by David Harrison

Created on: April 23, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

CANCER the FEAR

Reaction when told you have cancer will very. This is an account of my reaction, which I hope will help others, to fight back to recovery and the enjoyment of life again.
Things changed for me when I was 29 years old, my temperament began to change noticed by others, but reluctant to admit to it. I started to loose weight, became lethargic no interest, lacked ambitions. Things just seemed too much trouble.

My wife and family started to worry, insisting I visit the doctor, something I was reluctant to do as I very rarely went to the doctor, after constant pressure from the family; I gave in and went to see him.

The doctor's examination revealed a lump in my right testicle. I told him it had been there about six months, pointing t the foolishness of this action I was very silly for not coming to him earlier, which I now know was correct, I was referred to a hospital for an appointment to see a specialist.
While waiting for the appointment, I continued working in Leeds as a sales manager for an office equipment company. The effort required to get to work became harder, and harder.
On the 17th October 1968 ..I collapsed and was rushed to Leeds General Infirmary, after examinations the doctor said I needed an emergency operation to have the lump removed from my testicle. If it was not operated on quickly, then the chance of recovering was slim, as it was an advanced state, of testicular cancer.
My life seemed to end there and then, what was the point of living, would I ever recover, these thoughts going through my mind, made me apprehensive and unsure about things.
I recovered from the operation, and was told that I would be admitted to a Leeds Cancer Hospital, for radiotherapy and chemo, which meant a two week stay in the hospital. I was not happy at this thought. Eventually I was called for treatment feeling week, and dejected I went to the hospital for my first treatment, the treatment meant me having radiotherapy every day except Sundays for a fortnight. I decided that staying in hospital was not on, If I was going to suffer I wanted my family around me, my request to go home after the treatment, was rejected at first, the staff said I would not be able to maintain the travelling between the hospital and home a distance of about 20 miles. After repeated requests and people offering to drive me home, my request was allowed, with the proviso that I would be admitted if the staff felt there was any danger to me, I just wanted to be with my family.

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