ACT Liberal parliamentarian Steve Doszpot has been diagnosed with cancer, but says, while the diagnosis came as a shock, he intends to get on with his life and his work.
Mr Doszpot, 68, has two children and five grandchildren, all of whom live in Canberra. His wife, Maureen Doszpot, retired as principal of Rosary Catholic primary school in Watson at the end of 2016.
Mr Doszpot does not want to discuss the details of his illness, including the type of cancer. But he said he had lost 20 kilograms in the past six months, and it was weight loss during and after the October election campaign that prompted him to visit the doctor.
"It was not the sort of Christmas present we wanted, certainly it's something that has affected our family. But it happens to a lot of people, we are not unique, and we are coping with it the best we can," he said.
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"And hopefully if there are other people, my constituents, maybe I can help them in some way by understanding what they are going through a little bit more if I am going through it too."
He began a chemotherapy regime, taken by tablet, in December and has another three months of chemotherapy to go. He said he was lucky to have very few side effects from the treatment and feels well.
But his obvious weight loss and the need to inform the ACT parliament about his illness sparked his decision to make a public statement.
"I want people to be aware of it, not to be shocked by it, and just to treat me as usual," he said.
Mr Doszpot, who worked in soccer administration before entering the ACT parliament in 2008, including running Canberra's Olympic program, had intended to serve two terms only but last year put his hand up for a third term in politics.
The diagnosis had been sudden and shocking, he said, quoting a line from a John Lennon song: "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."
"When you go for check ups, you hope for the best, and when you get the news it's pretty sudden, it's devastating. But a lot of people find their strength to cope."
Mr Doszpot said his Catholic faith had been a source of strength for him.
He was "taking one day at a time", but would like to complete the four-year term.
"I'm both physically and emotionally, I think, well," he said, with close support from his family and his Assembly colleagues. "I feel that I can continue my commitment to my elected position for quite a while. All I want to do is get on with my job."
Liberal leader Alistair Coe said he wished Mr Doszpot the best during his treatment and was inspired by his "business as usual" approach.