'Now I want to live again'
An inspirational Shercock resident, who battled penile cancer four years ago, is set to undergo reconstructive surgery in a specialist operation in London today (Saturday).
Dubliner Paddy Archbold owes his life to the medical team that saved him in 2012 and he will put himself in the hands of doctors once again this weekend in an operation that will last between 10 and 12 hours. Paddy travelled to the UK yesterday and will have to remain in London for at least 10 days. He will require at least two more procedures at three-month intervals to complete his reconstruction.
Brave Paddy is using his experience to warn other men of the importance of having regular checks to detect this rare form of cancer - affecting just one in 500,000 men - and other diseases.
“Not too many men of my age get it. I was 49 years of age when it happened. You can’t have radiation or chemo for this form of cancer that I have. I had an operation to remove the cancer and I am now healthy again,” GAA fan Paddy told the Celt.
“As a result of that necessary surgery, my quality of life is poor and when I go to Croke Park, I endeavour to get premium tickets because there is easier access to the bathrooms. I do have leave five minutes before halftime to get out to the toilets. As I said to the doctors, 'I’m delighted to be alive, but now I want to live again’,” he added.
The operation will be carried out in a private hospital in the Highgate area of London.
“The fundraising committee [locally] have already sent over £30,600 for my operation – the first of three surgeries,” revealed Paddy.
“This first surgery is essentially reconstruction work. Currently I have to sit down to go to the bathroom. I have lived with it, but it can get you down now and again,” he continued.
Paddy saw the operation being performed on the programme 'Embarrassing Bodies’ and notes that surgeons can achieve amazing success now.
Fabulous
Paddy met his wife Attracta from Shercock while they were both working in America in the early 1990s and the pair were married in 1994. The couple have two sons, Brian and Glen.
“The community spirit and atmosphere down here in Shercock and hinterland is just fabulous. They have raised over €80,000 for my procedures in London in the space of two and a half months. People from all over Cavan also donated and friends from Dublin and New York and different parts of America and Australia,” said Paddy.
The fundraising committee was driven by Sean Clarke, Peadar Mohan and Martina Brown.
Get checked
Paddy has not missed an All-Ireland featuring the Dubs since 1974.
“I’m having my operation on this Saturday – the day before the All Ireland. I am hoping the anaesthetic wears off because I want to wake in time for the Dubs playing Mayo. I hope the hospital has Sky – if not, the RTÉ player will have to be activated,” he said.
Paddy is really blown away by the amount of well-wishers sending messages and cards and having masses dedicated for him.
“Some people may be embarrassed to talk about this condition, I’m not. I would say to any men out there to get themselves checked out, if they suspect anything is wrong. There are too many stubborn people six feet under – your health is your wealth,” concluded Paddy.