Recently I have been in contact with some cancer battlers and here are some questions & answers I have had from one local bloke which I thought I would publish.

It always good to know what people want in our area and here are some very honest answers.

​How important do you believe support is for a person battling with cancer & Why?
Extremely important. Many cancer suffers have a wide variety of support and can differ considerably. In my situation, l have a very supportive network of family and friends who have help use greatly over the past two years. From mowing your lawns, support with your kids or just someone to talk to in specific moments during the battle can be very beneficial. There are also a number of agencies and support groups that are out there who are willing to help a range of people with a range of needs. 
 
How has your life changed since being diagnosed with cancer? Considerably but I have also maintained a relatively normal lifestyle as possible. I really enjoyed playing sport which unfortunately has taken a back seat at the moment until I win the battle. My outlook on life is a little different and I try to enjoy every possible moment with my family and friends. I have made changes to a range of things to hopefully support my treatment and outcome.
 
What support kind would you like see in Albury/Wodonga? The same as you would be see in any metropolitan city (Melbourne or Sydney) however this isn’t possible. The opening of the Albury/Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre has been fantastic and allows patients to receive their treatment in a fantastic environment (even though it’s one you don’t ever want to see) instead of getting in a car and having to travel.
 
What do you think has helped you the most while dealing with Cancer? Maintaining a normal lifestyle as much as possible and having an extremely positive outlook on life. There has been a number of terrible moments throughout the journey however l maintain that l will win this battle and some things will work to get rid of this disease outside my body. Also the understanding of family, friends and my employee. They have all been wonderful, caring and understanding of the situation that I find myself in. 
 
What advice would you give someone who got diagnosed for the first time? Be positive. There will be moments of negative experience and disappointment however you have a life to live so live it. Do your research on your disease, ask the questions you need and also be persistent in getting the responses/treatment you’re after. Also our doctors are the most educated people in this field so trust what they are telling you and believe in the treatment that you’re undertaking.

​Why don’t people like talking about Cancer?
 
I was at the local swimming pool yesterday when an old bloke asked me about my leg (I suffer from pretty bad lymphedema) . When I replied, “It’s getting there, mate,” he then asked how it happened. Well - I told him I had a cancer, that it was cut out from the groin and the bloke just shut up and left.  
This led me to think why is there so much stigma around cancer and why do people avoid talking about it?
 
My vision for Chat 4 Cure is to do the same thing that Beyond Blue is doing - providing advice and support for men’s depression -  but for cancer patients. I want people to feel okay about talking about cancer and what that means for their family & friends. I believe talking is one of the biggest healing aids around.  
 
My wife & I are leaders at a church in Albury/Wodonga where we run what’s called a connect group mentoring 18 – 25 year olds. Last Wednesday we had fifteen of these guys at our house and we spoke about my results (I have just be re-diagnosed with lung cancer), what that means for us and how we might not be around often in the next coming months. We then opened the floor up for discussion -  for everyone to talk and ask questions freely.  This was great time of sharing (and caring) and now the people we are leading don’t feel afraid about what I’m going through and feel comfortable asking questions.
 
This has helped my wife and I but also those who are close to us. Now everyone is on the same page, understands our situation and supports and cheers us on even more.
 
So lets start honestly talk about what we are going through with people because if we start sharing they will be able to support us even more. This week we have had people make meals for us and hang out with us. We even had a knock & runner come to our door and leave us lollies and gold class tickets (we still don’t know who this was)!
 
Just because someone has cancer please don't think you can't talk to them. You’re not going to catch it! You’re not going to make them sad by asking about it and I believe that the person will find healing relief when you talk to them about their situation. Share the stories and care for the Storyteller.