‹ Back

Prostate Cancer - Reflections

 

As another year draws to a close, it’s time for reflection and thinking about the past 12 months. This is quite a common process for most people but even more so for those with a cancer diagnosis.

 

Just over 3 years ago I was told I had very aggressive Prostate Cancer that had spread to other parts of my body. To say that this was a life changing moment is an understatement. On diagnosis it was made clear I had ‘significant’ cancer.  On seeing the shock and I have to say terror on my own and my wife’s faces, my assigned cancer nurse took us both into an adjacent room and told me ‘to make memories’. In those few minutes my world imploded and life went from rolling along quite nicely to all four wheels coming off.

 

I don’t remember getting home that day or the following hours or even days. I felt I was having an out of body experience. I recall looking out of my bedroom window and seeing people and cars going by and had the feeling that I was no longer part of their world. I felt isolated, that I had been removed from society.

 

I started to go through the motions. Going to bed, getting up, eating. Thoughts turned to family and friends - we needed to cancel social arrangements made and what on earth would we say to our children? How would we tell them, what would we say? I soon realised that cancer doesn’t just affect the person with the diagnosis, it has a big impact on family, friends and loved ones.

 

Looking back now, three years on, the only way I got through the first few months was because I had to. I had no choice even though the world was still spinning and I had definitely got off. While I knew I was firmly in my own world, I had the frightening thought that I would never get back into the real ‘normal’ world, a world I was desperately missing.

 

I went into my treatment in a bit of a haze. I remember telling my oncologist I didn’t want chemotherapy. Not that I knew exactly what it was, just that it sounded really bad! I was told straight that I needed an aggressive treatment plan to try and help manage my aggressive diagnosis. Months of gruelling treatment followed and I gradually learned how to live with my ‘new normal’ life. I felt I was fighting the disease and doing something positive about my situation. Due to the support of amazing friends I was going into each treatment session and doing it not only for me but also for them. They definitely helped carry me through the dark times of which there were many.

 

So, three years on, I never dreamed I would be where I am. I was made to feel I wouldn’t be here at all. It's not all roses of course, I'm still on treatment that has very unpleasent side effects, but the last 12 months have been full of adventure and positivity. I went on a dream trip of a lifetime with my wife and kids, visited Europe with my wife and toured the Baltics with an old school friend.  I will never forget a trip to Chicksands bike park with fellow Pedaller Paul. Two old guys rocking up to steep trails and jumps totally unprepared. Having spent as much time on the floor as on the bike we laughed and nursed our bruises most of the way home! I also cycled 140 miles down the Normandy coastline and D Day beaches with the fantastic Prostate Pedallers. What a trip that was!

 

Along with adventure I met some amazing people; people who give up their spare time to help others; people who show strength and positivity in the face of adversity both at the Ribbon Cancer Support Group and the Prostate Pedallers. I never would have thought that these groups would be part of my life, after all they are clubs nobody really wants to be a member of! But now I’m in I wouldn’t ’t change it for the world. It is so comforting and rewarding supporting and being supported by people with shared experiences.

 

One of the highlights of the year was being asked to talk to a group of patients in Stevenage. So I pulled my thoughts and some slides together and prepared to talk to a small group of people about my cancer journey. It will be in a small room and nice and intimate I thought. With a week to go I was told that over 300 people had signed up to the event! The interest in and awareness of Prostate Cancer was reassuringly very high due to extensive media coverage and celebrities such as Chris Hoy discussing their diagnosis and prognosis and campaigning for screening.

 

To be able to talk to such a large group of people about my last three years and also the RCSG and Prostate Pedallers was such a rewarding experience. People approached me at the end and I could feel the connection and the warmth from men who had been through similar ordeals. I was told that the fact that I was living my best life despite the disease was a positive story and was giving hope to the many sufferers in the room.

 

What made the event even more special was that I was joined by Jim and Paul, two fellow Prostate Pedallers and good friends having roomed with them in France (you only really get to know people when you’ve spent the night with them!). The Pedallers showcase everything that you could want from a support group; positivity, openness, support, friendship. And we must not forget exercise - something that can be overlooked but is so important at any stage of life but even more so when you are fighting a Prostate Cancer diagnosis.

 

We have had new members join the Pedallers this year and they have been surprised how quickly they feel like an important and valued member of the group. Some are getting to grips with diagnosis and others who are experiencing toxic treatments. The group has an enormous amount of experience from how to deal with the emotions of diagnosis to the effect on loved ones and to the multitude of treatments available. There is always more to learn and the group provides first hand insight and tips and tricks to help you through your cancer journey.

 

If you have a Prostate Cancer diagnosis or just want to find out more about the disease then don’t hesitate to get in touch. You won’t regret it and you may even end up on one of our fantastic ride outs or trips abroad!

 

So, 2024 has been a great year in many respects and 2025 looks like another great 12 months ahead. Prostate Pedaller cycle rides, Peak District hikes, ride outs, our annual June France trip and Alford Arms hike, more travelling overseas and playing football to name just a few lovely things. It's so important to have targets and things to look forward to!

 

I've just got back from a hugely enjoyable five mile walk around Ashridge Forest followed by coffee at The Bakehouse with fellow Pedallers Jim and Marko. I need to remove the plastic bags from my feet (!) so I will sign off by saying Seasons Greetings to all , Happy New Year and Happy Pedalling to all my fellow Pedallers!

 

Andy

Proud Prostate Pedaller