My Movember - My Cancer Story

It was important to me to share my personal cancer story throughout November 2018. Thanks to everyone who listened. More information is on www.bernhardkerres.com

Five years after my cancer I met someone who once was a close friend. A difficult and emotional conversation.

Many have asked if my life changed after cancer. And yes, it has. My new „normal“ is mich richer and wärmer than the life before.

Following the hormone imbalances and in the aftermath of all cancer treatments, depression hit. I found my own way of dealing with it and keeping it at bay.

It took me a long time and a lot of courage to publicly share my cancer story. I wouldn’t have done so without the encouragement from my daughter. I still fear it might have an impact on future job offers. But I hope that this podcast helps to raise the awareness for health issues and to contribute to us caring more.

Dealing with a cancer patient in the family isn’t easy. It is challenging for all the people loving and caring for the patient. Still, we need to pull all our energy together, push our fears aside, and give love and compassion.

Following my cancer therapy a regime of quarterly checkups followed. Easy to schedule and to do but always with a big psychological impact.

One long term result of chemo therapy is the sudden need for sleep. Even five years later it happens from time to time that I simply need to take a nap. Ten to twenty minutes and I am fresh again.

When you had surgery called semi-castration there will come the moment when you are concerned about your sex life. Luckily my cancer didn’t impact on my sex life.

Recovery took time. And after the whirlwind of surgery and chemo therapy these were the first days I was forced to reflect on what happened.

After chemotherapy I tried to recover. It took quite a while. And I found out that top restaurants do not cater to vegans even on Valentine’s Day....

Going back for another round of chemo was tough. But I learned much more about real friends than ever before.

When the chemo therapy substances hit my body I was knocked out. Difficult days.

It was time to find another oncologist. And then, I did chemo therapy.

I was ready to have my first chemo-therapy when the oncologist basically gave me the option between green and brown. How should I know? Listen to the experience of my first chemo.

Three months before being diagnosed with cancer I founded HELLO STAGE, the classical music community. What do you do as a founder and entrepreneur when being hit by a severe illness? Luckily I had an amazing friend and a great team.

After my cancer surgery I spent relaxing days with my wonderful family. Also, an example of how another family helped a cancer victim within themselves.

Cancer became personal to me a few month before my diagnosis. I spoke at a TEDx conference and there was Susi speaking about her cancer story. She became a hero for me. And still is. Look up www.fick-dich.at

A surgery called semi-castration does not necessarily raise a man’s confidence level. But it had to be done.

The weekend following my cancer diagnosis in December 2013 was the time to speak to family and friends. The hardest was taking to my daughter.