Paul, United Kingdom

The cancer journey can be bumpy and rough, and that is what I’m trying to get across with this painting which is one of ten paintings being displayed at the ‘United by Unique’ art exhibition at the Oglesby Cancer Research Building this month (Feb 2025).

I was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer with malignant spinal cord compression in July 2023 having lost all movement from the waist down.  The cancer is in my lungs, spine, adrenal gland and prostate.  Surgery to relieve the pressure on my spinal cord, repair damage caused by the tumours, along with palliative radiotherapy and chemotherapy have helped me regain movement and relief pain. My spine is now held together by rods and pins L1-T11.

While I am stage 4 and the cancer is life limiting; held in some stasis by drugs, that is not stopping me living as full a life as I can. This has included taking up painting and creative endeavours. 

The painting I am holding is bumpy and uneven, deliberately imperfect, and represents the uncertainty that comes with a cancer diagnosis, it is rough and tough.  Cancer changes you physically and emotionally.  The road is either going uphill or downhill depending on how you see it. 

While my life may be shorter than I ever expected, life is for living – so please all, live the best life you can.  Friends, family and a supportive community make a massive difference, celebrate them 😊