My Cancer journey 16 years ago
Routine Check
Some would say it is personal; I believe it is part of my journey, my experience, my setbacks and my success.
October is Cancer Awareness Month. I want to share my experience when I was diagnosed with cancer in 2005 during a routine checkup. I was lucky as it was in its early stages; the doctor told me the news and said we have to remove your right testicle. Being a positive person, I immediately agreed and got it removed a month later. March 28, 2005, while taking my last shower before admission, I told myself this is the last time I have two. I rejected the doctor’s recommendation to undergo Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy. Instead, I monitored my situation every three months as I was keen on having another child.
Moving forward
Post the orchiectomy, I felt energetic for a few months, when I started having post-traumatic stress. I overcame it when my wife told me she was pregnant. That gave me my confidence back, and life carried on. That was in March 2006. In August 2006, during a routine CT-Scan, the doctor diagnosed two new tumours next to the liver and the pancreas. I was hit by a train, knowing at the time that the situation may deteriorate rather quickly if it is positive. The questions were:
- Is it malignant?
- If it is, what were the treatment options if any, given the proximity of the tumour to sensitive organs,
As my wife was due to deliver, the collection of the amniotic sac will provide stem cells that could help in the treatment. That turned to be not a workable option, as the Sac bank felt it did not meet their standard. I was overwhelmed. Oh my God, what can I do now to secure a better future for my wife and two kids, if ??? So many questions went through my mind. I may have a few months left!
On the other hand, maybe God has a different option! I had to undergo two operations to extract a Biopsy to determine the situation. Finally, I got the results; it is a non-malignant tumour.
Life restarted
Life has changed for me; I need to change the way I am approaching things in life, especially on the financial side to secure a better future for my wife and children.
I faced a lot in my life that has shaped my mindset, some right luggage and some trash to offload. But when you face death, and I did several times, the learning and the action you get out of it is unique.
So what’s my learning; things are thrown at you in life, deal with it. Stay positive; it will make you stronger. Going down the, sorry for myself route, doesn’t solve anything. I have to face the truth and work on potential scenarios, what if? and think of possible solutions. It is all about having the right mindset on a personal and professional level. Fight the disease, stand tall, eat healthily, drink lots of water, exercise and reflect. (Reflection could be prayer, yoga, meditation; anything that will improve your mental health)
My Advice
My advice would be; fight for your own sake, your existence, then for others, no matter how important they might be. It will be much more relevant and meaningful.
I am writing this article to support a friend of mine that is suffering from a similar situation. Don’t lean on your excuses, be a Warrior, maintain the energy, and have better results.
In the future, I will share other stories I had, in the meantime, feel free to comment, ask questions, and I will share with you my Story.
Conclusion
Never give up. Stay safe.
