Help Joe fight stage 4 cancer

Hi, my name is Joe and I'm 36 from Melbourne, Australia.

On December 28th 2022, I received a call from an Oncologist at the Northern hospital and was asked to see them the following morning. I arrived and was urgently rushed to have scans, blood tests and also a biopsy. I started getting suspicions but I was still naive to my situation as everything was happening so quickly. By the end of the day, I was still unsure what was happening and the doctors still had no solid answers. All they could show was a scan showing many lesions but most concerning was a large hole in the top of my right femur and that an urgent operation was required to stablise it. Things started to make sense as to why I was experiencing pains in certain areas. I was then admitted into hospital so they could keep an eye on it. Subsequently, I had my surgery on New Years day and to my surprise, I had to be awake for the procedure for reasons I would soon find out later.

Days pass and the biopsy results returned. My worst fears came true but it was worse than I imagined. I was diagnosed with stage 4 Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma and it was incurable. They tell me I have 2-3 years left to live. I was completely shattered and speechless. The primary site was behind my sinus, which explains why I have had sinus issues for the past year or so and why they could not put me to sleep for surgery. Furthermore, it had spread to the lymph nodes in my neck which was the initial reason that prompted me to get scans done many months prior. It had also spread to multiple areas of the ribs, one area in which a large lump had formed which had also prompted me for further scans prior. And lastly, to my hips and right leg, which I thought was tendonitis and was seeing a physio for many months and had wondered why it did not help.

Needless to say this whole ordeal had left me devastated and broken. It was surreal yet humbling. Initially, I was waking up every morning in denial, telling myself it was just a dream and I was still dreaming. Now, I have come to terms with it and I feel strong because I know there is always hope. I am determined to live much, much longer than what the doctors say. I totally understand it is incurable and that I will be fighting this for the rest of my life, but I will fight and fight hard, for my family and friends who have given me all the hope in the world. I will fight so I can continue to spend precious time with them and enjoy life to the best of my ability. I will not let everyone down. I will win.

I am currently receiving treatment at ONJ Austin hospital so I am in very good hands. I have just recently completed radiation that focused on the secondary sites and have now started chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Thankfully, treatment with chemo will be covered by Medicare while immunotherapy will be covered by the good people at the Austin and I am so grateful. The Austin has treated me well in the past and again now during this very difficult time.

Donations will go towards prescription medicines, transport and living expenses as I've had to resign from my job after 7+ years and will no longer be able to work for the foreseeable future. Every donation will allow me to focus on what matters, rather than bills. If you are also able to share this with others, it would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you for taking the time to read. I hope this can encourage you to consider your own health and get checked regularly for signs of cancer and other diseases. Please look after yourself and your loved ones. Cherish every moment with them. Time is so precious and many of us take it for granted, we tend to forget what is most important.

I hope to bring you positive updates as my treatment progresses. Thank you again!