When Michel pointed out a lump in his neck during a routine check-up with his GP, throat cancer was the last thing on his mind.
A non-smoker and non-drinker who had enjoyed good health throughout most of his life, Michel was shocked to learn he had cancer. He was referred to Dr Adrian Lee who specialises in neuro-oncology, including cancer of the head and neck at Royal North Shore Hospital.
“I’d always looked after myself,” he recalls. “You never think it’s going to happen to you.”
Facing throat cancer
At the age of 65, Michel began treatment for throat cancer under the care of Dr Lee and a dedicated multidisciplinary team at the Northern Sydney Cancer Centre. Two months of weekly chemotherapy and radiation followed. The treatment took a significant toll on his body, leaving him unable to eat normally, dependent on a feeding tube and struggling with fatigue, weight loss and the loss of taste.
“The team at Royal North Shore Hospital were incredible,” said Michel. “I owe my health, and probably my sanity, to them. They were there for me medically and emotionally every step of the way.”
Then, eighteen months ago, Michel noticed another small lump in his neck. His throat cancer had returned. Rather than losing hope, he was offered a new opportunity – participation in a clinical trial at the NORTH STAR VNP Cancer Clinical Trials Centre on the campus of Royal North Shore Hospital.
His daughter encouraged him saying he should do it.
“She told me if it works, wonderful,” said Michel. “If it doesn’t, at least you’ve tried.”
Throat cancer clinical trial
Michel is one of many patients benefiting from access to world-leading cancer clinical trials made possible through the generosity of Greg Poche AO and the late Kay Van Norton Poche AO. Their visionary philanthropic support established the NORTH STAR VNP Cancer Clinical Trials Centre to expand access to innovative treatments and help accelerate the development of new cancer therapies for patients across Northern Sydney and Australia.
Every three weeks, Michel attends the centre for treatment for his throat cancer. Each visit takes most of the day, but for him, the commitment is worth it. He says that it’s given him hope.
His clinical trial coordinator Amy Williams says:
“The results have been encouraging. Since joining the trial, Michel has shown a positive treatment response, with scans confirming significant tumour shrinkage and no evidence of disease progression elsewhere in the body.”
Just as importantly, Michel knows that by participating in the trial he is contributing to something bigger.
“I’ve become part of the learning process,” he says. “What researchers learn from people like me could help the next generation of patients.”
Michel lost his mother to breast cancer when he was just 21 years old. Years later, his wife died from a brain tumour at the age of 49, leaving behind two daughters. Those experiences shaped his outlook on life and his determination to make every day count.
“I’ve seen enough in my life to know that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed,” he says. “I’m 70 years old now. I’ve had a good life, and I still have a positive future.”
Today, Michel enjoys time with his daughters, bushwalking, old movies, music and family gatherings. His youngest daughter, who works in cancer care herself, is a constant source of support and advocacy throughout his treatment journey.
Looking back, Michel is grateful not only for the care he has received, but for the donors whose generosity helps make clinical trials possible.
“Without research, new treatments can’t be developed,” he says. “These trials matter and they give people hope.”
If you would like to invest in research and clinical trials for patients living with cancer, please support the NORTH STAR VNP Clinical Trials Centre with your donation today.
