My journey reinforced something I have always believed: your life can change with a single phone call. It began with pain in my neck. My doctor suggested a scan, and while I was waiting for the results, the technician told me not to go home but to go straight to the hospital because they had found a large tumour in my neck.
From that moment, everything moved quickly. I was admitted to a private hospital and assigned an oncologist. A series of tests and a biopsy followed because no one was certain what type of tumour it was. Eventually, someone suggested it might be a chordoma, but the biopsy had to be sent to Sydney for confirmation. I felt like I was in a maze as different specialists came and went. Several surgeons declined to operate because the tumour was so close to vital structures in my neck.
Eventually, I was referred to Dr. Parr in Brisbane, who had experience treating complex tumours. During our first consultation, he carefully explained all the potential risks of surgery. Hearing that list for the first time was overwhelming, and I even contacted the assisted dying service to begin the registration process. Dr. Parr quickly dismissed the idea. As I was being wheeled into my second operation, his last words to me were, "Let's get this sorted."
My treatment involved two major surgeries over two days, with seven surgical teams working together. The first operation stabilised my spine with extensive metal instrumentation. The second focused on removing the tumour while preserving as much nerve function as possible. Today, much of my spine is supported by metal.
The challenges did not end there. I underwent another seven surgeries because of a persistent infection. The wound had been reopened so many times that it would no longer heal, so surgeons used a flap of tissue from my back to reconstruct and close it. After that operation, I had to sleep on my side for three weeks to give the graft the best chance of healing. In total, I spent five months in hospital. During that time, I also suffered a fall that left me with extensive bruising and a fractured nose.
Despite everything, I cannot speak highly enough of the care I received. The nurses, hospital staff, and surgical and medical teams at Princess Alexandra Hospital were exceptional. Their dedication, expertise, and compassion carried me through an incredibly difficult period.
Fortunately, I did not have to travel far for treatment. Living on the Gold Coast, I travelled to Brisbane for surgery and now receive radiation therapy at Gold Coast University Hospital, just 20 minutes from home.
Chordoma has certainly been challenging, but I have been incredibly fortunate to have the unwavering support of my wife and family. Financially, we have managed because my real estate business continued to operate while I was in hospital.
Research is essential. I hope it continues to advance, because I expect there will be new developments over the coming years. If I can contribute to that progress, I am willing to participate.
Looking back, I know how close my tumour was to vital organs and how complicated my surgery truly was. Thanks to the extraordinary skill and dedication of my doctors and nurses, I am here today. For that, and for the healthcare available in Australia, I am deeply grateful.