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How Stephen got through his cancer treatment
Bowen Icon Cancer Centre patient Stephen Clarke found a unique way to help get through his cancer treatment. He shares his story below.
I finished cancer radiotherapy treatment in May 2022. The clinical process has reminded me of the power of connection, the benefits of structure and strategy, and bringing others on a journey.
On day one of my treatment, I set myself a personal target of wearing a different football shirt every day over the 28 sessions to give myself a goal and to make a difference to the days. Each shirt reminded me of a different part of my life from the early 1990s to present day. This provided me with a psychological tool to make the treatments about my journey through life, the highs and lows that come with sport and to reinforce that at the centre it’s all about a journey as a team.
On day 27 the medical staff surprised me by all wearing a football shirt to mark the end of the radiotherapy phase of my life journey. It was really special to me and brought tears to my eyes. I appreciate that those busy clinicians with many patients to care for had gone to this effort.
I was so humbled by this small gesture of being made to feel part of a team to achieve our shared goals of my successful treatment, recovery and ongoing life.
I realised that in those few moments of small talk over a month or so, that we had built a relationship and knew something about each other. The power of just taking a moment to connect at a human level wasn’t necessary to achieve the tasks and professional outcomes and successfully play our roles but brought moments of happiness into our days.
These are life lessons I can bring along with me back to my work whānau and the real positivity that can come from what appears to be a negative situation.
The incredible support I’ve had from my wife and children, employer and the staff at the Bowen Icon Cancer Centre can only leave me with a hugely life-affirming and positive experience, even if it was precipitated by the negative cause of getting throat cancer.
Ngā mihi maioha!
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