Hoani Barker’s Father’s Day following rare cancer diagnosis

A Brisbane father battling an aggressive cancer is focusing on time with his high school sweetheart and beautiful daughters before undergoing the ‘mother of all surgeries’, not knowing what’s around the corner or how long he has left. VIDEO

Hoani Barker was one of the three in one million people to be diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer this year, making what could be his last Father’s Day a very special family occasion.

Raised on the Gold Coast, the 35-year-old said he was incredibly grateful for the life he has lived so far.

Running marathons, four-wheel-driving adventures, camping with his family, competing in triathlons, graduating university in his late twenties, marrying his high school sweetheart, touring as a bass player in a band and teaching music to children in rural Indigenous communities – Mr Barker has accomplished more than he could have ever dreamt of.

But of course, his proudest moments have been raising his two young daughters Indiana and Penelope.

Hoani, Indiana and Penelope Barker. Picture – supplied.

Despite his positive outlook and active lifestyle, no one could have predicted the diagnosis which could bring it all to an end.

About six weeks ago Mr Barker was experiencing excruciating chest pain at his Shailer Park home before he checked himself into Logan Hospital.

Four days in hospital, various scans and tests later, and doctors diagnosed Mr Barker with Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP).

While incredibly aggressive and invasive, it was also one of the rarest forms of cancer — meaning there was very little research, funding, or treatment options for those fighting it.

Mr Barker’s abdomen was full of mucus and fluid, and there was a cancerous tumour on his appendix.

Hoani, Courtney, Indiana and Penelope Barker. Picture – supplied.

To determine how far along the cancer has grown, Mr Barker will have to undergo what medical professionals call ‘the mother of all surgeries’.

“There is no way of knowing how bad it really is yet,” he said.

“I could have three months or a year, we just don’t know.”

In two weeks’ time Mr Barker will have open abdominal surgery.

Surgeons will cut him open from his sternum to his pelvis, remove all visible disease, drain the fluid and mucus, scrub clean his organs, remove any compromised organs, and finish by pumping his abdomen with heated chemotherapy.

It will be a 10 to 15-hour procedure.

His recovery will depend on what is found during the surgery, and how far the cancer has spread.

“It’s been an emotional rollercoaster,” Mr Barker said.

“I’m trying to learn as much as possible to give myself more control of my fate … a positive mindset is the best weapon you can have.

“If it turns out I only have three months to live I don’t want to spend them wallowing in my sorrows.

“I’m going to fight this with all I’ve got.”

Hoani, Courtney, Indiana and Penelope Barker. Picture: Supplied.

When reflecting on his life to date, Mr Barker confessed he felt immense pride and gratitude.

“I’ve had 20 years with my best friend, my beautiful wife. We work together and live together, we spend all of our time together.

“Some people would say we need to spend more time apart but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Mr Barker said this Father’s Day would be particularly special for his family.

“We’ve been so blessed to have two beautiful children. They’re only five and three so they don’t really understand what cancer is,” he said.

“We’ve explained to them that daddy’s sick and Indiana (the oldest) has written me letters and even recorded a video for me saying she’s sorry I’m sick.

Hoani, Courtney, Indiana and Penelope Barker. Picture – supplied.

“I picked up my phone to go to bed the other night to see her little face talking to the camera … I didn’t even know she knew how to take a selfie video.

“She knows I’m going away soon and will be in hospital for three weeks. She’s very worried about it and says she’s sad about not being able to have a daddy cuddle for a bit.”

For Father’s Day the Barkers will spend time together, as well as with their extended family.

“We’re going to maybe go to Tamborine and make the most of the time we have together,” Mr Barker said.

“The girls don’t really understand this could be my last Father’s Day. But that doesn’t matter because any day spent with my beautiful girls is going to be a special one.”

Hoani, Courtney, Indiana, and Penelope Barker. Picture: Supplied.

A friend has started a GoFundMe page to support the family. So far it has raised more than $45,000.

Mr Barker said he was incredibly grateful for the support.