I Got Help To Deal With Cancer. You Can Too.

Hello, and thanks for visiting this website about cancer help.

After having cancer 3 years ago and being lucky enough to survive, I wanted to create an information site about cancer help that would benefit others sufferers and their families by offering straightforward information in an easy to read fashion. From my own experience, the one thing that I noticed more than anything, (and I believe this is true with all types of cancer) is that the first person to come to terms with having this illness is the cancer sufferer. For family and friends, it comes even harder.

Let me tell you my story briefly.

One night whilst in bed, I noticed a small lump on one of my testicles. It was only about the size of half a pea. Although I was embarrassed and nervous, I told my girlfriend and went to see the doctor the next day. My doctor had a look and told me that he believed it was a cyst. He gave me some antibiotics and told me to see him again in a couple of weeks if the lump was still there. I was relieved until about 4-5 days later when the lump was more than twice it's original size. At this point I was quite worried.

I phoned the 'out of hours' doctor who asked me to come and see him. Within minutes of examination he sent me straight to my local hospital. I knew then that I had cancer, (although no-one had actually said this). I was given lots of very undignified tests including an ultrasound and various other scans and within a week I had been given an operation to have my testicle removed. It may seem strange but because everything happened so quickly I didnt have time for things to sink in so I didn't even think to ask about cancer help and what assistance was available. So, my brush with cancer was over before I had a chance to think about it. OR SO I THOUGHT...

After my operation, I was told that I had a 40% chance of the cancer coming back and was given the option of chemotherapy. I couldn't face going through that unless I really had to and so I decided to just wait and see what happened. Everything was great, I was back at work and had virtually forgotten about it until 5 months later when I went for one of my check-ups. After my usual tests and scans I was called into a patients room and sat down. The doctor tried to break it gently to me that the cancer had spread to my stomach. Before she could give me any more information I had to leave the room, I was very dizzy and felt really sick. I couldn't believe it! I had convinced myself that I was over it. After sitting with my head between my knees for a while I was taken back into the room. They explained to me that although my chances of survival were incredibly high, I would need a course of chemeothreapy treatment for 3 months, and check-up's for 10 years afterwards. The chemo' would start 1 week from that day.

Despite the initial shock, I accepted my fate fairly quickly. I started my chemotherapy and although it made me very ill, I stayed cheerful and just let it all happen. My girlfriend on the other hand was distraught. She put on a very brave face but I could tell it was eating her up. She was still going to work and trying to do everything for me as well. I tried to convince her to ask about cancer help and also to go out with her friends at least once a week to take her mind off things, but i'm not sure it helped. Seeing me lose my hair and getting so ill affected her health also. My other family and friends came to see me all the time, and although the outlook was good I could tell how worried they all were.

I was always optimistic, but I knew my girlfriend and others close to me were finding it difficult to cope. This is where the numerous support groups came in. They are very good at helping not just the patient, but their family and friends also. They were always ready to listen and offer advice. My illness was also a financial strain because we were reduced to only one wage but one of these support groups helped here also. They gave a donation towards my rent to help relieve the pressure a little.

Well, 3 months on and my chemotherapy was over. It felt like a life time and it was then that I realised how lucky I was. Everyday during my treatment I saw and spoke to people who knew they weren't going to survive long term. What amazed me was how they were always talkative and cheerful. It was truly amazing. I remember asking the nurses and carers how they came to work everyday to look after people who they knew were dying. They told me that although this was true, they were helping to make the rest of their lives as comfortable as possible.

3 Years on and I am all better, but my illness was a life changing experience. It made me realise what's really important in life. If you are a sufferer or close to a sufferer, then please don't be afraid of finding out about cancer help. You will be offered great advice, help, or even just someone to talk to. All the cancer support groups have volunteers that are truly amazing people and really can help with the emotional and physical problems that cancer can bring. Most of the volunteers have experienced cancer either personally or by being a relative of a cancer sufferer. I remember during my treatment, there was one lady who was 84 years old! she came in everyday just to make patients and visitors cups of tea and offer biscuits etc. She was one of the most remarkable people I have ever met! I found out that her husband had died of cancer 20 years ago and she had been a volunteer ever since. Getting advice from these people is not like seeing a lawyer or a even a doctor. You can tell that they really care about you, and knowing that will give you the courage keep going what ever is thrown at you.

Fortunately, cancer survival rates are much higher now than they used to be, and statistics are improving all the time. I am well aware that if I had got testicular cancer 10 years ago, I probably wouldn't be here making this website today.