25 Responses

1. Hi all,

   A few of you know that I have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and this week has been my last week of training prior to some surgery. Apparently surgery will keep me out of the action for a month or two (we’ll just have to see about that).

   The reason for this message is to offer some thanks and to remind people to take their wellbeing that little bit further by getting their regular health checks done as they get that little bit older. Training hard and eating well doesn’t always keep the nasties away. Although most of us will know someone affected by cancer I’m not sure we take into account it is likely to affect many of us in our own lives at some point and catching it early will save a lot of grief!

   In my case I had no symptoms of cancer. I didn’t think I had been healthier in my life than in the last two years. The only reason I got checked was due to my ten year older brother having had prostate cancer diagnosed in 2013 and my mother telling me to get checked (Thanks Mum). It was a simple process of getting a blood test and this showed an elevated PSA level. Off to the specialist and then the phone call after the biopsy to say I had cancer (Must say that I have had better days).

   Although I had a health check about three years ago when I turned 40 it didn’t show anything to be concerned about. Like many people I avoided the Doctor. If I wasn’t sick I didn’t see a reason to go to the quack. After doing some reading I discovered that family history of prostate cancer greatly increased the risk of getting it. Only after having a talk with Mum did I come to know that my uncles had a history and the illness that Dad didn’t talk about was also prostate cancer.

   In short, get your medical checks, make yourself aware of what checks are available, know your family history and let your Doctor know about that history. I hope someone will come up to me and say I have prompted them to get checked out and they can confirm they are fit and healthy.

   Initially I didn’t want to tell many people what was going on, I was glad I ended up telling my work colleagues and a few people at the box because they offered the support that I think I was seeking in the back of my “male” mind.

   I have a few people to thank for their support over recent months. The most important has been my wife, Cheryl. She has stayed positive and didn’t let me fall into a bad place when I was heading that way. She knew exactly how to handle me and I think that speaks volumes for our relationship.

   I want to thank Drummond and the team for getting me in great shape to tackle this little problem I am faced with. Training at CF42 has been rewarding on multiple levels. I have become healthier in body and mind. I am a more positive person as a result of the culture created in the box by the staff and everyone who walks in the door.

   I’d like to thank Boves for organising an entertaining afternoon the other day at Salamanca. Thanks to Rob S for the support and staying that little bit in front of me on the WODS so I can keep trying to chase him down. Thanks to the many people I train with and who offer support and friendship each day.

   And a last little thanks to that voice I constantly hear call out my name when I’m struggling in a WOD. I don’t always know who the voice is but I can say it is always a welcome sound.

   See you all soon!

   1. Great write up Terry. I am sure those wise words will prompt many a crossfitter to go and see their doctor more regularly.

      As RobS has already stated SMASH IT mate and I cannot wait to see you back at the box.

      All the best.

      1. Fine words Terry, and good luck with the recovery!

   2. All the best Terry. Look forward to seeing you back at the box.

      1. Don’t rush yourself mate, we will see you back at the box soon enough.

   3. Thinking of you Terry. You bring so much positive energy to the box and are always encouraging everyone around you. Hope to see you soon. Xx

   4. Good luck T-Rex. You’ll be missed around the box during your recover, heal fast so you can back in an keep smashing mate.

2. Smash it mate.

   1. All the best mate…

3. Love your positivity and message to others Terry. You’re amazing! Make sure you pop in for a chat and a Nicho nespresso! Xx

   1. totally agree! Thanks for sharing a great message – rest up, then get back into the box to say g’day – big Rob S needs a counter motivator

      1. that was DJ – Han totally agrees though and wishes you a speedy recovery

4. I will be praying for you x

5. Well said mate!

   See you soon!
   And another sneaky Sunday session when your up for it! Haha

6. You are an incredibly man Terry. You should be proud of yourself and everything that you have become. You’re all too right I’m regards to health checks, being fit and healthy is no match for cancer. Look after yourself, you’re more inspiring than you realize. X

7. Stay positive Terry!
   Will be thinking about you over the next couple of months. I’m sure you’ll be back stronger than before, but take your time and be patient with your body.

8. Thoughts are with you Terry x

   1k swim – 29min (mostly arms, minimal lower back/legs)

9. The way I’ve seen you hit those WODs, I never would have known anything was wrong mate! All the best with the recovery!

10. Will be keeping you in my thoughts next week, Terry. Stay strong-kick cancer’s arse!

11. All the best mate and a speedy recovery

12. Get well Terry. Look forward to seeing you soon at the box.

13. Great work Terry, good luck mate and look forward to seeing you back soon fit and healthy with the all clear. I’ll be booking in for the blood test soon, better than the finger apparently.

14. So sorry to hear that Terry! I hope to see you again soon and take good care of yourself, I’ll miss seeing your smiling face xxxxx

15. Speedy recovery Terry, all the best.

16. That is really crap Terry. Thinking of you and your family. Good luck with the op, and looking forward to seeing you back at the box.

    Leandra