It’s been just over six months now since I wrote my initial article on my own health journey and with Movember now well underway I felt it time to provide an update.
My initial cancer diagnosis back in February now seems like a very long time ago as there have been many other things taking over my life, positively.
Since April I have been through six weekly immunotherapy treatments followed by a biopsy which identified further high grade tumour polyps in my bladder. It was explained to me that this may be new growth or have been remnants of the original tumour which were missed — obviously I hoped for the latter! As a result, I was prescribed three further weeks of treatment.
Now all of this takes time. Between each course of treatment and subsequent check is a wait of about six weeks. If nothing else, this process has taught me to be extremely patient! It’s just over six weeks now since I went in for my latest biopsy. The good news is the surgeon found no new growth and nothing visible that warranted a biopsy. The down side was she now wanted me to undertake a further course of what they term ‘maintenance treatment’.
I wasn’t told how long the maintenance would be but assumed it was another three weeks of fun. When I received the call from the Oncology team to book in, I was shocked to learn that my maintenance treatment was now a once a month event for the next twelve months. Well that was kind of a blow to the system! For several days I felt defeated that the journey was now going to be extended by a further year…not what I wanted to hear! As the days passed, I slowly let it sink in. I spoke with Michelle and the boys along with my very understanding boss, and it all fell into the thoughts of ‘it’s only twelve sessions’.
What I’ve learnt about this treatment is how much it actually takes its toll on the body. Firstly, the anxiety and stress of actually going through it — I’m not going to lie, catheterisation is not a pleasant experience, and the after effects of treatment are becoming cumulative. For those of you who have experienced cystitis, the day of treatment is effectively that all day…on steroids! After that, because I am being given a dose of live BCG vaccine (used against tuberculosis), the immune system kicks in the next day and I then get flu like symptoms for some days after that.
On the positive side I’ve had a great year keeping my mind busy. I have finally finished my Graduate Certificate in Business Administration that I started through Surf Life Saving Australia’s leadership pathway, and which I sank plenty of time into (thanks for your patience Michelle). Work has certainly been busy and challenging, and not forgetting my role of President of this wonderful Club which has allowed me to have many conversations with many awesome and supportive people. Add to that normal home life with my eldest son Josh going through his ATAR ‘experience’ and my youngest Aron choosing his subjects for his upcoming year 11 journey. Life has been busy but extremely rewarding.
Anyway, my first two monthly treatments are now complete with the next two booked in, followed by my next check in January…not my preferred birthday present, but necessary!!
The point of my message is this. In what has now been termed men’s health month, if I can save one person, help someone face their health fear or just simply start a conversation about something that is troubling them, then I’m glad to have shared my personal story. There are others going through much worse than me, and those who have already endured something and come out the other side. It’s easy to tell someone you’re there for them to help but how many of us actually ask for that help when we need it? Men especially are extremely stubborn, and some feel it a weakness to seek help or advice from others. With this message I’d like to challenge that and say it’s ok to speak out.
My own contribution to Movember is to take part and raise money to assist in the support of men’s health, much to the disgust of Michelle who hates me with any facial hair! It’s only for 30 days in total which is a very short time in the scheme of things. My ask of you is to support your fellow Club members who are participating this month and we’ll check out the mo’s on Friday 29 November.
Alistair Cook
President
