Assistance to Ray in his fight against OS Adenocarcinoma

This brief is published and prepared by both Ray and his mate, Corey who is assisting him in his current health and financial crisis due to his cancer.

Hi, my name is Raymond and I have prepared this post with the assistance of Corey, who is now a friend for life who I met through mutual interests, and he will be a faithful friend to the end, who stepped up to the plate without any request from me to help me through this process of what is the greatest health crisis I have ever undergone, and I have had a great many major health journeys. All those many other serious and life threatening major health crisis' could have culminated in my death if it was not for private hospitals, medical staff and expert surgeons and physicians who essentially saved my life, many times over. But those issues ultimately placed me into a financial crisis with the onset of this most insidious disease called Esophageal Cancer, one of the third most dangerous aggressive cancers that are incurable, fast moving and in my case inoperable. There is no good end to this last battle of mine as the (cancer) tumour is very large and as such is both inoperable and incurable. Surgery would cause my immediate death as the cancer is enmeshed within other organs and other vital bodily parts that are essential for life itself. therefore surgery is not an option. I am currently on chemotherapy every day for 21 days, the first day of each cycle is spent in hospital receiving intravenous infusions of chemotherapy and Immunotherapy. For the next 20 days I am on 10 high dosage chemo tablets per day (labelled 'CYTO-TOXIC) added to my other 17 medications that I take for my co-mmodities per day and the first two days of each chemo cycle I take a further two tablets as a safeguard measure for issues that may arise from the chemo, its an emergency trip to the nearest hospital to get triaged should an emergency occur. I then have 7 days off without chemo or immunotherapy drugs and I have to say that its a marvellous feeling, chemo can be and is a nasty nasty drug particular the side effects which I am suffering from at the moment, but thankfully its only one. Another great friend of mine, Anne, a former retired AFP colleague, also stepped up to the plate again, without asking to assist me in my current health crisis. Anne is also a friend for life. She has contacted the Australian Federal Police Veterans Association through their Welfare Coordinator, Heather, for any assistance they may be able to provide to me and I recently heard that they are going to assist me in some way during this time. I have been triaged as being at stage 3 out of 4 stages. The 4th stage is generally regarded as being the 'END TIMES' but where there is hope and positivism by me there is always the chance of further extensions to my life. The chemotherapy and Immunotherapy are utilised to prolong my life, for how long, fate will decide.

I have served my country diligently, honestly, ethically and proudly for 30 plus years, as a soldier for six years, as a police officer for 21 years and as an adult Cadet Officer with the rank of Captain and as an Officer Commanding of a large private school cadet unit of 100+ Army Cadets with a staff of 4 adult ACC Instructors. I also served as an investigator for numerous Queensland councils in respect to alleged breaches of Council Code of Conduct offences, and I did that for 3 years with a further 1 year extension to my contract. I was also a trainer and ran my own training business. From that I was appointed as a Principal (who also practised the art of quality training) at a private Training College in Brisbane. In 2006 I suffered a major stroke which ended up concluding my working life and unfortunately it commenced a series of physical and mental illnesses including PTSD which emanated from my Army service and had risen again after my stroke.

I have two adult children and four grandchildren. The grandchildren are young, the youngest is three and the oldest is about to turn twelve. My desire is to have a few more years of my life left to see my grandchildren grow and prosper to young fine and upstanding responsible citizens of Australia.

I have often been referred to as a warrior, particular in my training career, with one student referring to me as 'Razor' not because it was derived from my name of Ray but in his consideration he considered that I was as sharp as a 'Rayzor', it just happened to tie in with my shortened name of Ray. What became my everlasting nickname was certainly convenient that my name and the nature of my new calling as an experienced trainer who rose in the ranks to become a principal of a private training college in Brisbane, a major experience all on its own. But I believe it was a sheer coincidence, I think! Even though I am probably one of the nicest and most humorous guys you will ever meet, when in good health, and even though I am now retired (unfortunately) due to my health issues, I remain vibrant, my empathy for others is boundless, I remain vibrant, kind, clever, intelligent, and importantly I once again regained my positivity about my next most major health journey and as such I retain the courage of a warrior during this journey where no end has yet been determined, fate will find its own time and place for me.

My infectious smile and sense of humour masks the incredible challenge I have faced everyday since November 23, 2006, the date of my stroke and the day I also gave up smoking for good.

After I sufficiently recovered from the Stroke I was sub contracted to conduct investigations for the Local Council but I could no longer teach or train again. Soon I started having heart problems again and back into hospital for my second surgery on my heart, it was at that time I finally stopped working.

This year, February, I felt pressure in my chest and went to the doctor, nothing found . A week later I started getting pain in the same area, so back to the doctor and referred me for an Esophagogastro duodenoscopy, using an endoscope. Biopsies were taken of the tumour and a mutated gene was identified. Biopsy samples were sent to Denmark and the UK. Are being tested there, as well as here in Brisbane. This is called Genetic Testing to see if the mutated gene has passed on to my children because it seems I was born with this genetic mutation. My world turned upside down, I think I went into some type of shock and it took me a long time to digest and process what I had undergone and heard that dreaded "P" word, -Palliative- and that made me fear the worst. However I have now recovered from that experience and positivity is now my only focus. The Cancer was triaged and graded Stage 3 Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma. The cancer had already progressed to two lymph nodes, (thankfully no further) one was destroyed and the other badly damaged. At a recent PET SCAN it was revealed that the two infected nodes had completely collapsed and in fact had now disappeared.

This has been a confronting challenge to all concerned, especially after all of what I have gone through in respect to my major health problems, and in doing so I have used all of my superannuation, my ready cash reserves and my emergency funds. I now rely totally on a Disability Support Pension from Centrelink.

Unfortunately, my treatment for this cancer is in a sense 'palliative' but it is designed to prolong my life for as long as is humanely possible.

Ray has had to put what he planned for his retirement on hold as he can no longer work for say more than 5-10 minutes and must rest in between, he is reaching the stage where he can no longer support himself and apart from hospital, specialist visits and his GP visits he lives an isolated existence in his home (he is comfortable with that arrangement) but does enjoy a once a month gathering with a small number of former workmates for coffee and a chat.

As expected Ray's cancer has severely affected his family, friends, children and those grandchildren that can understand what their Poppy is going through. Ray faces a battle that no one should ever have to endure when he has contributed so much to Australia and was looking forward to an enjoyable retirement.

Despite the fear that Ray should be feeling, his spirit is unbroken and he still manages to be the nicest guy you will ever meet, he is smiling like the warrior he is and is preparing for the battle of his life to confront this beast with an unwavering determination to beat this monster!!!!

Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma. is known for its aggressive nature, thrusting Ray into a life-or-death battle. Yet, amidst the physical and emotional toll of treatments, Ray's courage shines bright. He refuses to let this diagnosis define him, but he desperately needs our help to overcome it.

As Ray continues on this arduous journey, let's rally together to support him financially. He starts his 7th Cycle of Chemotherapy and immunotherapy on Thursday 20th June.

Your contributions will assist with allied medical bills, ongoing treatments, and supportive care expenses, including the purchase of food and other necessaries alleviating the burden on Ray and his family.

By joining forces, we can not only support Ray but also raise awareness about the harsh reality of one of the most insidious cruel cancers of them all. The cure outcome for this aggressive cancer is negligible if somewhat rare. In Ray's case it is terminal. So we can all help by extending Ray's life so that he can enjoy a retirement, albeit one quite reduced, with all of his family with what time chemotherapy and immunotherapy will provide to him.

Every donation, regardless of size, will make a significant impact on Ray's fight against Grade 3 - Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma and the battle to find a cure for this insidious disease.

Together, let's stand by Ray as he marches forward to confront this formidable opponent with unwavering determination.

Your kindness and generosity will make a world of difference in his journey toward healing and hope.

Thank you

Corey and Ray