In October 2019 I underwent a colonoscopy as I had been having blood present in my stools. I was advised after the colonoscopy that they had located a tumour in my lower colon. This was obviously a bit of a shock to me, and the doctors wanted to conduct more tests.
Sadly, I had lost my younger brother to suicide five days earlier and had to fly to New Zealand the very next day to attend his funeral. I arrived back the following Sunday, had an MRI which did not go well and then attended a Colorectal Surgeon’s appointment soon after. Unfortunately, the MRI was not accurate enough determine the course of treatment.
After another MRI, my surgeon called to inform me that I was going to have the tumour removed the following week as there was a very high chance that the tumour would perforate my bowel.
I underwent a 7.5 hour operation to remove the lower 25 centimetres of my bowel. My recovery went very well and the surgeon was very pleased at how the operation went.
My histology came back 2 weeks later stating that 7 of the 14 lymph nodes had spots in them and the recommended course of treatment was chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy was tough, one of the toughest things I have ever had to go through, not only does it affect you physically but also mentally. My chemotherapy regime was 12 cycles every 2 weeks for 6 months. I finished that and had scans and bloods done, everything was clear and normal.
Follow up tests found three spots; one on my liver and two on my right lung.
I was told I would have to go back on chemotherapy for the rest of my life, which I just couldn’t accept. I decided to get a second opinion from a private oncologist, who explained some treatment options available.
I made an appointment to see a complimentary medicines doctor on the Gold Coast who asked if I had heard of CyberKnife® and 5D Clinics. The very same day I was booked in for a phone consultation with a Radiation Oncologist at 5D Clinics.
Ten days later, with some luck on my side with the borders reopening, I flew to Perth and commenced CyberKnife® treatment.
My experience with all the staff and specialists at 5D Clinics was awesome, no other word for it. They all made me feel so comfortable and they were so accommodating throughout the whole experience. I experienced zero side effects, and the follow-up has been second to none.
The best part about it is that it worked. All three spots have gone, my bloods have been normal, and my scans have been clear.
I recommend anyone in a similar situation to do your research. I am so glad that I asked a lot of questions and did a lot of research.
I would 100% absolutely recommend 5D Clinics and CyberKnife® to anyone.
