#104 Cancer, Cravings and Community

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.   - Watch the VIDEO of this episode by joining our tribe today at www.GarryTalks.com -   Please follow Garry Talks on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.   Please follow GKMedia.ie on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and TikTok.   Most importantly – please subscribe to this Podcast.   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 physical discomforts. Radiation Treatment (00:23:27) Alan explains the radiation treatment process and its side effects compared to chemotherapy. Surgery and Stoma Bag (00:24:49) Alan discusses his surgery and the challenges of adjusting to life with a stoma bag. Life with a Stoma Bag (00:25:04) Alan shares his experience managing a stoma bag, including practical challenges and support received. Reversal of Stoma Bag (00:26:50) Alan talks about his recent reversal surgery and the ongoing recovery process. Causes of Bowel Cancer (00:28:02) Alan discusses various factors that could contribute to bowel cancer, including diet and genetics. Impact on Financial Stability (00:29:31) Alan reflects on the difficulties faced in obtaining a mortgage due to his cancer diagnosis. Cancer Survivorship and Mortgages (00:30:59) Alan highlights legislative efforts to prevent discrimination against cancer survivors in mortgage applications. Business and Financial Security (00:31:41) Alan discusses his business stability and financial security during his cancer treatment. Long-term Renting Challenges (00:32:14) Alan explains his long-term renting situation and aspirations for homeownership post-cancer. Emotional Struggles During Recession (00:33:22) Alan reflects on his emotional challenges during the recession and how they compare to his cancer journey. The Nightclub Experience (00:33:53) Alan discusses his long history in the nightclub business, including his work at Central Park. Celtic Tiger Era (00:34:24) Garry and Alan reflect on the vibrant nightlife and economic boom during the Celtic Tiger period in Ireland. Alcohol Addiction Journey (00:35:34) Alan shares his struggles with alcohol addiction while working in the nightclub industry. Defining Addiction (00:36:23) Alan describes his inability to function without alcohol and how it consumed his life. Living with Addiction (00:37:04) Alan recounts his routine of drinking before, during, and after work, highlighting the insanity of his addiction. The Illusion of Control (00:39:04) Alan compares his experience with a friend’s hidden drinking problem, emphasizing the facade of moderation. Types of Alcoholics (00:39:41) Alan discusses the different types of alcoholics he observes, including social drinkers versus solitary drinkers. Decision to Seek Help (00:42:44) Alan explains the moment he decided to seek help for his addiction after hitting rock bottom. Support from Friends and Family (00:43:49) Alan describes the crucial support he received from friends and family during his recovery journey. Life After Sobriety (00:44:11) Alan reflects on his life post-addiction and the surprising path he took into politics. Political Journey (00:45:35) Alan shares how he got involved in politics and the fulfillment it brings him. Health Issues in Politics (00:46:27) Alan discusses challenges faced in his political career related to his health issues and candidacy. Disappointment in Politics (00:49:03) Alan expresses disappointment over being overlooked for candidacy due to his health status. Political Alignment and Personal Experience (00:50:19) Garry discusses the impact of Alan's cancer experience on his political alignment and approach to helping others. Addressing Health Privacy (00:51:03) Alan expresses concern over the handling of private health matters in political contexts. Housing Challenges (00:52:13) Alan highlights various housing issues faced by constituents, including affordability and accessibility. Cost Rental Projects (00:53:06) Discussion on upcoming cost rental projects aimed at providing affordable housing options in Galway. Long-Term Lease Model (00:54:06) Alan explains the long-term lease model for housing, inspired by practices in Germany and Austria. Affordable Housing Developments (00:55:16) Plans for social and affordable housing developments to help young couples and families. Quality of Housing Construction (00:56:28) Garry critiques the quality of recently built social housing, drawing parallels to past construction issues. Market Dynamics in Housing (00:57:12) Alan discusses the challenges faced by middle-income couples in the current housing market. Economic Concerns and Employment (00:57:34) Garry raises concerns about reliance on multinational corporations and their impact on the economy. Foreign Investment and Workforce (00:58:54) Alan emphasizes the importance of a skilled workforce in attracting foreign investment to Galway. Infrastructure and Commuting (00:59:45) Alan stresses the need for improved infrastructure to support employee satisfaction for multinationals. Life After Cancer (00:59:57) Alan shares his transformed outlook on life following his cancer diagnosis, valuing each moment.