Man Up to Cancer Man Up to Cancer

On this solo episode of the Man Up to Cancer Podcast, I read from Chapter 5 of my book, "Open Heart, Warrior Spirit: A Man's Guide to Living with Cancer."
This chapter is all about how some very special people in my life helped me redefine the definition of courage in my fight against cancer.
Here is an excerpt:
Cancer tried to drown me.
It was a cold river that rose up far above the banks, plucked me from my pleasant dreams, took me down into the raging current, and smashed me again and again into the rocks.
I choked and flailed and blacked out. I cried out for mercy, for the sake of my wife and kids. I pleaded with the universe, Mother Nature, or whatever gods might listen.
In the early portion of 2019, after my Shawshank moment with Sarah, while I was reaching out for help, I still felt like that frantic swimmer swept up in the ice-cold water whose only instinct was to fight like hell against the current.
I thought if I swam hard enough and long enough, I could get back upstream, back to safety—to that place before cancer.
That’s when another helper came into my life, with the right guidance at the right time. Technically, Kate was my physical therapist. I began seeing her for hands-on therapy to help alleviate the pain from my surgical adhesions and the 12-inch scar from liver surgery and smaller scar from colon surgery.
In truth, Kate is a healer in the best definition of the word. She bonds instantly with people going through trauma and knows what they need. She does talk therapy while providing manual therapy, and she is insanely intuitive.
“Trevor,” she would say, “you are fighting so hard to go back upstream. I want to help you see that you can’t get back there. You are in the current, and your only option is to stop struggling and face downstream. I know it’s scary, I know you didn’t ask for this, but there is no going back to your life before.”
The truth of her words were clear, even while I kept flailing. But I continued to protest.
“I think I can turn downstream, but I’m struggling with my shame,” I told her. It was the shame that was relentless. At that time, I was convinced that all cancer patients, except for me of course, handled their diagnosis and treatments with grace and courage. You know, those 5K runners and top fundraisers. They were all crushing it. And here I was, debilitated, leing my family down.
“I’m a mess. I’m failing them,” I told her.
“You’re being way too hard on yourself. You’re not going to be able to understand this now,” she said, “but you are exactly where you need to be.
“Courage doesn’t always look like what you think it should look like,” she said.
And then she told me a story.

One of the coolest and most exciting things happening for Man Up to Cancer for 2023, going into our fourth year, is the growth and development of local and regional chapters for our community.
These chapters are creating connections where guys who live near one another can meet up for a coffee or a beer, or go to a ballgame, or dinner, or even rally resources for members and their families who need help.
Each chapter has a private chat group, and their own version of the MUTC logo. With the chapter system, guys can get the best of the community online, and then also have that in-person experience that really takes friendships to a whole new level.
Today's episode features three men who are playing central roles in the local chapters.
Don Helgeson of Nanaimo, B.C., Canada, is a member of the Man Up to Cancer leadership team, and is our Meet-Up Coordinator. In this role, he is overseeing the development of the chapters.
John Bradley and Brandon Martin are leaders of the Colorado chapter of MUTC, one of the first chapters to come together in 2022.

There have been a lot of changes since the launch of Man Up to Cancer and our Howling Place Facebook group three years ago.
The world faced a health pandemic. Governments faced instability. Tom Brady went to the Bucs and got dumped by Giselle.
But one thing hasn't changed: A lifelong friendship between myself and the one and only Joe Bullock of Durham, N.C.
It's a friendship that has endured the ups and downs of cancer, and the stresses and joys of trying to create a brand new cancer support community for men.
Joe is the community manager for MUTC, and lead admin for the Howling Place group. I'm the luckiest guy in the world to have him on board.
On today's episode, we reminisce about the beginnings of MUTC and discuss where this movement is headed in 2023. And of course, we share some laughs along the way.
KFG Joe. I love you brother!

We're baaaaack....
The OG co-host, Kelin Welborn, turns the tables and interviews me about my independently published book, "Open Heart, Warrior Spirit: A Man's Guide to Living with Cancer," and the past, present, and future of Man Up to Cancer.
Founded in January 2020, MUTC has grown to include:
The Howling Place Facebook group of 2000 male cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers from around the worldContent (podcast, website, social media, email)Annual retreat - The Gathering of WolvesChemo Backpack Program 15+ regional chapters
After taking a break from the podcast in order to write the book (September-December 2022), I'm fired up to get back in the saddle and bring you engaging conversations this year. With guests from all corners of #cancerland, my goal is to serve up a weekly mix of entertainment, education, and uppercuts that hit you right in the feels.
Got an idea for a guest or topic? Email me at trevor@manuptocancer.com

My reflections on cancer and hope.
Thanks for listening. Love to you, #cancerfam

Today on the Man Up to Cancer Podcast!
Meet my friend Chris Taylor from Albany, Georgia. Chris was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2010, and he has gone through multiple radiation and chemotherapy treatments. He is a beloved member of the Man Up to Cancer community, and is one of 18 Wolfpack Leaders from across North America.
Chris is a U.S. Navy veteran, artist, and a proud gay man. This guy lives his life without apologies and he doesn’t have time for BS.
I hope you check out our conversation about coping with side effects, his artwork, mental health challenges, and how being gay has colored his cancer journey.
#KFG