I’m making prostate cancer history.
The Brave Face
Matt often puts on a a brave face.. it's a beautiful trait, but its exhausting.When people see him, he's decided to see them.... he feels "so so" but still makes the effort, often masks the pain and puts on his brave face.
Behind the brave face?... days in bed.. days where the copious amounts of pain killers that don't even seem to touch the sides... little sleep, followed by frustration.
When people call we often hear "oh you sound good" i always LOL at this... I'm sure people mean well, but he's far from good....
There are days the kids want to see him, when they want to bring over the grandbabies to see him.. and he has to say no, because the pain is just too much...
Then there are the days he does "feel better" and then everyone wants a piece of him... including me..
He puts on a brave face, I have to put boundaries in place.
Most people don't understand a "few hours' can see him in bed for 2 days after.
Numerous calls a day, saying the SAME thing over and over to well meaning friends and family.. its exhausting for him.. but .. he puts on a Brave Face.
Showing up every fortnight for his clinical trial treatment, not knowing if it will work on not... The Brave Face.
The nurses love him, he's upbeat, he's positive.., the Brave Face.
I also put on my Brave Face.. but there are days.. when my brave face wants to scream, yell, cry... and make it all stop.
Some days, we both can't believe he has cancer, let alone believe "traditional" treatment failed him.. and now our hope lies on this clinical trial.
Research makes a difference.
Trail Treatment Week
The Clinical Trial Matt is in is based in Melbourne.While the process seems simple, it's tiring for Matt.
Wednesday morning is an early morning start at John Flynn Hospital for Bloodwork that is "rushed' to the team in Melbourne
Despite us living close to the airport, we rely on family to come and get Lola (our doggo) for a sleep over at Tashs's (Matts sister), and drop Matt to the airport as it's just simply too far to walk.
His body is fighting so hard, and often feels exhausted
When landing in Melbourne a buggy is organised by Qantas to pick him up and take him the airport exit.
The hotel staff know us by name now, and have a bottle of wine ready for our arrival (yay me!)
Tommorow is a fully or doc appointments, then the IV treatment begins!
For my darling husband, I’m taking on The Long Run
On 20 March 2024, our world changed.
After 3 long weeks in hospital, Matt was diagnosed with Advanced Stage 4 Prostate Cancer, Metastasised to his bones.
Prostate cancer is supposed to be a slow growing cancer! WTF!
At just 54, a “groin tear” from the gym led to this diagnosis.. except it wasn’t a groin tear, it was a fractured femur, cancer had already weakened his bones.
A hip replacement, ADT, 5 months of heavy chemo and radiation, monthly bone strengthening injections we thought his cancer was sitting down and shutting up.
But on 15 May 2025, after a magical week in Vanuatu, we were told the words no one ever wants to hear: “the treatment has failed.” Nothing left to do, except some generic chemo that may not help.
I cannot put into words the feelings that followed….rage, fear, disbelief and utter gut wrenching feelings of helplessness.
This really can’t be it? Not at 55!! Not in this day and age?
Then came a glimmer of hope.
CLINICAL TRIALS. Not easy to find, not easy to navigate, but with some amazing angels on our side, helping me behind the scenes (they know who they are)… we found one…..
After a whirlwind month of research, oncologist visits video conferences with amazing people doing amazing things….
13 June 2025, Matt was screened for a clinical trial in Melbourne.
This trial is only possible because of research!!! .
And on 19 June 2025, he began that trial.
It’s the reason we are now filled with hope and promise, and not doing a song list for a funeral.
Matt is still fighting, with a phenomenal trial team on his side.
That’s why this September, I’m taking on The Long Run.
Every kilometre I walk or run is for Mat….. and for the 72 Australian men diagnosed with prostate cancer every single day.
This disease steals futures, families, and far too many lives.
But research changes that story.
By supporting me, you’re not just donating……
You’re buying time.
You’re fuelling breakthroughs.
You’re helping to make sure other families don’t have to hear the words “there’s nothing more we can do.”
For Matt. For other men yet to be diagnosed. For their families.
Together, we can make prostate cancer history.
Thank you. 💙🙏
Thank you to my sponsors
$1.02k
Anonymous
$520
Kelly Nahama
Proud of you Shel Belle. I wish I could take all the pain away. You two have been through so much. I’m here for anything. Love Kelly x
$263.75
BACS Projects Pty Ltd
Awesome work Charlie
$250
Maryann Farrugia
Wishing you and Matt nothing but the best xx
$211
Al & Emma ♥️♥️♥️
You guys inspire from the darkest places, just as you shine from the sunniest ones. Make sure Matt massages your feet after every run! We love you guys!!
$211
Jenny Edwards
Sending lots of love! X
$211
Rhiannon McAuley
Love you guys, Rhi and Chris
$116.40
Doc racky
With you in prayer.
$116.40
Sarah & Rich
Sending all our love and prayers! You are both amazing! Big hugs!xxxxx
$116.40
Rod Maley
Way to go Charli!
$116.40
Penny Challenger
Kick cancers arse 🙌
$116.40
Kim Lombardi
This donation is made in support of yours and Matts continued fight and to contribute to this vital cancer research. May it bring hope for healing and comfort in knowing that many hearts are with you.
$110
Anonymous
My heart goes out to you and Matt. I lost my darling brother and father to Prostate Cancer. Matt is doing such a good thing for the future of PC care to take part in a clinical trial. I really hope it gives you both more quality time together. Much love.
$110
Dennis Bubke
Hove fun on the run
$59.41
Wendy Winsley
Love and hugs from the Winsleys!❤️❤️❤️
$59.41
Kellie
Love to you all! 🥰
$59.41
Kate Gleaves
$59.41
Kelly Umstad
$59.41
Angela (main) Mcdonald
Good luck! Wishing you all the best
$59.41
WARREN and LAURA LEWIS
Its a wonderful thing you're doing Michelle. Wishing you and Matt great strength and success with the trial treatment
$59.41
Michelle Rose
$59.41
Victoria Fraser
What a great thing you’re both doing. The Trial and the fundraising 😘
$59.41
Rowena Gill
Big hugs for you and Matt. Thinking of you. ❤️
$59.41
Lisa Thompson
Lots of love to you all x you’ve got this Matt
$59.41
Elaine 🫶
I know how hard this is Shell.♥️ Leesa and her pegs will always be with you.🫶👍
$59.41
Lorraine Donaldson
Love ya 🥰
$54.12
Nick Wright
Well done Michelle
$54.12
Nicki Hipkins
My amazing brother in law and my awesome sister.
$54.12
Shelley and Jeff Gallus
$54.12
Nicole & Paul Nuss
Trials equal hope!! Big hugs and lots of love to you both xx
$54.12
Michelle Bubke
$54.12
Sean n Vinny
You got his Delly!!!!!!
$40.37
NF
$40.37
Diane Bullock
$38.33
Shirley and Al Van der Linde
Matt is so blessed to have you amazing wife Praying and. Believing for Matt’s healing
$38.33
Jodine
Go Michelle all the best xx
$27.81
Acknowledgment of country
Commitment to diversity
All our love and support guys. If there are two people we know who have got this by the horns it’s both of you. Love S&K