In October 2022, Fergus noticed what he thought was a routine toothache get worse. “Whenever I ate on that side, my lower right jaw, I’d notice a pain and gradually, that pain got sharper and more intense.” After visiting his dentist in November, he was sent for further investigation following an x-ray and doctors discovered what they thought to be a cyst. “I was put forward for surgery and that happened mid-January 2023 – they removed the tooth and the cyst – but weeks later the pain was still persisting.”

Then aged 51, a nurse working in Co. Kerry, Fergus was referred to see a consultant in Cork following further doctor’s visits. “My doctors initially suspected osteomyelitis – a bone infection – in my jaw, but it wasn’t that. After I went to see the consultant in Cork, I was referred for a biopsy. As somebody working in healthcare, I had done some research on the symptoms and by late February/early March, I began to fear it was cancer. The results came back on a Friday in late March and I was told to get to Cork the Monday morning and to bring somebody with me. That’s when my world was turned upside down.”

For Fergus, his diagnosis came as a shock for him and the people around him. “It was shocking to hear those three words, and when you think of how it all started, to go from a toothache, to 5/6 months later being told ‘you have cancer’ – it took me a while to come to terms with it. During the period after my diagnosis, when I was waiting for my treatment to begin, I remember thinking to myself I’ve never felt healthier – I was out walking, I was in the gym – and yet, this cancer was growing inside of me and I was very sick. That contradiction took me some time to reconcile. I had great support from my siblings, my parents, work colleagues and good friends, they were all there to help and support me during that initial period and throughout my cancer experience.”

Fergus’s surgery took place on the 8th of May 2023. “They removed the tumour inside my jaw and then I underwent a jaw reconstruction where they used bone from my fibula and then some tissue from my calf. I underwent some skin grafts then to patch over the skin. It was tough surgery and the recovery was difficult. Over a year later, I’m still only get back up to where I was pre-surgery – I’m doing a lot of cycling but I’m still not able to go jogging, but that is something I would love to get back to.” 

Following his surgery, Fergus underwent chemoradiotherapy, which involved 33 sessions of radiation and six sessions of chemotherapy. “During that period, I lost a significant amount of weight. I went from around 90kgs down to 70kgs. That treatment took its toll. I remember there were days where I would be in the shower at home and the steam and the heat, would just overwhelm me. I was so weak. I kind of couldn’t believe how weak I got.”

In the aftermath of his treatment, Fergus attended his local cancer support centre – The Recovery Haven – in Tralee. This is one of 24 local cancer support centres across the country where counselling services are part-funded by the Irish Cancer Society. “In hindsight, I should have gone to the Haven sooner. They were absolutely brilliant and the range of supports they offer just give you so much practical help and emotional support. For me, living alone, there were times early on in my treatment, when I would wake up in the middle of the night a bit anxious or worried, and that was still happening post-treatment, and I knew I could pick up the phone the next day. I should have been engaging with the Haven throughout my treatment. They had dietitians and nutritionists and maybe had I spoken to them sooner, my weight loss wouldn’t have been so dramatic.”

Fergus also availed of the Haven’s counselling service. “I found that service to be excellent, and I’m really grateful it’s funded locally by the Irish Cancer Society. That would be my message to anybody, don’t go through cancer alone. Please do reach out to the supports that are there to help. My only regret is that I didn’t reach out sooner. I would also really encourage people to become more aware of the signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer. If you notice anything niggling at all, think of me with a toothache, go and get it checked if it persists. The sooner you find out what’s wrong, the sooner you can start to get on the road to recovery.”