Rhys Lees is positive while receiving treatment for leukaemia at Royal Melbourne Hospital.
A few weeks ago, Rhys Lees was just a regular, healthy 20 year-old, working to complete an apprenticeship as an electrician.
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But after a shock diagnosis, he’s now in hospital fighting to beat leukaemia.
Rhys has started treatment at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, and the Lees family has been uplifted by support from family, friends and the wider community.
The condition, a form of blood cancer, was challenging to identify, with general symptoms of Rhys feeling unwell the only signs ahead of the fateful visit to the hospital where the cause was finally found.
Rhys’ mother, Marie Lees, said his immediate family were unaware that he could be diagnosed with leukaemia.
“The diagnosis was quite vague. He went to the doctor with aches and pains.
“He had a fever that night, but we had no idea it was as serious as what it was.
“They were working out the symptoms, but the main thing was he didn’t feel crash hot.”
After getting the results of his latest blood test, arrangements were made to get Rhys to Melbourne straight away.
“The doctor recommended that he should take a blood test. He was in the Deniliquin Hospital overnight.
“When the results came back, he was flown to Royal Melbourne Hospital the very next day.
“He was sore and tired, nothing alarming, so we would never have guessed it would be leukaemia.
“He got his cells and blood tested, and it was diagnosed.
“We were in shock, as you’re not really educated on that type of illness.”
Marie said that blood test was crucial in uncovering the cancer as early as they did.
“If he didn’t have the blood test, we wouldn’t have known.
“He asked the doctor, ‘do I really need this blood test?’. Luckily, he did.”
Other than being fatigued and achy, Marie said her son was fit and healthy before the diagnosis.
“He’s a healthy young man. He had been going to the gym and working at the rice mill.
“He had been working right up until that day (he was admitted to Deni Hospital).”
Rhys will now have to spend at least six months in Melbourne while he undergoes treatment.
It will include two months of chemotherapy, then maintenance chemotherapy in the following months.
Marie said despite the turmoil and uncertainty about what lies ahead, Rhys is upbeat and is keen to get back to his life in Deni.
“Rhys is very positive and wants to get on with his treatment.
“He wants to get back to his friends, family, work and the things he loves back in Deni.”
Marie and husband Robbie said the past few weeks have certainly taken a toll on the whole family, especially as they are unable to remain with him in Melbourne full-time.
“We’re a long way from Rhys.
“It’s very stressful; it’s hard.
“It’s expensive for the accommodation and the treatment, but we’ve been going down every weekend. We hate to leave him.”
The local community is doing what it can to help the Lees family through the challenges, with both emotional and financial support.
Fundraisers launched include a GoFundMe page started by Rhys’ brother Darcy.
There’s also a fully booked Rhys Lees fundraiser night organised by family friend Rachael Monro.
As the owner of Cafe 100, Rachael organised a night out with a three-course meal to be held at the Deniliquin Rovers clubrooms on August 10.
“The community support has been fantastic,” Marie said.
“I think they’ve nearly doubled the goal of $10,000.
“His family, friends, his workmates and people we work with - we would love to thank everybody.
“And special thanks to Rachael Monro and Deniliquin Can Assist.
“We’re at the very start of this, and we’re thankful for everyone’s support.
“So many people have come to our house to check on us and send their well-wishes, and we want to thank them all for their support.”
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