‘Cancer: gives you new awareness of life'

Phil Rogers of Liberty, Missouri, has a new outlook on life post-cancer.

“I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in the fall of 2013 and completed radiation treatment in the following months that same year. The cancer is well under control now, and the physical impact has really been minimal. I have experienced a few minor side effects from the treatment, but they are certainly tolerable considering the alternative that I was facing.

“I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2013, and, prior to that, my stepdaughter was diagnosed with breast cancer. In both cases, we got multiple medical opinions regarding treatment options before making a decision. In my case, my options focused on radiation versus surgery, so I got at least two opinions on each option, then went back to my primary physician to discuss what I had learned and get his opinion as well.

“I went to the Bloch facility at KU Med on Rainbow for all of my treatments. The staff there was absolutely fabulous, and I not only felt like I was treated as family but I also had the chance to visit with numerous other patients who were going through treatment at the same time.

“Being a cancer survivor, I can say that my life has changed dramatically, and yet, at the same time, the impact might be barely noticeable to others. Facing the thought of ‘what might happen’ gave me a new awareness of the life that I am blessed to experience daily. Little things that previously went with barely a glance are now noticed with a new importance. Friends and family are cherished just a little bit (or a lot!) more deeply. Empathy for others has definitely been heightened immeasurably. There may be a few ‘emotional downers’ from time to time, but, overall, the rewards I have gotten from the experience have made me feel like a very lucky man!”