Cancer survivor Ben Cannington reveals battle to return to AFL football in North Melbourne
Cancer survivor Ben Cunington opened up about feeling “overwhelmed” when he was first diagnosed with testicular cancer as he prepared to play his first AFL game in 13 months this weekend. rice field.
Cunnington, who survived two bouts of cancer that have kept him out of the AFL since he last played in the 19th round in 2021, was 30 years old when tests revealed a recurrence last November. He revealed that things had become “pretty real” for his family.
prior to his return Adelaide Crows on SaturdayCunnington said his fight and the support from his family and club helped him get back on his feet.
“The initial diagnosis was very overwhelming,” he said.
“You never think you’re going to be that person. You see and hear and read about it, but when it’s you, it’s very overwhelming.
“We had surgery and thought everything was going well, so let’s move on.
“But when it came back during one of my tests and chemotherapy was involved, it got pretty real. Yeah, it was a bit of a fight.”
Cunnington’s reluctance to be interviewed was posted on the North Melbourne website, outlining his battle to return to senior football. Dont return.
“There were some minor setbacks during rehab, but when I did that calf pretty well, I thought we might have a little problem.
“But the club has been great. They sent me back to the farm for a few days to regroup, then I got back on my horse and recovered well.
“It all looked pretty good, but I came back again and was devastated by the long-coming Covid.
“But finally we got to where we are now.
“It feels great, especially in my hometown, and I can’t stop smiling.
“You’re a little reflective, it took a little bit of hard work and some ups and downs to finally get here, but by the time I finally got here, I couldn’t stop smiling.” you can’t.”
Cunnington, who played his first game in the VFL last weekend before returning to the AFL squad on Wednesday, said his happiness is reflected in the joy of his family and friends.
“I am not the only one who has taken the journey, especially my family, close friends and even people from my football club who have accompanied me on this journey,” he said.
“Talking to them and seeing their happiness, relief and excitement all around felt good.”
first published as AFL 2022: Cancer survivor Ben Cunington reveals battle to return to senior football
Cancer survivor Ben Cannington reveals battle to return to AFL football in North Melbourne
Source link Cancer survivor Ben Cannington reveals battle to return to AFL football in North Melbourne
