In this episode of "Garry Talks," host Garry Kelly interviews Alan Cheevers, who shares his journey of being diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2021. Alan discusses his initial symptoms, the diagnosis process, and the emotional impact on himself and his family. He emphasises the importance of regular health check-ups and the support he received during treatment. Alan reflects on the challenges of chemotherapy and surgery, the shift in his perspective on life, and his advocacy for men's health awareness. The episode underscores the significance of community support and the need for open conversations about health issues.
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Timestamps by PodSqueezeIntroduction and Diagnosis (00:00:00) Alan discusses his diagnosis with bowel cancer in 2021 during the COVID pandemic.
Initial Symptoms (00:00:51) Alan describes the early symptoms he experienced, including bloating and passing blood.
Seeking Medical Advice (00:02:12) He shares his decision to visit his GP after noticing concerning symptoms.
Blood Test Results (00:02:26) Alan mentions his blood test results were normal, despite his ongoing issues.
Importance of Regular Checkups (00:03:09) He reflects on men's health awareness and the need for regular health checks.
Colonoscopy Procedure (00:03:28) Alan recounts undergoing a colonoscopy to investigate his symptoms further.
Receiving the Diagnosis (00:04:01) He describes the moment he was informed about the tumor and possible cancer diagnosis.
Emotional Impact (00:04:53) Alan shares his shock and concern for his father's reaction to his diagnosis.
Family Concerns (00:05:33) He discusses the difficulty of breaking the news to his family, especially his parents.
Genetic Factors (00:05:48) Alan reflects on his family's history with cancer and its impact on his diagnosis.
Feeling Vulnerable (00:06:48) He shares feelings of vulnerability and fear regarding his health and future.
Support Systems (00:07:36) Alan talks about the support he received from cancer care organizations.
Treatment Plan (00:08:11) He outlines his treatment plan, including chemotherapy and surgery.
Understanding Stage Three Cancer (00:08:16) Alan explains what stage three cancer means in his case.
Timely Intervention (00:08:45) He emphasizes the importance of early detection in his cancer treatment.
Chemotherapy and Surgery (00:09:36) Alan describes the chemotherapy sessions and subsequent keyhole surgery.
Post-Treatment Recovery (00:10:24) He shares his experience of being cancer-free after treatment and regular scans.
Informing Parents (00:10:29) Alan recounts the emotional conversation with his parents after his diagnosis.
Father's Reaction (00:11:11) He describes his father's shock and support during this difficult time.
Addressing the Diagnosis (00:12:16) Alan explains how he planned to confront his cancer diagnosis head-on.
Trusting Medical Professionals (00:12:38) He discusses the importance of relying on his doctors for treatment.
Genetics and Lifestyle Factors (00:13:24) Alan reflects on the unpredictability of cancer, regardless of a healthy lifestyle.
Advice for Supporting Others (00:14:10) He offers advice on being compassionate and supportive to those diagnosed with cancer.
Friendship During Treatment (00:15:07) Alan shares his bond with a friend who also faced cancer, highlighting their support for each other.
Remembering a Friend (00:15:59) He reflects on the loss of his friend Darla O'Connor and their shared experiences with cancer.
Awareness and Gratitude (00:16:42) Alan expresses gratitude for surviving cancer and emphasizes the importance of raising awareness.
Impact of Diagnosis (00:17:41) Alan shares how his article inspired others to seek medical checks after his diagnosis.
Taking Action for Health (00:18:03) Garry encourages listeners to take immediate action regarding their health and schedule check-ups.
Chemotherapy Experience (00:19:47) Alan describes his chemotherapy sessions, including the process and the communal experience in the ward.
Coping During Treatment (00:20:14) Alan discusses how he kept busy during chemotherapy, focusing on work and community engagement.
Hair Loss and Acceptance (00:21:06) Alan recounts losing his hair due to chemotherapy and reflects on his acceptance of the situation.
Side Effects of Chemotherapy (00:22:02) Alan details various side effects he experienced during chemotherapy, including physica
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