When my urologist told me in 2012 that in 10 years, we'd be looking back and laughing about the whole episode, I really didn't believe him. He's a great guy - don't get me wrong - but there was absolutely no way he could predict that I'd be alive in 2022 after having taken out part of my bladder, my cancerous urachus and belly button. And yet, here we are!
On February 7, 2012, I was diagnosed with urachal cancer. I woke up after surgery with a few questions: Was it serious (yes), was it readily treatable (no), and how long do I have left. With help from my brother, friends, family, and some smart doctors, I decided on a treatment that I hoped would give me the best chances of longer term survival. How long? I had no idea, and figured I’d take it one year at a time, hoping to get a good 5 years. 10 years later, I’m feeling great and living my best life with my amazing family and friends!
Following treatment, Alissa pushed me to get on my new bike and ride 1 km, then 2km, etc. By the fall of 2012, I decided to sign up for the 2013 Ride to Conquer Cancer with my friend Jason. A few other friends joined and our team of 12 raised quite a bit of money. We called ourselves Bikus Urachus. 12 years later, and having raised $2 million, funding a research project on urachal cancer, and buying a DNA sequencing machine for the JGH, we are riding again!
Please support me with a donation to honour my 12th ride.
Phil
www.urachalcancer.com