July 20th 2023.
Seven years ago, Conor McNish-Lane, 32, received a shocking diagnosis - he had a cancerous tumor the size of a melon in his chest. He was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare type of cancer typically found in children and teenagers.
It all started when Conor, who was 25 at the time, received a blow to his side during a football match with journalist colleagues and decided to go to the hospital for an X-Ray. The results showed the tumor in his chest. He immediately thought: “How is it even possible to survive something like that?”
Following six cycles of chemotherapy and six weeks of continuous radiotherapy, the tumor was reduced to the size of a fat strawberry. Doctors removed parts of four ribs, along with the tumor, and inserted a life-lasting mesh into his chest. Conor was told he was cancer-free.
Unfortunately, in May 2022, Conor received the devastating news that the cancer had returned, this time in his pelvis. Doctors gave him a life expectancy of around a year. He says: “When you first hear you have cancer, and you don't know anything about it, it’s devastating and shocking.”
Facing his diagnosis head-on, Conor got engaged to his partner, Helena, in Tuscany and married her in April 2022. This year, the newlyweds have travelled the world together and have ticked off Athens and Iceland.
Now, Conor is taking each day as it comes and is currently on a daily oral chemotherapy drug, as well as having regular scans to monitor the cancer. He is trying to buy as much time as possible and is living and working well-past his initial 12-month diagnosis.
Conor is also working with Macmillan to help more men talk about cancer. He says: “I do think men struggle to talk about cancer. You could say men in older generations maybe were taught to have a stiff upper lip and not to be too emotional about these things. You know, put your best foot forward and just deal with whatever it is.”
Conor is now involved in Macmillan’s Find The Words campaign, which encourages men to open up about their experience of cancer and reach out for support. He adds: “Sometimes your fears might be brushed aside, but it’s very important that you do investigate anything that doesn’t seem right.”
He believes in living life as best as he can with cancer: “Nowadays, I believe in living life as best as I can with cancer.”
Conor’s story is a reminder to speak out on any concerns you have and your worries. And if you suspect something might be wrong, it’s much better to investigate it.
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