Javier's story: Maggie's is part of my treatment now

At 71, I knew I was at the age where I might be at risk, so I took a PSA test, which led to an MRI then a biopsy, which showed I had stage 3 prostate cancer.

I was so shocked. I kept thinking, ‘What’s going on here?’ Then I had to go for a bone scan to see if the cancer had spread.

Between the moment I was told I had cancer and the moment I was given the result of the bone scan was the darkest time of all. It was nearly a month, and I was hardly sleeping. I kept Googling my symptoms, which made my worries even worse, and I lost nearly a stone in weight.

I was overwhelming my partner Vivienne with all my worries, and it just wasn’t fair on her. She’s been my rock through everything, and I love her too much to put all my anxiety on her, so I decided to come into Maggie’s.

As soon as I arrived, the centre head welcomed me in and I started crying. It was just the uncertainty of what was going on. The place was beautiful and I felt so comfortable that I wasn’t embarrassed to cry.

Together we went through my treatment options and she told me about the different courses Maggie’s had to offer. Finally, I started to relax.

When I got the good news that my cancer hadn’t spread, I came straight back into Maggie’s to let them know. I’ve been coming to the centre ever since.

Cancer can take away a lot of your choices, but Maggie’s gives you the power to decide what you’re going to do about it.

I’ve started hormone therapy now and I’ve been on a stress management course and some mindfulness sessions at Maggie’s, which have helped me learn ways to stay calm. I’ve also been on a course to help prepare me for radiotherapy so I’m ready for what might happen.

The courses have helped me realise something important: cancer does not define me as a person; it's something I have. I can still get on with my life and carry on with some occasional work as a retired journalist.

Walking group

The biggest help for me has been the walking group. It’s the highlight of my week. The first time I came along, I was welcomed with open arms. Now, I look forward to it every week. It’s not just good for your health to walk; the group keeps you in good spirits too.

On the walks, you know you're going to meet people who will not judge you, who will not criticise you, who will not laugh at you. They’re all going through it too, so they understand you. Often, they inspire you. Sometimes, by sharing your experiences, you can help them as well.

It’s good that we’re all in the same boat, because you can talk about anything that’s on your mind without feeling like, ‘Oh, I’m boring this guy.’ They want to hear you and you want to hear what’s happening with them.

When I go to bed the night before the walking group, I go to bed happy because I’m looking forward to tomorrow.

Maggie's is for everyone

I’ll be starting radiotherapy soon and I’ll definitely carry on coming to Maggie’s. I often come in if I’m feeling funny about something and need a chat, or if I just want a quiet moment to read a book. You can say anything at Maggie’s, it’s a safe space. It’s a place that actually makes you feel better.

Life without Maggie’s would be difficult, not just for me, but for my partner too. Vivienne has come to some of the courses for support and when I have a gloomy face or start worrying about something I’ve seen on the internet, she knows I have a safe place to go to. Taking away some of that stress helps both of us.  

I want everyone to know that Maggie’s is there whenever you need them. Anyone who has cancer, has a relative with cancer or has lost someone to cancer – basically anyone who’s had cancer in their life – needs Maggie’s.

They will support you and help you adapt to your new circumstances. They will accompany you on the journey you’re taking, no matter how hard it is. Maggie’s is part of my treatment now.

Everyone should be told about Maggie’s from the first moment they’re diagnosed with cancer. I found out what Maggie’s does by accident, after I spotted an orange leaflet at the bottom of a pile I’d been given by the hospital. It’s annoying that I wasn’t sent there straightaway.

Maggie’s has made a huge difference to me, but what if I’d never found it?

Everyone should know that Maggie’s is there to help you.

We’re here with you

Our cancer support specialists, psychologists and benefits advisors are here for everyone with cancer, and all the people who love them. 

• Come and see us at your nearest Maggie’s
• Call us on 0300 123 180 or arrange a callback
• Email us at enquiries@maggies.org