Inspirational yarn: From being stuck with cancer to being cured

RNZ - All Programmes12mApril 7, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

Andrew Dunn shares his deeply personal journey from being diagnosed with an incurable lymphoma at age 30 to being cured through a groundbreaking but short-lived bone marrow transplant trial in his late 30s. His story unfolds as a powerful narrative of resilience, hope, and the unexpected turns of fate—ranging from embracing a 'bucket list' lifestyle and joining the army during his illness, to serving in East Timor as a military doctor after recovery. Despite the emotional weight of living with a terminal diagnosis for eight years, Andrew emphasizes the importance of being treated normally by loved ones and cherishing simple joys like watching his children after school. He acknowledges that his experience is rare—a one-in-a-million outcome—and stresses that while his story offers a glimpse of hope, it shouldn't diminish the reality that most people with terminal cancer will not be cured. The episode closes with a poignant reflection on the value of life, family, and presence in every ordinary moment.

Key Takeaways
1

Living with a terminal diagnosis can transform your life’s priorities—focus on meaningful experiences and relationships.

2

Being treated normally by family and friends is one of the most powerful forms of support during illness.

3

Small, everyday moments—like seeing your child’s smile after school—can carry profound joy and meaning.

4

Medical breakthroughs can change lives, but access and timing are often limited by corporate and legal challenges.

5

Hope should be offered with care: while miracles happen, they are rare, and not everyone will be cured.

Chapters
0:00
2 min

Introduction: From Joanna’s Story to Andrew’s Journey

Jesse introduces the episode by referencing a previous interview with Joanna Paul, whose experience with terminal cancer inspired listener Andrew Dunn to share his own story.

2:00
3 min

Living in the Middle: The Weight of a Terminal Diagnosis

It felt like I was a cartoon character with a black cloud that just followed me around every day.

Highlight
5:00
4 min

Turning Point: The Bone Marrow Transplant Trial

It was like you've got a vegetable garden and you put roundup on it and you've killed everything and then you put the new seeds in and you wait for them to grow.

Highlight
9:00
3 min

Cure and Service: From Patient to Hero

I was giving back to the army who had actually looked after me and supported me through those dark years.

Highlight
12:00
0 min

Reflections on Hope and Normalcy

Andrew reflects on the importance of treating people with terminal illness as normal, and the deep value of family, simple joys, and living each day with intention.

High-Impact Quotes
It was like you've got a vegetable garden and you put roundup on it and you've killed everything and then you put the new seeds in and you wait for them to grow.
Andrew Dunn6:48
Viral: 90.0
We're not doing this interview to offer hope to people like Joanna and say, hey, well, look, it might not be... This might happen to you as well.
Andrew Dunn10:00
Viral: 88.0
It felt like I was a cartoon character with a black cloud that just followed me around every day.
Andrew Dunn1:10
Viral: 85.0
Speakers

Host

Jesse

Guest

Andrew Dunn
Topics Discussed
terminal cancer diagnosis95%emotional impact of illness90%hope and realism in terminal illness88%medical breakthroughs and trials85%life after cancer cure80%family and relationships75%living in the present70%military service and healing65%
People & Brands

Andrew Dunn

person

28xPositive

Jesse

person

12xNeutral

lymphoma

other

10xNeutral

bone marrow transplant

other

8xPositive

Joanna Paul

person

6xNeutral

East Timor

place

5xPositive

Cellpro

organization

3xNegative

fly fishing

other

3xPositive

Anna

person

3xPositive

Christchurch

place

2xNeutral

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