Fighter, Believer and Inspiration to us all

Terry de Jong passed away on the 23 December 2013

Terry will be remembered for his generosity, kindness and incredible fighting spirit, and will remain an inspiration to all who knew him.

Our deepest sympathy to Alison, Amber and Tamsin, our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Our lasting gratitude for all that Terry and his family have done for Cancer Support WA through their generous support of the You Are Beautiful Project.

Terry will be remembered as having left a legacy of love and inspiration, living his life with so much innovation and empathy, touching so many lives. 

Warmest wishes.

From all of us here at Cancer Support WA

Below is Terry’s Story, he authored before his passing. Rest in Peace Terry, you will forever be in our hearts and thoughts and will remain an inspiration to us all.

My Story

I am Terry.

Fighter, believer, survivor.

This is my story, so far ....

I was diagnosed with stage 4 liver and bowel cancer in February 2012. No surgery options were available. We were shattered. Early March I began a gruelling 10 months of chemotherapy (3 days per fortnight) to try to get the disease under control. My wife, daughters and I had immigrated from South Africa 11 years ago and we have no family here in Australia. Our immediate concern was - how would we cope?

As it turned out, we have experienced colossal kindness of friends, such generous devotion and love of family so far away, ongoing support of colleagues, and the best of medical attention. What an awesome environment for healing. We feel so fortunate.

However, I realised early in my journey towards good health and wellness that I was to take charge and not sit back passively expecting things to be done to me and for me. I read, researched, networked and made extensive use of the outstanding services offered by the many Cancer organisations in Perth. My game plan was clear: I would take on board the best treatment and advice from both the medical fraternity and the complementary therapies to combat my illness. No stone would be left unturned. No options unexplored. This has become my new career - healing.

I am fortunate that throughout my career as an Educational Psychologist, and more recently as Associate Dean in Learning and Teaching at Edith Cowan University, I have developed skills which have proved to be invaluable in my quest to access 'best possible approaches to fighting cancer' and perhaps more importantly, - 'lifestyle changes towards healing'. Now that I am retired on medical grounds, I devote my entire life to getting well, restoring my health, embracing life. Although in early days, I have found a peace and contentment in my life. In spite of very challenging radiation and chemo treatments that I undergo periodically, I relish my new life and firmly believe that I must be proactive in fighting the "bastard". I act decisively, look forward rather than get stuck with the past, and remain positive.

So what are some of my major strategies that I apply in my healing journey?

1) I embrace a holistic approach, paying attention to the relationship between mind, body, and spirit. My mind is exceptionally powerful in its capacity to heal. My spirit is my precious source of healing energy and deep faith. The health of my body is not only reliant on the quality of air I breathe and what I eat and drink. It is inextricably dependent on the power of my mind and my spiritual energy.

2) I am kind to my liver (and the rest of my body). I mostly follow an organic diet. I won't provide my body with anything for the cancer to thrive on. I no longer drink wine (a toughie as I was an active member of a wine-making club!) or eat sugar based foods (another toughie when it comes to chocolate!).

3) I meditate daily. Through my early morning sessions of meditation, together with my cat (!) I have found a sense of calm, inner peace, and purpose.

4) Reflexology and Reiki.  What a wonderful set of complementary therapies. I cherish my sessions which create such positive energy flows and place me in a deep state of relaxation.

5) I exercise daily: my early morning cycle around Carine Glades is time to pray, reflect and give thanks for all I have. I love the cold air and the cardiac boost. I sadly can't walk much anymore but participate in gentle gym sessions (under the supervision of an exercise physiologist) and cycling.

6) I read books, particularly inspirational stories on people who have survived cancer. There is a message for each of us in every story. I take it and hold on to it.

7) I try not to stress about the small stuff. I walk away from stress. In my relationships with my family I try my utmost to keep calm and maintain a relaxed environment. They love it!

8) Our Blog: Alison, my wife writes a Blog each month to update family and friends on my progress. This is a therapeutic process which we both share, often between tears and smiles. The responses and comments left by people are inspirational to read and provide me with great strength. http://terrydejong.wordpress.com .

Life goes on. Normality must exist because I live in a community, not in isolation. I strive to continue to do all I did before my diagnosis, but with an emphasis on giving my body the best possible chance to heal. I have faith. I am in God's hands and have nothing to fear. Alison and my two gorgeous daughters, Amber and Tamsin, love me to bits. They support me unconditionally in my journey towards good health and wellness.

Yes I have cancer, but I also have life.

And I will survive, and thrive.

Thank you,

Terry de Jong