Blakes Journey through Cancer
Diagnosis
On the Friday night before my 30th birthday — July 12, 2024 — I got a call that would change everything.
It was from my dentist, following up a biopsy he’d done on a white mark under my tongue — a spot I barely thought twice about. I figured it was nothing. But the biopsy came back cancerous.
I needed to be in Sydney ASAP. That weekend was one of the hardest of my life — the fear, the uncertainty, the waiting. I’ll be honest... I truly thought I was dying.
By Monday, we had a call from Sydney. By Tuesday morning, I was in front of the surgeon. He told me I was lucky they found it — but we needed to act agressive and fast. One-third of my tongue had to be removed and replaced with tissue from my arm. Lymph nodes from my neck would also be taken.
That day, he said something that stuck with me:
“more and more young people are being diagnosed every year.”
Surgery
Surgery was terrifying. It took 12 hours and was complex, but successful.
I spent days in ICU, unable to talk, in more pain than I’ve ever experienced. Tubes were everywhere, my neck, nose, arms — and I could barely communicate.
The following week was the worst. I constantly felt like I was choking on what felt like a tennis ball in my mouth. I couldn’t ask for help, I couldn’t speak. I leant hard on my wife, my mum, and my dad. I honestly don’t know how I would’ve gotten through without them.
The weeks that followed were focused on learning how to talk again. Eat again. Feel like myself again.
Now
As I write this, it’s nearly one year since my surgery. I can eat again — although I still struggle at times. People tell me I speak well, but I know I slur when I’m tired.
What never really left is the anxiety. Knowing I had cancer once means I’m always aware it could come back.
I’m sharing my story because I want other young people to know: this can happen to you, too. We have to look after ourselves, check the things we’d normally ignore, and take our health seriously.
But I also want to say this: live your life. Enjoy it. Make it count.
Because now more than ever, I know — tomorrow isn’t promised.
Life in Hospital
Pre Surgery
Doing Lego
Nasal Tube Out!!
Lincolns First Visit
Pre Surgery
Chris Obrien Young People Retreat
Fathers Day Card
First time in the Sun
In ICU
Gift for Daddy
First time going for a walk
Hospital Decorations
Watching Planes
ICU
Making Fathers Day Presents