When John was in his mid-50s, running his own electrical business and living an active life, a cancer diagnosis was the last thing on his mind. But in May 2011, everything changed.
While working on a building site, John suddenly collapsed, losing consciousness. He was rushed to the nearest hospital, where an X-ray revealed something incredible – his L3 vertebrae was no longer visible as bone.
John was diagnosed with a very rare cancer called a solitary plasmacytoma in his spine – a cancer so uncommon it appears on the world’s rare cancers list.
Following emergency surgery to stabilise his spine, John was referred to Dr Luke Coyle OAM, a haematologist at Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH).
“Dr Coyle was so positive which helped me believe I could get through this,” says John.
Ongoing cancer therapies at the NSCC
John’s treatment included 20 sessions of radiation at the Northern Sydney Cancer Centre (NSCC) at Royal North Shore Hospital.
“The NSCC is a leading provider of comprehensive cancer diagnosis, treatment and support services,” said Caelum Davis, CanSupport Manager. “It offers cancer treatment as well as patient support and information services through CanSupport.”
In July 2012, Dr Coyle informed John that the disease had progressed to multiple myeloma, a blood cancer that affects the bone marrow, weakens bones and compromises the immune system. John began ongoing infusions and therapies designed to manage the disease and protect his bones.
When additional lesions appeared in 2016, John began one of the most intensive treatments for myeloma – an autologous stem cell transplant. The 16‑week process involved rounds of chemotherapy, stem cell harvesting, high‑dose chemotherapy and finally, the reinfusion of his own stem cells to help rebuild his immune system.
As the treatment temporarily eliminated his immune system, John spent a month as an inpatient at RNSH. He recalls it was an incredibly vulnerable time, yet he never felt alone.
“The treatment was confronting,” he explains. “But I knew my medical team at Royal North Shore Hospital was prioritising my wellbeing and I trusted them completely.”
Recovery was long and exhausting. It took nearly a year before he could return to physical work. But after that, John enjoyed five years of remission.
John didn’t face his cancer journey alone
In 2023, John learned that his cancer had returned – this time in 12 areas throughout his body. He began another round of treatment, including monoclonal antibody therapy and immunotherapy to target the new disease activity. When more lesions appeared in 2025, John commenced a third course of treatment.
Today, John continues to live with myeloma and receives ongoing treatment at the NSCC. But he never feels alone. John speaks openly about the emotional impact of cancer on him and his family.
“People think cancer is just physical,” he says. “But it affects your relationships, your confidence and your whole sense of stability.”
He credits the services of CanSupport and the compassionate conversations with oncology nurse Emily as making a significant difference, describing his experience at the NSCC as one of stability, reassurance and comfort.
Throughout his treatment at Royal North Shore Hospital, John has experienced exceptional care that has given him confidence and peace of mind.
“From the moment treatment begins, the nurses take calm, capable control, easing my fears through their professionalism and compassion,” said John. “Their positivity and teamwork are evident, reflecting a hospital culture that clearly supports and values its staff.”
Although John knows treatment will leave him unwell and fatigued for days, he still approaches each visit reassured, knowing he is in safe hands. On the rare occasions when complications arise, specialists are brought in without delay, reinforcing the thoroughness of his care.
He places great trust in his doctors, who understand his illness deeply, communicate openly, and show remarkable dedication – even reaching out outside regular hours. Knowing his case is regularly discussed by a multidisciplinary team provides further reassurance, like receiving multiple expert opinions focused on his wellbeing.
Compassionate cancer care from the NSCC team
Now semi‑retired, John faces his treatment with determination, staying active and appreciating the dedicated care that has supported him for more than a decade.
John’s journey has been long and confronting. But through every scan, infusion, setback and milestone, he has had a team beside him at the NSCC. He credits the compassion of doctors, nurses and support staff with helping him navigate some of the hardest moments of his life.
By sharing his story, John hopes others will recognise the importance of having world‑class cancer care close to home.
“The NSCC has given me time, strength and hope,” he says. “If my story helps support them, that means a lot to me.”
If you would like to support the NSCC services and patients like John who are living with cancer, you can make a donation here.
