The Journey Continued – A Prostate Cancer Survivor
A retired bank employee and avid traveler overcame prostate cancer and resumed exploring the world with renewed appreciation for life alongside his wife.
OUR JOURNEYS (#AFTERTHESTORM)
Mr. Srinivas was a 68-year-old retired bank employee who had spent decades working behind a desk, carefully planning finances and securing his family’s future. Retirement had opened a new chapter in his life — he had discovered a passion for travel. Every few months he would plan a new trip with his wife, exploring temples, hill stations, and historic towns across the country. Before age catches up he wanted to travel as much as he can with his wife.
It was during a routine health check-up before an upcoming trip that his PSA was found to be elevated. Further tests confirmed localized prostate cancer. The diagnosis came as a shock, especially because he felt completely healthy.
His first concern was simple and heartfelt — “Doctor, will I still be able to travel after treatment?”
We discussed treatment options in detail, and he opted for radiotherapy along with hormone therapy. Throughout the weeks of treatment, he remained remarkably positive. He would often talk about the places he had visited and the destinations he still hoped to see. He kept a small diary where he noted not only his medicines and appointments, but also future travel plans — something he said gave him strength during treatment.
There were days when fatigue slowed him down and urinary symptoms caused discomfort, but he stayed determined. He would say with quiet optimism, “This is just a pause — not the end of the journey.”
Gradually, his treatment was completed, and his PSA showed an excellent response. About a year later, he returned for follow-up with photographs from a recent trip to the manali mountains — smiling proudly as he described long walks and early morning sunrises.
Cancer had interrupted his plans, but it had not taken away his love for life and exploration. His journeys had resumed, perhaps with even greater appreciation than before.
As a treating oncologist, moments like these are deeply meaningful. Watching a patient return to the life they cherish reminds me how fortunate I am to be part of these journeys. Seeing Mr. Srinivas continue his travels after overcoming cancer is something I consider a true privilege.