Early detection of cancer can make a huge difference in the outcome of treatment, yet many people still ignore warning signs and symptoms. When a father discovered he had cancer, he knew that seeking medical attention promptly was essential. In this article, we explore why it’s critical to get yourself seen if you suspect something is wrong, using the dad’s experience as an example. By raising awareness and encouraging people to take charge of their health, we hope to inspire more individuals to prioritize preventative measures and seek help when they need it.
Chris Monaghan, a 29-year-old electrician from Arklow, received a devastating diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma in September 2020. He had just welcomed his second daughter Aoife into his family and noticed he was struggling with the daily tasks that came with fatherhood, experiencing pains in his back, and was having difficulties with his grip. He was referred to a private consultant by his GP after blood tests came back negative. His symptoms continued to worsen, and he began waking up with night sweats while the lymph nodes around his jaw and collarbone swelled up. Convinced that something was seriously wrong, he went to St Vincent’s A&E in Dublin.
After five days of tests, Chris was diagnosed with stage four Hodgkin lymphoma. He had already started his treatment by the time he finally got his referral letter. Chris had six months of chemotherapy in the initial stages of his treatment and then received the all-clear. However, he unfortunately relapsed about a month after and was due to have stem-cell treatment. He underwent three more intense chemotherapy sessions before receiving a stem cell transplant using his own cells. When he finished that, he was bedbound, almost having to learn to walk again. Thankfully, he has been all-clear since his final treatment about 18 months ago and doesn’t require any more scans, and he feels he is “in a good place at the moment”.
Chris thanked the Irish Cancer Society for their work and support, whom he contacted shortly after his diagnosis. He went to the Daffodil Centre in St Vincent’s and met a Daffodil nurse who talked to him about all his entitlements. Chris moved to Ireland from the UK in 2019 to be closer to his extended family in Arklow. He stated the support of his family was so important to him during his treatment. He had two kids, Caitlin and Aoife, which provided him with motivation and something to live and fight for.
Chris urged anyone who was concerned about a health issue to get it checked out. He advised anyone who suspects that something is wrong to use the services that are there, including the State hospitals, stating, “if you have a feeling something’s not right, go and use the services that are there”. He emphasized this point as he had an advantage in receiving his treatment as he didn’t wait for his referral, which would have taken four to five weeks, so he started his treatment within a month of his diagnosis.
Chris recently spoke ahead of the Daffodil Day fundraiser, which takes place on 26th March 2021. This fundraiser, organised by the Irish Cancer Society, aims to raise €4 million to help support its vital free services, including night nurses, its freephone support line, and its volunteer drivers. The ICS chief executive, Averil Power, said the organisation only receives 3% of its funding from the State, relying on various fundraisers to generate €25 million annually to maintain its services. This year, the ICS is under more pressure than ever, given the cost-of-living crisis, delayed cancer diagnoses, and the fact that more people than ever need their help.
In conclusion, Chris Monaghan’s experience highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis and receiving medical attention when anything feels wrong. His message is clear – if you have a feeling something is not right, get it checked out. Early diagnoses can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment, which is why awareness of cancer symptoms is crucial. The Irish Cancer Society provides invaluable support to those battling cancer, and their fundraiser, Daffodil Day, plays a critical role in helping those affected by cancer. It is essential to support efforts to raise funds for cancer support services and promote the message of early detection and taking care of one’s health.
In the end, the most important thing is to prioritize your health and seek medical attention if you have any concerns. Don’t hesitate or ignore warning signs like I did. My cancer diagnosis was a wake-up call, but it also taught me the importance of taking care of myself and not taking my health for granted. I hope my experience encourages others to be proactive with their health and to not wait until it’s too late to seek medical help. Remember that early detection can make all the difference, so listen to your body and take action if needed. Your health is precious and worth fighting for.
