stephen stratton
stephen's page
Fundraising for Cancer Research UK
Story
I have always enjoyed cycling and over the last few years I have become more interested in keeping fit, which led to regular visits to my local gym, and have always considered myself to be fit and healthy. However, Just before Christmas 2008 all of that changed and on the 15th Dec 2008 I was diagnosed with an "Epitheloid Angio-Sarcoma" in other words cancer! I like most other people thought cancer is something that happens to other people. I am fit and healthy "what the hell"
My tumour, although a high grade type of tumour, was treatable. But the proposed treatment was life changing: three months of chemo therapy followed by a radical operation to remove my bladder, bowl and my prostrate in one big lump, then possibly followed by radiotherapy!
Chemo went ok. The first course of drugs was the worst, having been able to walk into hospital; I was wheeled out in a wheelchair! The rest of the chemo was not as bad and more manageable, and the drugs worked well! So well in fact that my tumour had shrunk by a third after only two sessions and the pain which I had been experiencing for months had gone, completely! Chemo was a complete success; my tumour had been shrunk to nothing!! So the surgery was cancelled, and all I had left to do was to complete 38 radiotherapy treatments in Southampton, a walk in the park my comparison!!
My final scans have given me the all clear, which has been the icing on the cake and myself and my family will be forever grateful for the wonderful care I received in Southampton hospital! This was not an easy time, but fortunately for me I had great support from my family especially my Mum and Dad, who have recently moved down from Kent and my Dad has finally taken retirement!! Also mention for my auntie and uncle who helped out so much putting Mum and Dad up on their many visits to Poole.
I have also had great support from some very good friends and would like to say thank you to Vicky Head for your support during this tough time. Thanks also to Phillip Savill, Lynne Wilson, Martin Prouten, Paul James, everyone at Swanage and Wareham Ambulance Stations. A special mention to Alistair Simpson for the huge support that he gave me.
"So this cycle ride is an opportunity for me to give something back, without the care and support I received things could have been very different. To all those involved in my care, I thank you. For those of you who may follow in my footsteps, be strong, and be positive. Cancer can be the beginning of life, not the end of it!!"
My tumour, although a high grade type of tumour, was treatable. But the proposed treatment was life changing: three months of chemo therapy followed by a radical operation to remove my bladder, bowl and my prostrate in one big lump, then possibly followed by radiotherapy!
Chemo went ok. The first course of drugs was the worst, having been able to walk into hospital; I was wheeled out in a wheelchair! The rest of the chemo was not as bad and more manageable, and the drugs worked well! So well in fact that my tumour had shrunk by a third after only two sessions and the pain which I had been experiencing for months had gone, completely! Chemo was a complete success; my tumour had been shrunk to nothing!! So the surgery was cancelled, and all I had left to do was to complete 38 radiotherapy treatments in Southampton, a walk in the park my comparison!!
My final scans have given me the all clear, which has been the icing on the cake and myself and my family will be forever grateful for the wonderful care I received in Southampton hospital! This was not an easy time, but fortunately for me I had great support from my family especially my Mum and Dad, who have recently moved down from Kent and my Dad has finally taken retirement!! Also mention for my auntie and uncle who helped out so much putting Mum and Dad up on their many visits to Poole.
I have also had great support from some very good friends and would like to say thank you to Vicky Head for your support during this tough time. Thanks also to Phillip Savill, Lynne Wilson, Martin Prouten, Paul James, everyone at Swanage and Wareham Ambulance Stations. A special mention to Alistair Simpson for the huge support that he gave me.
"So this cycle ride is an opportunity for me to give something back, without the care and support I received things could have been very different. To all those involved in my care, I thank you. For those of you who may follow in my footsteps, be strong, and be positive. Cancer can be the beginning of life, not the end of it!!"