superstar in the oncology world because he had a controllable cancer that would not respond to treatments and was spreading rapidly. He was given the all clear after being administered one of the harshest chemotherapy treatments ever used in Australasia. Andrew reflects on the exhaustion following constant uncertainty and bad news, coming to terms with having peers who were dying, frustrations at being held back and resentment because he had treated his body so well. During this time Andrew believes he learned about himself, he employed exercise to vent frustrations, set up a small business, used humour to keep him sane and tried to remain positive. Now given the all clear he wants to have further clear tests, harmony, health and happiness in his life.
Treated by surgery: testicle removal, radiation and chemotherapy (initially did not work), D1 chemotherapy produced results.
R172
Welham, Keri. 2003. Andrew's free spirit. The Press, 24 May, 7.
Andrew (25): testicular cancer in 2002 and died in 2003.
Keri, Andrew's friend and flatmate, has written the final chapter of his experience. Keri remembers his quick deterioration after the cancer returned and gained ground relentlessly and then dying two weeks after he was told it was incurable. Keri reflects on her experiences with Andrew prior and post cancer, declaring her admiration for him as a person of inspiration, with genuine nature and fun. Keri shares the precious final moments with Andrew in hospital before he died surrounded by family and friends. He died at 27 years.
Throat
R173
Sickling, Margaret B. 1983. The dragon, George and others. Masterton: Austin & Warby Print. Original edition,Tauranga: M.B. Sickling,
1983.
George (adult): throat cancer in 1962, later metastatic tumours, had a slight stroke in 1978 and was diagnosed with a third primary cancer in the bowel in 1979 and death.
This is Margaret's recollection of her thirty-year marriage to George and their life together after he was diagnosed with throat cancer. Margaret's story is interlaced with intellectual and philosophical thoughts interlinked with classical poetry and quotations. She reflects on marrying a Yorkshire man, how George coped with having cancer, how he utilised positive philosophy, their meetings with other cancer patients and George's final hours. Originally given three months to live George lived for a further eighteen years. He died surrounded by family and friends in his home in 1980 and was described as being determined to celebrate his final exit.
He was treated by radiation and complete laryngectomy.
Description: 54 pages/ 22 cm/ REPEATED ENTRY see also bowel cancer.
Unnamed
R174
Aeronwy. n.d. The "new" Aeronwy [online], Canteen: Supporting Young People with Cancer, [cited 10 June 2006]. Available from:
<http://www.canteen.org.nz/Personal/Mind/CanteenMembersStories/Detail.aspx?id=310>.
Aeronwy (teenager): 30kg weight gain from steroids after chemotherapy treatments.
Deciding to take control of her weight Aeronwy signed up to an accredited weight loss programme, losing 35.7 kg after eleven months. Aeronwy explains, she can now fit into a crowded elevator without feeling guilty, knows what clothes will fit, poses confidently for the camera, runs with friends, takes pride in her appearance and has energy to burn. She regrets wasting time thinking she could not lose the weight and she wants to motivate other people who also have post treatment effects like her.
April. n.d. Am I going to die? [online], CanTeen: Supporting Young People with Cancer, [cited 10 June 2006]. Available from:
<http://www.canteen.org.nz/Personal/Mind/CanteenMembersStories/Detail.aspx?id=303>.
April (18): cancer in her bone marrow and remission.
In remission since January 2005 and a singer in a band, April reveals the frustrations of becoming sick, and physically restricted. Sharing her resentment about her physical limitations, she sets future goals. Wanting to become a famous singer, model and complete a make-up artist -film production course. She reveals her frustration being told by the surgeon she needed a further full hip socket replacement.
She was treated by: chemotherapy, surgery (three quarters of a hip replacement; removed the top of the femur and the hip joint and replaced it with titanium metal). April spent a year in hospital. The treatments caused vomiting -more than ten times per day. She was in a wheel chair for three to four months and is reliant on crutches. She has a permanent limp, cannot run or walk for long distances and has constant pain in her leg.
Creagh, Robina Viola. 1968. Go with the tide. Wellington: A.H & A.W. Reed.
Denis (58): gastric ulcer tessellated with cancer in 1964 and later metastatic cancer throughout his stomach, duodenum, small bowel and large bowel and death.
In 1966 Denis was given six to eight weeks to live. Robina, his wife, reflects on her husband and the events before his death. She remembers doctors always giving them hope the cancer was curable, feeling cheated by false hopes and not having appreciated the time together as much as they should have. She remembers her husband's strong values and traditional ways, his return to his Christian faith, deep connection to Ponui Island, his historical interest in Maori artefacts, his efforts to complete a historical manuscript of Ponui island and their treasured Easter family reunion just before he died. In caring and providing support for her husband she learned how to drive, use syringes to inject pain medication and temporarily lied to him about the final prognosis. After having already said goodbye to his loved ones and given three days to live Denis is described by Robina as impatiently waiting for death.
Denis was treated over this time by surgery, checkups, tract from stomach to large bowel to bypass the obstruction, foul tube to relieve bloating and pain, new drug to free up obstruction. He experienced a distended stomach, acute neurologic pain in right arm and elbow, diarrhoea, inability to eat, hallucinations from new drug, acute distress, an increasing frail nervous system and exhaustion.
Description: 110 pages/ 23 cm.
R177
Nealon, Sarah. 2005. I planned my funeral before my wedding. New Zealand Woman's Weekly, 15 August, 25 - 27.
Carmen (35): tumour in the lower part of her body.
After being unsuccessfully treated she was given only weeks to live. This is her experience of planning her funeral as well as planning her wedding on the same day. Writing while medicated with Morphine and unable to take in deep breaths because tumours are pressing down on her diaphragm Carmen is determined to enjoy whatever time she has left with her family and friends. She is planning on living until the cancer takes her.
R178
Wahrlich, Stefan. 1995. Stefan Wahrlich. In I feel lucky: Interviews and photographs celebrating cancer survivors, edited by H.
Ogonowska-Coates, n.p. S.I: R & J Watson Trust.
Stefan (adult): unnamed cancer.
Stefan discloses how having an above the knee leg amputation left him feeling something had been stolen from him. Stefan contributes to this compilation of uplifting and brief recollections from ordinary people who have survived cancer. The booklet accompanied the photographic exhibition "I feel lucky". Each person was interviewed by Halina Ogonowska-Coates and photographed by Ian Robertson. Stefan states that personalising cancer to the individual so they become more than a statistic will increase others understanding that life becomes slower for people who have had amputations (1 page).
Description: black and white photographic image of Stefan in his underpants, arms outstretched with his leg amputated above his knee/ 16 cm.
Yolk sak germ cell
R179
Priestess. 2005. Living with the enemy [online], [cited 10 June 2006]. Available from: <http://www.linkinachain.bravehost.com>.
The Priestess (28): Yolk sak germ cell tumours in her abdomen (grade 3).
This is the Priestess's personal website, aiming to help anyone going through similar experiences or to assist in cancer related research. It is easy to read and navigate. The relevant navigational links are: 'Diagnosis of yolk sak germ cell tumour' and 'My experiences, advice and words of wisdom'. 'Diagnosis of yolk sak germ cell tumour' contains brief entries, in diary format of her experiences from: feeling the symptoms of the cancer in the United Kingdom, being misdiagnosed with a bladder infection, checking into Ashford Hospital's accident and emergency unit, her frustration at the uncertain diagnosis and then returning to New Zealand for surgery. She mentions feeling after the diagnosis everything being doomed and surreal. The Priestess felt overwhelmed by the information about this type of cancer preferring to leave it up to the doctors. Commenting on her treatments she remembers when her hair began to fall out and receiving chemotherapy during summer. Given the all clear the Priestess is reflective about her experiences. She is thankful because it opened her eyes to a lot of things. She has an enormous respect for the medical profession and those involved in helping the sick. The other navigational link: 'My experiences, advice and words of wisdom' provides context to The Priestess's treatments and what helped her coping abilities. She includes step by step details of her chemotherapy routine, bullet pointed side effects from the treatments, shares her own methods of recovery and provides advice for dealing with losing hair and rehabilitating within the normal world.
She was treated with surgery and chemotherapy: Bleomycin (also known as: Blenoxane), Cysplatin and Eptoposide. These were complemented by: eating healthy foods, staring in blank space and being around positive people. Side effects from the treatments included: vomiting; hair loss; tiredness; loss of taste; darkening of skin in places; numbness and tingling in toes, feet and fingers; strange sensation in feet when tilting head forward; blisters on feet and pain.