Survivors Stories!
I had a radical prostatectomy a few years ago, and since then have undergone a six week course of radiotherapy and investigations re. bladder problems. I’ve been attending the gym twice a week for nearly two years now, and the benefits are many. Improvements in my physical fitness are definitely noticeable with improvements in muscle tone and some loss of weight. I am sure this has assisted significantly in my post-operative recuperation and certainly motivates me to keep going. The supervision and advice from Steve Winnan really helps in developing an individual exercise regime which in my case has gradually increased in scope. One of the unexpected benefits has been the growth of friendships amongst the regular gym members – most of whom are men “of a certain age”, who often meet afterwards for coffee etc.
Patrick
Prostate Cancer
Steve has for several years worked in co-ordination with Cornwall Hospital Treliske in enabling a facility for those who have undergone cancer treatment. His diligence, and organisation has been second to none, and has adopted a sympathetic approach to fitness. He does not push, but advises the best fitness tasks suitable. All of this he does with a cheerful approach, and concern.
Ian
Prostate Cancer
I was diagnosed with stage four tonsil cancer (HPV) infection in March 2018 and underwent 6 weeks of aggressive daily radio therapy and 6 weeks of chemo therapy. Although I get the welcome "all clear" in September, the months of inactivity (coupled with an unwelcome bout of sepsis) meant I had severe muscle wastage and a lack of general fitness and weight loss. Steve prepared me a custom based programme aimed at building up muscle base and increased general fitness and the benefits are remarkable. Not only have I put on weight in a controlled manner, my muscles have toned right up. I'm now back playing golf twice a week and even winning some money. My golfing pals now refer to me as Lazarus!
Sid
Tonsil Cancer
Story of a survivor.
“Jeannette, the bad news is that you have cancer, the good news is that I can do something about it.” Not the best news in February 2007, but not the worst.
A week later the wonderful Mr Olidepo saved my life and suddenly I am a cancer survivor.
It is impossible to describe the time between surgery and the news of the extent of damage done by this voracious beast inside one…1b2 seemed ok when I finally got the details and was told I needed no further treatment. At that time I wondered why? Were they saving on the radiotherapy… everyone knew you got that and chemotherapy after cancer didn’t they… so why not me?
Womb cancer is rare. It affects young people sometimes, but mostly is targeting the postmenopausal women who are overweight and thus pumping out more oestrogen to target an already ripe lining of the womb for women whose periods have lasted for more years than others and for whom certain other risk factors have come into play including a genetic predetermination.
Have you ever heard older women complain about being dumped as new readers/presenters? There being no good parts for most older women actors etc etc, well when I researched all about my type of cancer and just what it would mean to my working life, my sex life and, and my life… i.e. would I still be here… I realised just how little is mentioned about this type of cancer and figured old women, once again, were not mainstream preference.
That fired me up. I hate being ignored!
Swimming was my recovery mode; loving the freedom of one length of the pool after the other; pushing off the side of the bath and feeling the swish of water on my face and loving that my body still performed. Slowly at first, and then as time went on I challenged everyone else who swam; they didn’t know it, but I was racing them, racing for my life. I had to shed weight, I had to find time for exercise, and I had to have time to just come to terms with what had happened.
I was getting ready to return to work and planning the future as I swam, and coming to terms with it all. Remembering how much I loved swimming as a school child, I figured I could do a sponsored swim and this led to me asking for support from the various churches in the area where I preached and soon £800 was raised for Cancer Research UK and I realised that I could do more.
My race for life always had a logo ahead of me as my target. I dreamed that one day we would make a difference re womb cancer in the same way as the breast cancer girls had. The ubiquitous pink ribbon is everyone and I dreamed of an aubergine one for womb cancer.
Jeannette - Pants Founder
Womb Cancer