Surrey patient shares lifesaving cancer journey, for International Men’s Health Week | News

When a Surrey man received a life-threatening bladder cancer diagnosis, he wanted to do whatever it took, to stay alive for his wife and children.

Martin Archer from Farncombe was given a second chance at life after an eight-hour robotic-assisted cystoprostatectomy at Royal Surrey, where surgeons took away his bladder and prostate gland.

The 66-year-old father now lives cancer-free with a stoma bag, and as part of International Men’s Health Week 2023, he shares his story to reassure others going through the same diagnosis.

Martin said: “Royal Surrey’s team of experts gave me a second chance at life.”

It was following a GP check-up for bladder pain and blood in his urine that Martin was urgently referred to Royal Surrey.

A swift consultation saw him having a cystoscopy, a procedure where a camera looks inside the bladder. Viewing this on a screen, Martin described a ‘deep-dive into a colourful underwater world,’ not realising it was a cancerous tumour that would require a full bladder removal.

Whilst the prospect of undergoing such major surgery was daunting, Martin felt reassured by the clear and expert advice provided by consultant Matthew Perry and his team.

Bladder cancer patients have a choice of two main reconstructive techniques in their treatment, with 93% of people opting to have their bladder removed completely, and others having a new bladder created for them using tissue from the gut.

A strong family history of prostate cancer meant Martin was advised to have a cystoprostatectomy, where the bladder is removed along with the prostate gland. This intensive yet innovative procedure took around eight hours to complete, assisted by cutting-edge surgical robots, using minimally invasive keyhole surgery.

Royal Surrey is one of the only single-site Trusts in the UK to have three state-of-the-art da Vinci Xi surgical systems, which have transformed surgery times, removed the need for lengthy open surgery, and improved the overall patient experience.

Reflecting on his experience, Martin said:

“The technology is incredible. I was able to look at the robots and watch videos to understand the surgery. It was amazing to think that same technology was going to help save my life, through just a couple of small holes on either side of my tummy.”

The next step on Martin’s road to recovery was to have his urinary system rebuilt using part of his bowel before surgeons created a small opening in his stomach, known as a stoma, over which he now wears a bag to collect urine.

Wearing a stoma bag took some getting used to, but the nursing staff at Royal Surrey were always on hand, in person or over the phone, to support Martin whenever he needed it.

The expertise, insight, and care given by the Urology team, means Martin now lives cancer-free and hasn’t let the experience prevent him from enjoying the finer things in life. He still walks, cycles, volunteers for the National Trust, and goes for all-important pints in the pub with friends.

Bladder cancer is the 11th most common cancer in the UK with men accounting for 73% of all UK cases, according to Cancer Research UK. It is therefore crucial that men feel comfortable to come forward with symptoms and talk about any health concerns with their GP.

To reassure men who are facing the same procedure and to support their wives and partners, Martin volunteers as a patient advisor at Royal Surrey, a role that brings him great satisfaction.

Martin said:

“It’s a great way to give back, and it’s really important for men to talk openly about their health, without feeling ashamed about procedures that result in a slightly different way of life.”

Of his experience at Royal Surrey, Martin said:

“I have tremendous gratitude to the consultants and nursing staff at Royal Surrey and I feel so relieved that such a team exists. They are a Centre of Excellence for robotic-assisted surgery and they work collaboratively from the top down, to achieve the very best outcome for the patient.

“My family and I will always be grateful that they gave me a second chance at life.”

Robotic technology for cancer surgery is constantly evolving and continues to impact patient success rates, with many more people living active and fulfilling lives as a result. Royal Surrey is now one of the top three Trusts in the country in terms of the number of robotic-assisted prostatectomies carried out, as well as being a national leader in the field of robotic surgery.

International Men’s Health Week runs from 12 – 19 June 2023 and is a national awareness campaign encouraging men to focus on their physical and mental health. Click here for more information