Springfield man Walter Tweedie celebrates 100th chemo therapy session and 30 year cancer battle with Mater Private Hospital Springfield

The 74-year-old grandfather’s bowel cancer spread to his lungs, liver and ribs and he has been having regular chemotherapy since.

Walter Tweedie held a celebration to mark his 100th chemotherapy session at the Mater Private Hospital Springfield.

An Ipswich retiree who has been battling cancer for 30 years held a celebration to mark his 100th chemotherapy session, with a positive mindset key to staying strong during his long term health battles.

Walter Tweedie recently marked the milestone alongside nursing staff at Mater Private Hospital Springfield with a small party.

The 74-year-old grandfather of three from Springfield was diagnosed with melanoma 30 years ago, which was managed with surgery and treatment.

“Unfortunately, I later developed bowel cancer which has spread to my lungs, liver and ribs and I have needed regular chemotherapy since,” he said.

“I do feel a little weary after treatment, but the good news is that my scans today are looking stable and I am generally doing well.”

Mr Tweedie said looking on the bright side of life and a strong support network, including his three children, had been crucial to dealing with cancer and he tried his best to cheer up fellow patients.

“I also enjoy chatting with other patients, sometimes I will be having treatment and see a fellow patient who looks very down and depressed,” he said.

“I will offer to chat with them and try to make them feel better.

“I am guided by a strong faith which helps me maintain such an optimistic outlook on my health journey.

“I think having a positive mindset keeps you going through tough situations.

“The team made an incredible effort, putting up streamers and decorations for me and even bringing me a cake.

“I have been coming to Springfield for the past five years and it is by far the best hospital I have been to.

“It’s great to be able to get such good care in our own community without having to travel into the city.”

Cancer Care Centre nurse unit manager Billy Jovanovich said Mr Tweedie’s attitude had been an inspiration for hospital staff and other patients.

“We all feel privileged to know Walter, he is such an amazing man and when he comes into the Cancer Care Centre, he brightens everyone’s day,” she said.

“At his 100th treatment we honoured his Scottish heritage by playing the Edinburgh Military Tattoo – A Salute to Australia which he really enjoyed.

“We really love being able to add little touches to make our patients’ experiences a little less stressful.”

Read more stories by Lachlan McIvor here.

Originally published as Springfield man Walter Tweedie celebrates 100th chemo therapy session and 30 year cancer battle with Mater Private Hospital Springfield