A Brisbane tradesman who was used to working 12 hours a day had his world turned upside down when he was given a shock cancer diagnosis.
Ben Dwyer, 32, has been diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer, which has spread to his liver and lymph nodes.
The mechanical fitter said he had no symptoms before having a bout of gastro and going to the doctor.
Ben Dwyer, 32, has been diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer, which has spread to his liver and lymph nodes
Mr Dwyer has lost 20kg in a month, but says the support of his girlfriend Chantelle and his family and friends is encouraging him to fight to stay alive
‘An oncologist delivered the news that just blew me away,’ he told the Courier Mail.
‘I was thrown into a medical whirlwind where within days I had half a metre of bowel removed along with an 8cm tumour.’
Mr Dwyer now faces six months of chemotherapy, with sessions taking place every 12 days.
‘Since this has happened I’m pleased that it has made my tradie mates think twice about their health. I hope my story sparks other young men to follow up on any hints of illness,’ he said.
Mr Dwyer has lost 20kg in a month, but says the support of his girlfriend Chantelle and his family and friends is encouraging him to fight to stay alive.
Mr Dwyer’s mother Ann suffers from multiple sclerosis, and the cost of her care and Mr Dwyer’s own treatment has put a strain on the family’s finances.
As he is self-employed and unable to work, friends of Mr Dwyer have set up a Go Fund Me page for him.
In less than a month more than $45,000 has been raised for Mr Dwyer’s treatment from 282 donations
In less than a month more than $45,000 has been raised for Mr Dwyer’s treatment from 282 donations.
Mr Dwyer’s sister Terri Lockwood said the cancer diagnosis was a ‘massive blow for Ben’.
‘Our family isn’t usually one to ask for help but now we need it more than ever.
‘Ben is staying positive and keeping a positive outlook on it all.’
Mr Dwyer’s sister Terri Lockwood (pictured) said the cancer diagnosis was a ‘massive blow for Ben’