Tony Fahey

My Journey with Bowel Cancer: Tony's Story

Early Encounters with Bowel Cancer

My first experience with bowel cancer was a deeply personal one. In the 1970s, I lost my grandmother to the disease, and then, many years later, my mother also passed away from bowel cancer in 2000. These losses marked the start of my awareness and connection to the illness.

Personal Diagnosis and Initial Treatment

In 2017, I was diagnosed with bowel cancer myself. This began a challenging period, as I underwent surgery followed by six months of chemotherapy. The process was difficult, but I remained positive and determined throughout.

Recurrence and Further Surgeries

Fast forward to late 2020, two tumours were discovered on my kidney and some lymph glands next to the aorta. These were identified as related to my original bowel cancer diagnosis. Another round of surgery took place in March 2021, followed by additional chemotherapy.

Later in 2021, during scans conducted after an aortic dissection and related surgeries in September, four spots were detected on my liver. Again, these were linked to bowel cancer, meaning I would face my third round of surgery for the disease later that year.

The next surgery involved removing approximately 40% of my liver to ensure the four tumours were taken out. This major operation was scheduled for the 30th of November 2021 and was followed by another six months of chemotherapy.

Further Challenges and Treatments

In late 2022, scans found a tumour in the upper lobe of my right lung. By the next scan in 2023, the tumour had grown sufficiently for the surgeon to recommend surgery. I underwent a lung wedge resection to remove the tumour and, once more, began six months of chemotherapy.

However, my journey didn’t end there. Early in 2024, a CT scan revealed a small bowel blockage. After several visits to Moruya and Canberra Hospitals and consultations with different surgeons, it was decided that surgery was necessary. Over a 2–3-month period, I lost nearly 35 kilograms. The subsequent operation removed 80cm of my small bowel, which contained two tumours causing the blockage. Another round of chemotherapy followed.

Recent Developments and Clinical Trials

Late in 2024, a routine scan showed several new tumours in various locations, including my liver, lungs, and lymph nodes. I was then included in a clinical trial for a developing general cancer drug. Unfortunately, after three months on the trial, another tumour appeared and the trial was discontinued.

Currently, I am following a holding pattern of chemotherapy protocols, with hope of inclusion in another clinical trial. This time, the focus is on a drug more targeted for colorectal cancer, particularly those with mutations to the aggressive BRAF form.

Gratitude and Positivity

Throughout this journey, I continue to fight, stay positive, and appreciate the fact that I live in Australia. I am truly thankful for the unwavering support of my wife Sue, my family, friends, the oncology team at Moruya Hospital, and my entire medical team.

Raising Awareness: Decembeard

I share my personal story this Decembeard to help raise awareness and funds to beat bowel cancer and as such will be having my beard coloured by the wonderful team of Stacey and Kate of 'Heads Together' at Narooma Plaza.

I'm making a difference by fundraising for a cause that's close to our hearts. Please support my efforts by making a secure online donation and by posting a message of support.

~ Tony

Donations made through this platform are secure and will be remitted directly through to Bowel Cancer Australia. Thanks so much for your support!