Positivity is key to living with cancer

A Blackwood man with terminal cancer has become an unlikely star of television and radio.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd May 2018, 11:55 BST
Updated 22nd May 2018, 11:56 BST
Paul Meisak and his wife Bridget are still making memories a year after he was told he had a year to live having been diagnosed with terminal cancerPaul Meisak and his wife Bridget are still making memories a year after he was told he had a year to live having been diagnosed with terminal cancer
Paul Meisak and his wife Bridget are still making memories a year after he was told he had a year to live having been diagnosed with terminal cancer

Paul Meisak called into the Nicky Campbell’s show on Radio 5 last week during a discussion on living with a terminal disease.

He made such an impression on listeners that he was invited back on the show and has since appeared on Radio Scotland, Reporting Scotland and STV2.

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Now Radio 5 are recording an ongoing documentary about Paul’s life as he organises his funeral, meets with oncologists and chooses his hospice.

Now Paul, who was told last May he had a year to live after prostate cancer mutated into lung cancer which also affected his spine and spleen, is determined to use the publicity to inspire others to live positivity with a terminal disease.

He said: “I shouldn’t be here now but I’m still alive and determined to make the most of that, I try to live with a positive attitude that seems to have resonated with people.

“We never think we are going to die, and to get the news at 56 is a bit of a shock, but it is all about how you react to it.

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“I was very fortunate when I was given the diagnosis, I accepted it, don’t get me wrong I’ve had really bad days, going through chemotherapy was hell, but for the most part I’ve been able to manage the pain and continue to make memories with my wife Bridget.

“I’m sure some people just want to shut themselves away, but I decided it was better to open up as when you open up to people you find they open up to you and I’ve been very grateful for all the support and care I’ve received.

“I can’t believe what has happened in the last week, I just decided to call Radio 5 because I felt I could talk about my experience , I never expected it to lead to what it did, it’s been quite a whirlwind.

“This is not the end, it’s just the beginning, I’ve been told I should now have many months left and if I can use that time to lift the gloom for others in a similar situation it will be time well spent.”