May 1st, 2008 - I have cancer
Hi everyone its me Cam. When I first found out that I had cancer it was a shock to me Mom Dad Carlton Owen and Gran and to everyone. I first found out that I had cancer on the 5th of Feb 2008 and my Dad and Mom were called over to go and see the doctor and I had to wait behind in the royal children’s hospital emergency bed and then my Dad came over and told me what I did not want to hear that I had cancer. Meanwhile my Mom was crying her eyes out in the bathroom.
I was very scared and after I was finished in emergency I went up to the intensive care unit because I could not lie down flat on the bed and in the night they had to give me oxygen. The nurses and Doctors treated me at the Royal Women and Children’s Hospital foundation and it is the largest hospital campus in the southern hemisphere and if you got lost you were lost. I have met a lot of younger and one or two old kids when I was there and almost all of those kids are coming with us to a Queensland Reds rugby game this Friday.
Just so you know I am doing a lot better than I was 2 months ago and I am now doing almost everything I was doing before this happened. Cancer has really affected my school life because I am not going to school for the whole day and not every day and I’ve got a lot of catching up to do. Cancer has also affected my fun time because I am not allowed to swim or run or do any sport which is a bummer.
I feel better now that I’ve finished all my chemo but for my radiation I have to be strapped down on the bed. This experience has definitely changed the way I look at things and made me aware that cancer is not a nice thing to have and that I could have died and that it is a life threatening disease and that you have to be careful and be aware that you or someone close to you could have it now or even later on in your life or someone else’s life.
When I finish school I want to donate money to the Cancer Foundation and I want to work with animals and make kids like me that have cancer happy. Thank you all for your gifts and prayers they probably helped me a lot. But I think the one most important person or people are Jesus and God because Mom said that on the 4th of Feb night time when Mom came to check on me she recalled seeing Jesus beside me taking care of me for that night and he kept me safe until I was at the hospital in the care of the nurses and doctors hands. Hope to hear from you all soon.
Cheers Cameron
May 1st, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Hi Cam
Long time no communication on your website, but I have been chatting to you, mum and gran so have been in touch as you know! You have done and are still doing so well. It so fantastic how well you are recovering and we are all so proud and exceptionally happy for you. By the way you look like the “Mummy Returns” with your fancy kit on for radiation – just think of that when you having it done. I am sure as with the chemo it will all go well and we look forward to hearing about you running and swimming soon!! I will probably come up at the end of May with the girls as we have the next three weekends full. They are dying to see you and have a good catchup. You keep going strong. I am sure you are loving seeing your friends socially and at school again. By the way enjoy the Red’s game tomorrow, have a total blast, which I am sure you will. I chatted to gran this morning and she said you were at the hospital so sorry I missed you. Lots of love and kisses, Megs, Mark, Holly and Taylor xxxxx
May 2nd, 2008 at 12:17 am
Hi Cam,
You are an inspiration to all of us. Truly. Remember your healing has also been because to you. Your courage, bravery and determination. So stay positive and picture yourself in perfect health and bliss.
i watched a movie on the weekend called “I am Legend”. I would change that title to…
“CAM IS LEGEND”
Enjoy the rugger.
Kenneth
May 2nd, 2008 at 9:30 pm
Hello Cameron,
So wonderful to read your words! We are so very proud to know you and your family.
You are so inspiring and we wish you good health and happiness!
with all our love
Karen, Vince, Jack and Tamara xxxx
May 3rd, 2008 at 9:31 am
Dear Cameron and family,
What a wonderful site you have here. We feel blessed to have met you on our journey into the scary world of cancer. One of my fondest memories is of Leigh running down to ICU to help support us on the toughest night of our lives. Letting NOONE get in her way. That meant the world to us.
Cameron is such a strong (and funny…don’t forget funny !!) boy and we have no doubt he will be able to help a lot of people when he grows up. He has already helped cheer up so many at the hospital, and if he can do that while feeling ill there is just going to be no stopping him. Thanks to you all for your support. Good luck with the radiation! We will be thinking of you and praying for you.
Love Marianne, Michael, Naja and Anika
May 3rd, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Hi Cam, How wonderful it was to see you and your family on our recent trip to Queensland. I was so impressed with your outlook on everything and particularly how you fuss over the well being of your brothers, you really are a special person.
Your blog regarding your Journey is truly inspirational you have a unique ability to consider the welfare of others even though you are going through your own ordeal which is a rare and very unique quality. No doubt inherited from your mum and dad and enhanced by your journey.You are an inspiration to everyone and the big wide world is waiting for the Cameron touch.
Love & God bless
The Darley family