In 2016, not long after my well received British Library talk, I was diagnosed with late stage cancer.
Bernard Rhodes 2022
My initial thought they had mixed me up with another person! The consultant sternly warned if not operated on I’ll have 3 months to live! It was total shock….Why specifically 3 months I questioned trying to get a grip of the situation. Apparently, it had spread dangerously far throughout my body, I was stage 4 metastatic. Since that day I’ve had numerous operations to my stomach, liver & lungs, some very upsetting & lengthy. I’ve endured blood transfusions, years of chemotherapy, scans, blood tests all causing much anxiety. It’s mind boggling & freaky. During this nightmare I met many medical people, a few were terrific others terrible.
I’ve experienced grown men, big tough guys, crying in fear before/after being operated on;not out of pain but a lack of identity as you cease existence as a person; you become a Cancer patient. Most drugs prescribed make us passive and demeaned. Some cause body shrinking and weight loss, others harm hair, appetite, taste & smell. People lose their dignity & self-confidence. I certainly don’t want to be treated as such…….Hence a CANCERCLASH
Although plenty of medical guidance is available plus some for faith; there’s no cultural aspect to the process or understanding & concern that its lacking. So, with the knowledge gained I’ve devised a program to share with other creative people, their families & friends providing a parallel path towards dealing with this unwanted intrusion into our lives. I believe cultural interaction is vital,together with good food & regular exercise. My theory is simple, when diagnosed with cancer it must not dominate our minds, then hopefully it will not completely destroy our bodies. Personally, I found consolation through culture. The outcome being I’m still here & looking good! Many are alarmed about the environment which is not fully in our control. However, few are aware of this equally important need, seeing 1 in every 3 of us will be diagnosed with cancer.
You're invited to join us in achieving this, with your stories, music, art, poetry, photos, short films etc.... action@cancerclash.com
You're invited to join us in achieving this, with your stories, music, art, poetry, photos, short films etc.... action@cancerclash.com
CancerClash is a
cultural marketplace
for people touched
by cancer, not to be
imprisoned BY IT.
Our intention through reclaiming words & imagery is to dynamically demystify the
world of cancer, bearing in mind every
one of us is likely to meet it somehow
either through family, friends or work pals.
The aim is not let cancer gain control to
fully destroy our lives, also explore more
humane & pleasant ways of dealing
with it….
Mindful of the amount of cancer cells
humans are producing this platform hopes to fulfil a worldwide need; in the process becoming an international interactive & creative social hub. The feedback so far has been exceptional…. These are early days of a fantastic journey…..
CancerClash is a
cultural marketplace
for people AFFECTED
by cancer, not to be
GOVERNED BY IT.
You’re invited to join us in achieving this with your stories, music, art, poetry, photos, short films etc….
action@cancerclash.com
Our intention through reclaiming words & imagery is to dynamically demystify the world of cancer, bearing in mind every one of us is likely to meet it somehow either through family, friends or work pals…The aim is not let cancer gain control to fully destroy our lives, also explore more humane & pleasant ways of dealing with it…. Mindful of the amount of cancer cells humans are producing this platform hopes to fulfil a worldwide need; in the process becoming an international interactive & creative social hub. The feedback so far has been exceptional. These are early days of a fantastic journey…..
CancerClash is a cultural marketplace for people touched by cancer, not imprisoned by it.
Every time I enter a medical establishment hopeful & happy, its dour decor, graphics and outdated formal procedure cause anxiety and concern. Entirely the opposite of what’s required. The place is filled with skilled/dedicated people having costly layers of inept management.
Our intention through reclaiming words & imagery is to dynamically demystify the world of cancer, bearing in mind every one of us is likely to meet it somehow either through family, friends or work pals…..The aim is not let cancer gain control to fully destroy our lives, also explore more humane & pleasant ways of dealing with it…. Mindful of the amount of cancer cells humans are producing this platform hopes to fulfil a worldwide need; in the process becoming an international interactive & creative social hub. The feedback so far has been exceptional…. These are early days of a fantastic journey…..
