Tim, from Ilfracombe, had major surgery after being diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer. He said the ordeal was life-changing but also life-giving, and has been helped by meeting other men with similar experiences at the Fern Centre.
This is Tim’s Story…
I was originally diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer in 2019 and during a major operation, the skilled surgeons removed my large bowel, bladder, prostate gland and my rectal passage. I now have two stomas which manage my body waste. It was life changing but also life giving.
Thankfully I’m now five years cancer-free, but life after cancer can often leave you wanting more answers. There’s no better place to look for answers than within a group of other men who have experienced many similar feelings.
The men’s support group at the Fern Centre offers a safe space to meet others and share our experiences. Shared knowledge is useful. Some people feel the need to express their concerns about life, while others tend to find it helpful just to listen. There’s never any pressure to get involved, it’s just about supporting people who feel they need a little support.
From within the group I’ve learnt many interesting things about other forms of cancer, not just male-related cancers but cancer in general. I’ve found it interesting listening about other people’s mindsets with regards to living with or after illness.
Hearing about how other men have tackled the situations that they’ve found themselves in is very uplifting. It gives hope.
– Tim, Ilfracombe
No one should have to struggle through something as frightening as cancer feeling alone and the Fern Centre can offer that flicker of light in a sometimes dark and worrying world. It really is good to talk and share.
