The story of three families in Australia facing cancer

Diagnosed with cancer certainly does not want to be experienced by anyone. What follows is that fear, uncertainty and upheaval of life.

More than 120,000 Australians have been diagnosed with cancer each year, and the number will increase.

Cancer Council Australia predicts that one in 18 Australians will face a cancer diagnosis by 2040.

Dr. Ranjana Srivastava, expert in oncology and author, explains each diagnosis to give effect to others.

"Cancer does not happen to one person," he said.

"Although patients are the most affected, cancer diagnoses also affect families, caregivers and others we may not think of," he added.

Here is the story of three families whose lives changed when a loved one was diagnosed with cancer.

"We are all ruined"

Coinciding with his brother's birthday, Geoff's regular visit to the doctor changed his life.

Geoff still remembers it clearly. "I did a colonoscopy and nobody was expecting it," he said.

She was diagnosed with bowel cancer. The second most common cancer in Australia, causing about 4000 deaths each year.

The news was shocking. Because, Geoff an active and healthy father at home without ever smoking.

He pbaded on this news to his wife Robyn and their three daughters, aged seven, ten and twelve.

"He just said that I had colon cancer, we were all devastated," recalls Robyn.

"I think Geoff is so brave to tell us everything because our daughter is there and sees the reality," he said.

"They have been on the road with us ever since," he added.

The following days are stained with surgery and chemotherapy to eradicate cancer growth.

This family must also make practical changes. The role of the household has changed. Robyn, a physiotherapist, takes on a new role as head of the family.

"At first I tried to be a good mother, I tried to work and go home on time, to take people everywhere, to go shopping, to cook, to prepare everything, "he said.

"But it finally got to the point where I could not continue doing that," Robyn said.

The impact begins in Robyn's adjustment.

"I realize how good Geoff works at home and how well he works with kids and school," he said.

"For me, it's a huge change," he added.

Geoff is now healing. He and Robyn slowly returned to their previous lives, mutually respecting each other.

"It's a journey together," Robyn said. "Listen to yourself and your body and what you need."

See more practice

Janet is a type of ordinary mother who works in her forties. She is a teacher and mother of two children aged 11 and 16.

But behind all that, he faced his illness for 11 years.

Dr. Srivastava still remembers when Janet was diagnosed for the first time with bad cancer.

"He does not have a family history, he is already a healthy woman and his diagnosis is so shocking," he said.

After undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, then diagnosed with both bad cancers, Janet thought that she was free.

But a few months ago, he began to feel a "throbbing headache," which he initially thought was due to stress.

Then the diagnosis came: the cancer had spread to his brain.

"When doctors say that there are tumors in my brain, I remember that I'm happy because now I can take care of them," he said.

Janet's colleague, Janice, was not aware when they met.

"The way Janet works is to make it a regular part of her life," Janice said.

"He does not question him and does not want to be known as a woman with cancer," he added.

Determined not to be dictated by her illness, Janet continues to work full time, occasionally taking only one day off work.

"We run busy households, attend children's activities, shop and get active in our busy lives," he said.

"I have tried to make the most of it and tried to put cancer care and hbadle in my life without stressing myself too much," he said.

Janet realized that the timing was limited but took a practical approach to the worst.

"Death is part of life, but it happens, always tragic and sad, you can see it more concretely," he said.

"There are times when I think I'm God, I'm going to die, but we're all going to face it, my death is only a little better known," Janet said.

"He does not suffer anymore"

Cool and Rebekah know exactly how cruel the cancer is.

Their father, Paul, who has never smoked, died of advanced lung cancer that was no longer taking chemotherapy.

Cool to remember when he learned the diagnosis of his father.

"I received a call after work, then I went to the emergency room and saw the face of my mother and father," he said.

"I knew something was wrong, but I did not think it was cancer," she added.

The research from the Australian Lung Foundation shows that Paul's diagnosis is not a rare thing.

One in three women and one in ten men diagnosed with lung cancer is not a smoker. Their security level is bleak, only 15% of Australians survive five years after diagnosis.

After the start of treatment, Paul's health deteriorated rapidly. Medications do not work anymore. She became tired and went away, ending up in a retirement home.

Dr. Srivastava remembers how he took care of Paul. He confessed that the story of Paul affected him.

"Although I'm waiting to get to a certain stage, but the speed shocks me," he said.

Paul died last February. Nine days ago, he delivered a last promise: a new car for the 18th birthday of his daughter Rebekah.

"Mom said Paul lasted longer just for my birthday," he said.

"I was teasing him about the age of 18, I was taking a car and a driver's license, I think the father did," he said.

Months later, Rebekah and Keren are still trying to make peace with the death of his father.

"Throughout our lives, we think that it develops with both parents, and parents will see us graduate," Rebekah said.

"It's hard to accept that our life will not be the same as before," he added.

The family slowly gets used to the new routine.

"After my father's death, the funeral began and people entered. As soon as everything went off, everything was quiet, "Rebekah said.

"It's so calm, so peaceful to know that he no longer suffers, he does not suffer anymore," he said.

Posted by Farid M. Ibrahim from ABC Australia article.