Doctor dying of cancer pens poignant farewell to his loved ones

Jared Noel with his daughter, Elise. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Knowing his death was imminent, an Auckland doctor who had blogged about his battle with terminal bowel cancer penned a poignant goodbye message to be posted after he died.

In it, he revealed that even in death, his story would continue, with a book due to be published documenting his cancer journey.

Jared Noel, 33, died on Wednesday with his wife, Hannah, and baby daughter Elise at his side.

Dr Noel first spoke out about his battle with the disease last year, revealing that his dying wish was to meet his then-unborn child. The former Auckland City Hospital physician was able to not only meet baby Elise, but also help in her delivery.

On September 25, he wrote his final message to his family, friends and followers of his blog, which was posted online by his wife after he passed away.

"On Wednesday 8th October 2014, I passed away at 1125 hours," the message began.

"The time leading up to my death was mixed with days of feeling well and days of feeling pretty terrible. I am thankful that we only have to go through this process once in our life.

"I would have liked to have written more leading up to my death but the reality was that the medication and my state of mind made it impossible to write coherent statements and turn them into phrases and paragraphs."

He said the final days and hours were spent with his family, but "massive amounts of fatigue" made it hard.

"I routinely got to the point where I wished my time was up and wondered why my body was still alive when it felt like it didn't have the energy to do that well. Why it bothered to hold on for longer than I would have liked is a question I do not have an answer for."

Dr Noel revealed that a book telling his story was being written.

"I spent one hour a day for the better part of three weeks being interviewed, telling my story, in such that I hope my words are not lost.

"During this time we traced the highs and lows of life but in particular the last 5.5 years of my diagnosis ...

"My hope is that this book will be an accurate representation for Elise to understand the life that her father has lived, and, secondarily, for those who may or may not be interested, exploring the highs and lows that someone might go through when diagnosed with cancer and navigating the subsequent journey."

He signed the message: "I am checking out."

Auckland District Health Board chief medical officer Margaret Wilsher paid tribute to Dr Noel.

"Jared was an outstanding person and a fine doctor. He displayed great humanity and humanism, and he courageously shared his cancer journey with us.

"He exemplified the values we seek in our staff and demonstrated great fortitude in the face of his challenges and at all times, hope.

"Our thoughts are with Jared's wife, Hannah, also one of our colleagues, as we take the time to support her and their daughter Elise and celebrate Jared's life.

"Jared was very warmly regarded by all the staff he worked with and will be sadly missed."