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Tips for getting through treatment with a radiation therapy mask
Redwood Park resident, Craig Cutler is a big believer in giving back
Just weeks after finishing radiation therapy treatment for prostate cancer at Icon Cancer Centre Windsor Gardens, 60-year-old Craig put his name forward to become a transport to treatment volunteer driver.
“As I progressed further into my six weeks of radiation therapy treatment, I started to feel better and get my energy back. While waiting for treatment, I spotted a poster on the wall seeking volunteer drivers to get Icon patients to and from treatment, which sparked my interest,” says Craig. “After seeing that poster for 33 days and being very impressed by the people at Icon and the care I received, I put my hand up to help out.”
Following an induction process, Craig became the first volunteer for the new transport to treatment service, which is now available for Icon Windsor Gardens patients staying at Cancer Council SA’s Greenhill Lodge in Eastwood.
The experience has been very rewarding. I have had the privilege to meet some wonderful people who are undergoing their journey through cancer treatment. Being diagnosed with cancer is tough, so if the burden can be eased by eliminating the stress of city driving, then I feel like I am contributing.
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Craig is all too familiar with the burden a cancer diagnosis brings after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in January this year.
“After many tests and scans, I underwent robotic surgery to remove the prostate in March. When the follow-up blood test returned a slight positive reading, I was referred to (radiation oncologist) Dr Braden Higgs at Icon Cancer Centre for radiation therapy,” says Craig. “Being told you have cancer is a shock to the system. The initial diagnosis made me pause and reflect. But I believe that in life you are dealt your cards, so you play the hand you’ve been given. I just try to roll with things and deal with them as best I can and my cancer diagnosis was no different.”
With his radiation therapy treatment behind him, Craig is focussing on helping others who are currently on the same treatment journey he recently endured.
“It’s a very rewarding role and I would encourage others to give it a go. I enjoy meeting new patients and it’s wonderful to hear their stories and share some laughs,” says Craig.
If I can take their mind off cancer treatment for a while, I hope it helps. I am proud to play a small part in the launch of the transport to treatment service at Icon Cancer Centre Windsor Gardens. And I am glad to once again be living life to the fullest.
Icon Windsor Gardens transport to treatment service
For more information about Icon Cancer Centre Windsor Gardens transport to treatment service, contact us on (08) 8164 3600 or via email.
The content on the Icon Cancer Centre website is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified medical practitioner. For personalised medical guidance, please consult with your GP or another qualified healthcare provider.
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