Clare cancer survivors’ video to aid trainee doctors

Two West Clare cancer survivors are among just four in the country who have relayed their experience of receiving a potentially life-changing diagnosis on a digital video for the benefit of trainee doctors.

 

Well-known Miltown Malbay-based businessman Tony Cogan, who has survived testicular cancer and Quilty mother-of-four, Theresa Murrihy, who has successfully battled two bouts of cancer, were chosen by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to outline the best way of delivering devastating news to a patient.

The duo, who have greatly benefited from the support provided by the Clare Cancer Support Centre in Kilnamona, were interviewed by a HSE film crew in Nenagh on Tuesday for the information video, which is expected to be edited and completed early in the new year.

Tony Cogan, who runs Clare Bar Supplies as well as a bar and restaurant in Miltown Malbay, revealed in The Clare Champion earlier this year how he missed his father’s funeral as a result of a severe reaction to his treatment for testicular cancer.

When Tony was first diagnosed with testicular cancer at the age of 46, his father Jim (71) was in the latter stages of bowel cancer.

Even though Tony found that cancer treatment services are very good and had a very positive experience from the health service, he stressed it is vital doctors remember all patients are human beings who need to be handled with care when they are receiving any bad diagnosis. “I am honoured to be asked to do something that should benefit doctors and ultimately help other patients. I am delighted that the HSE thought the opinion of a cancer patient, good or bad, was worth listening to and taking on board,” he said.

Still suffering from the side effects of chemotherapy seven years later, Theresa appreciates the support and advice she receives from meeting other cancer survivors and specialists.

Born and brought up in New York, she came to Quilty when she was 14. She was educated at St Joseph’s Secondary School, Spanish Point and then went to Galway, where she trained as a chef. She got married to Pat and is now 34 years in Quilty. She regards herself as one of the locals, at this stage.

In addition to recovering from breast cancer, she also had a hysterectomy after a massive tumour was found in her womb. Ms Murrihy was delighted to participate in the project, as she believes it will ultimately help other cancer patients learn how to cope with it.

The key message she delivered on the video was the importance of a doctor becoming a patient’s friend and making them feel they are the most important person in the world when they are delivering bad news.

“When the doctor or consultant sits on your bed and says you have cancer, it is important that he becomes your best friend, even if it is only for 10 or 15 minutes. Anybody receiving devastating news needs a friend at this time.

“I know I had cancer. The way I look at things now, I have to try and turn lemons into lemonade and make the best of it,” she said.