When Germaine first shared his story with us in 2021, he was undergoing treatment at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne for Plasma Cell Myeloma, a blood cancer that causes cancerous growths. You can catch-up on Germaine’s story here.
After a year of treatment, including five brutal rounds of chemotherapy and a mentally and physically challenging stem cell transplant, Germaine finally received the news he was hoping for….he is now in full remission!
“I’ve been in remission for about a year now. It was such a relief to finally hear those words. I’ll have to stay on chemo tablets most likely for the rest of my life to extend the remission for as long as possible, but that’s a small sacrifice to make.”
Germaine’s remission isn’t even the best news he’s received this year. Now, he and his wife Daisy are expecting their first child in October!
The couple found out they were pregnant on Valentine’s Day 2023.
“Ironically, Valentine’s Day 2021 was the day I found out I had cancer. Now we have a new, wonderful memory of Valentine’s Day to focus on.”
Germaine credits Daisy and his family for helping him through his roughest periods.
“My wife and family were an incredible support. It meant the world to me to have them by my side, especially during the tough times.”
As they look forward to the next chapter in their lives, Daisy and Germaine are focusing on embracing life by doing all the things they love - fun times with friends, giving back to the community by supporting youth though their local church and seeing plenty of live music and sport, in particular soccer, AFL and cricket. Germaine is also keen to learn some new skills.
“We have so much to look forward to, and so much to be grateful for. I’m planning to learn how to surf this year. I’ve played piano all my life. Now I want to learn to play the drums.”
Go dry this July
Germaine has more than a few good reasons why people should do Dry July.
“Dry July is not only a great way to recognise what patients and their families are going through, it’s also a great way to say thank you to the amazing St Vincent’s oncology team.
“Everyone at St Vincent’s is awesome. The nurses rate a special mention, they’re unbelievable. The relationships you build with them are really special.”
“Dry July is a way to ‘pay it forward’. It’s a great way to test yourself and reset your body. Not to mention, by giving up alcohol for a month, you’ll do your mind and body a world of good!”
Support patients like Germaine receiving care St Vincent’s.
