Sometimes the gifts in life come badly wrapped

Greg Vincent is extremely optimistic.  You can’t help but notice this when you have your first conversation with Greg and it’s hard to not be drawn into his positive world.  Even when life throws you a curve ball Greg can still look back and say “sometimes the gifts in life come badly wrapped”.

At 50 years of age Greg was in the habit of visiting his GP and having his usual check up’s.  On one occasion the GP commented that Greg’s PSA levels were higher than normal but the specialist he was referred to told Greg that there was no need for a biopsy and that his prostate was all good.

In the meantime, Greg’s wife had tragically lost three close family members within a very short period of time and he didn’t want to add any further stress to his wife and family by pushing the Dr for further tests or even a second opinion, he just accepted what he was told and put it on the back burner.

A year later and Greg was told “you have cancer”.

Unfortunately for Greg this 12-month difference meant that the cancer had travelled outside of the prostate and he was left with no choice but to have the prostate and surrounding nerves surgically removed for the best possible outcome.

Having your prostate removed at such a young age was not ideal for Greg and had he demanded a biopsy or even a second opinion after the initial conversation with his specialist 12 months prior then it is certain the cancer would have been a lot less advanced and there would have been more options available to Greg for treatment.

“Wearing incontinence pads and dealing with erectile dysfunction are things that I had always associated with being a lot older.  I felt like this should be happening in another 40 or 50 years and not to someone fit and healthy like me at just 51 years of age.

Being open to getting help has meant that I have been able to manage these side effects and move forward with living my life. The mortality motivation from battling cancer has definitely changed my outlook on life. It has encouraged me to architect a better future by living with more aliveness, creating deeper connections, and fulfilling meaningful pursuits”.

Greg’s message for prostate cancer awareness month is most definitely that EARLY Detection really does make a huge difference to your diagnosis.  Secondly how important it is to get a second opinion any time you feel in doubt.  Thirdly is to be open to getting help.

“There is help out there if you put your hand up and ask, and people want to help. You don’t have to be embarrassed or suffer in silence. I love that the Pink Finss is now available for men in the Hawkesbury diagnosed with cancer because it means they have somewhere to turn.  And not just the men, but their wives and partners too. I regularly attend Pink Finss support group meetings to support other men through their diagnosis and treatment.  Having a positive outlook can turn an ordinary life into an extraordinary life and I hope I can share that message to anyone who needs it”.