Marking World Cancer Day, 21 year old Hobart man Dylan Gangell has shared with us his story of being diagnosed with a brain tumour at just sixteen years of age.
He says he remembers his diagnosis like it was yesterday, a drive down to Cygnet from Hobart needing stops every few minutes because he was so unwell.
“It got worse and worse as the night went on, went to sleep and I remember waking up and I couldn’t breathe, couldn’t do anything,” he said.
“I was struggling to see, walk, talk – everything”.
Dylan’s father rushed him to the hospital – he doesn’t remember what happened after that, but knows he was given a diagnosis of a brain tumour shortly after.
“It’s taken three quarters of my vision, my short term memory, all of the things I thought I’d never be able to lose I’ve sadly lost,” Dylan says.
“I can’t remember something that happened two minutes ago let alone two days ago. I lost my eyesight after the surgery and that kept getting progressively worse.
“Every three weeks I had to get a round of chemo for three days, and after four rounds of chemo I’d go under radiation for twenty days, every morning waking up having to put lotion on my head so I didn’t burn my hair.”
It’s now nearly five years since his diagnosis – and he’s nearly out the other side and cancer free.
The 21 year old living a full life – engaging with disability support provider Nexus, he’s begun working five days a week at the SEED Recycle Rewards depot.
“We recycle hundreds of thousands of cans a day and I’m cleaning up at Nexus four days a week and I also have a volunteering role at the hospital,” Dylan says.
He’s got a long-term goal of working as an orderly or a hospital aide.
“I want to give back to all of the doctors and nurses who saved my life,” Dylan says.
Dylan also has time for hobbies and sport – having represented Tasmania in blind and low vision cricket – saying it helps knowing there’s other people out there like him.
“I also love my walking – I have to get at least 20,000 steps a day. That is one of my biggest pet peeves, sitting around watching the clock or watching tv that’s something I cannot do”.
Dylan has spent time volunteering with Make-a-Wish, sharing his story and fundraising for the charity – also encouraging other young people to get in touch with Canteen.
His advice for other young people who are facing complex medical challenges?
“You’ll be able to get through it with a positive attitude and a positive mindset”.
