John Newsom's Story
John Newsom
I was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer at the end of 1999. I had no idea that I had it. The cancer just erupted and the next day I was in hospital being operated on.
I joined a clinical trial and underwent six months of chemotherapy. I continued my work in overseas aid when I was well enough during the chemo and so I was travelling regularly to Bougainville in PNG. I would run workshops on microfinance for a few days in Bougainville and then travel home for my next bout of chemotherapy.
During this time I learnt a very valuable lesson about tropical climates and colostomy bags. Despite the superglue they use to stick the bag on to your stomach, in extreme tropical conditions the humidity can make the glue un-stick and the bag can come adrift from your body. This of course happened to me on my way to a meeting with the Governor of the Central Bank of New Guinea. It was early in the morning which is always especially humid in PNG and I knew that as soon as I stepped into the car to go to the meeting that the bag had slipped. So like all wise people with a colostomy bag, I kept with me a complete change of clothes and was able to spruce myself up in time for the meeting with the Governor. Thank goodness!
Staying happy and keeping your sense of humour is vital in dealing with cancer. I read widely on cancer treatments and I try to keep up to date with new developments in the field. An interesting new psychological study showed that keeping in good spirits helps you deal with the effects of chemotherapy. It doesn’t necessarily increase your chances of surviving cancer, but it helps you survive the process of being treated for cancer, which is so important.
What I enjoy most about my involvement with the GI CANCER Institute is the engagement with research in clinical trials because I was the subject of a trial myself. I am particularly interested in the role we can play as patient advocates to help others cope with cancer.
During this time I learnt a very valuable lesson about tropical climates and colostomy bags. Despite the superglue they use to stick the bag on to your stomach, in extreme tropical conditions the humidity can make the glue un-stick and the bag can come adrift from your body. This of course happened to me on my way to a meeting with the Governor of the Central Bank of New Guinea. It was early in the morning which is always especially humid in PNG and I knew that as soon as I stepped into the car to go to the meeting that the bag had slipped. So like all wise people with a colostomy bag, I kept with me a complete change of clothes and was able to spruce myself up in time for the meeting with the Governor. Thank goodness!
Staying happy and keeping your sense of humour is vital in dealing with cancer. I read widely on cancer treatments and I try to keep up to date with new developments in the field. An interesting new psychological study showed that keeping in good spirits helps you deal with the effects of chemotherapy. It doesn’t necessarily increase your chances of surviving cancer, but it helps you survive the process of being treated for cancer, which is so important.
What I enjoy most about my involvement with the GI CANCER Institute is the engagement with research in clinical trials because I was the subject of a trial myself. I am particularly interested in the role we can play as patient advocates to help others cope with cancer.