“Had I taken my body to the doctor’s for an MOT as often as I take my car to the garage they probably would have spotted the tumour when it was the size of a pea. However, by the time I got myself checked out it was the size of a football. Like many cancer sufferers I probably missed the early warning signs; the bad back and niggling aches and pains.

Even when I noticed a substantial amount of blood in my urine it was a couple of weeks before I stopped at a drop in clinic at Waterloo station. I was referred to London Bridge Hospital for a scan where I was told it was the biggest tumour they’d ever seen.

Tim O’Brien, my consultant urologist, had the un-enviable task of telling me my survival rates for the operation were 50:50. My wife Melinda was optimistic, until Tim shared his professional opinion Melinda had feared there was no hope at all as the tumour was immense. Thankfully the operation was a success. I don’t think of myself as cured, I just keep going and feel lucky to still be around.

As soon as I left the hospital I felt beholden to do something. I asked Tim what he needed and he said money. Sixty thousand pounds to further research and raise awareness. Kidney cancer doesn’t get much public attention compared with breast, bowel or lung cancer. It’s frustrating because scientists have discovered the gene that is responsible, one that becomes deformed. It’s not a hereditary or lifestyle disease, they think something triggers the genetic damage.

There are some ground breaking discoveries occurring and we need to ensure they have the funds to make more.To say that cancer was a wake-up call may sound like a cliché but it’s true. Surviving kidney cancer caused me to have a greater appreciation of my family and the people around me. Even if I don’t show it. It’s easy to get blasé about life but post kidney cancer I feel as though I have been given a second chance, and I am determined to make the most of it.” 

James Whale
Kent