WHY WE DRY JULY: Clare Tupuola on her cancer journey and support

Watch Clare's story here in her own words - the toll and the quiet gifts that are Look Good Feel Better cancer support services funded by Dry Julyers.

“Look, I think it’s just getting up that I’m grateful for,” – Clare Tupuola on her cancer journey

Samoan woman battling cancer credits faith and family for helping her through the mental anguish.

Cancer patient Clare Tupuola wants to give encouragement and support to those who suffer from the “late effects” of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation.

Clare speaks from experience, she is currently undergoing her second bout of chemotherapy.

In 2023 she was diagnosed with incurable cancer.

“It was pretty devastating and it was quiet, it was a bit of a process,” she says. 

“So first of all, I felt a lot of pain on my side. But I was really fatigued. Like I’m not one to sleep, but I did one task and then I just slept for four hours and then I’d do another task and then I have to sleep.”

Clare says that was the warning to her to see her doctor who carried out some tests. 

“My kidney and my liver functions were under 30% for me and that was a real shock,” she says.

“I was initially diagnosed with ovarian cancer. But that spread really rapidly…. right through to my fallopian tubes and the uterus as well as my ovaries.

“So, and then, that metastasized to my liver. So stage four here,” she says bravely.

Clare is very pragmatic about her terminal diagnosis. But, the mental toll that the Cancer has taken on her is overwhelming.

“Fatigue, neuropathy, so, you know, losing your nerve endings and the feelings, it just plays more havoc on your body.

“And so what you think you can do and what you were hoping you could do, is not the same.

“Even your head space is different. And I think it’s really important that, you know, some days you just think I’m so lucky that I’m up. I can get up, have my shower, and I’m having my breakfast and it’s a good day,” she explains. 

Clare credits a lot of her positivity to keeping her days full of activities.

“So, I’ve gone into Chair Yoga. ‘Look Good Feel Better’ has just been a constant support for me, for me throughout. It’s just free, it’s accessible. 

“You can go online. There’s a lot of classes and courses that you can enroll in, and it’s for everybody. You know, it’s no matter what age, it’s just, well, it’s a wellbeing kit, really. An essential wellbeing kit for your mind, body and soul really.” 

Around the family home are acrylic paintings that Clare has created. She took up art classes to help with her therapy. She has now created paintings for most of her family members with special messages written on the back of the canvas.

Clare comes from a strong Catholic family who’re helping her during her journey.

“Faith is very strong. And, to be quite honest, that’s probably one of the key things that have got me through it and my family through it. You know, it’s a blessing that I’m still here, and it’s a blessing that I’ve still got my family.

“And so faith has been a real great support and the church community has been fantastic. They’re all praying for me and our family as we’re going through this as well.” 

Clare is also taking part in Dry July which is a fundraiser aiming to help carers, family and support groups of those with cancer.

In a family of five siblings, her youngest sister is her main support.

“My sister Maria, she’s been my lifesaver. I’ve got wonderful family support, you know, with my mother and all my family and sisters and my nieces and nephews as well,” Clare says. 

“But she’s really been the main support that allowed me to take me to all my treatments and things like that and my other courses and support groups that I’ve joined and things like that.” 

While her cancer treatment takes a toll on her body, through her own journey, Clare wants to help others and give them hope.

“Enrol yourself in those courses. Because you’ll find that it will help you and there’s a lot of courses out there. It just depends on how you’re feeling and what you require. 

“That will help you. Some of them are so inspirational, and some of them just lift you, you know.” 

The last bout of chemo that Clare is undergoing is just about buying her a little more time, defying the doctors who initially gave her only weeks to live. 

Time is of the essence for Clare and she is determined to spend it with those whom she loves.

“Look, I think it’s just getting up that I’m grateful for,” she says.  

“I’m grateful for having experience and having time, grateful for my family and the support and life that I have and friends that I have that are supporting me as well.”

To support Clare, and others like Clare and whanau all across Aotearoa to access cancer care support services when they need it most, donate today at dryjuly.co.nz/donate