It was Marcel Proust who said that illness is the doctor to whom we pay the most heed. Everything else we work our way around. For those for whom illness is a rare thing, it is a surprise to find out just how vulnerable we all are in the grand scheme of things.
Since he was elected in 2019 for Galway City East, Cllr Alan Cheevers has been a force of energy. He threw himself into his new role with gusto. He could see the needs of the community that elected him and he took to that list of work with a determination to contribute to the betterment of life of those who live there.
I often encountered him in action; finding a corner here or there to have a meeting, to make a call; to get up early at weekends to take part in a clean-up; to do the often thankless tasks that are necessary in the world of local politics.
When he got elected, he did so in an electoral area that was already extremely competitive, but he did not shirk the tasks; he has made his mark and consequently has become one of the most active politicians in the city.
More than tired
The life of a politician is not an easy one because there is never an off switch. Especially in the role of a local councillor where there is no clock; no time where you are too busy too deal with matters; no issue that you can walk away from.
It was into this busy life that Alan threw himself when he stood for election. With such a role, it is very easy to mistake tiredness for just being that. To dismiss any medical issues as being what comes with the territory. If you were tired or feeling run down, it was because you were probably tired or run down. And to do all this on top of the normal day job as a businessman.
“Over the last few weeks my life has certainly changed. I live a busy life as a businessman and and a politician. However, for some time I had not been feeling particularly well,” he told me this week. “Over the last few months I had not been feeling great, so much so that I decided a trip to my GP, Dr Lundon was needed.
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“I just felt that my symptoms needed checking out. I found that I was going to the toilet a lot more than usual and passing blood. It certainly was a worry but I thought maybe it’s just haemorrhoids, which are quiet common. Dr Lundon, to be on the safe side, said he would arrange a colonoscopy, so I awaited my appointment with a slight trepidation.
“The appointment was arranged for September 9 and I waited, I have to say with some anxiety. I did the usual prep and went in early morning for my procedure. Now when I look back, I remember I was in some discomfort during the procedure even though I was sedated.
Tumour
“Following the procedure, my consultant came into me to say they had found a tumour on my bowel. I was shocked to say the least but they were now sending a biopsy to be tested.
“The following few days I attended hospital for MRI and CAT Scans and was told afterwards that my tumour was cancerous.
As a diagnosis, it was shocking for the busy councillor. At first, he told just family and close friends, but even that filled him with a dread, given that his family had just been recently bereaved.
“The first thing that came into my mind was my parents. How do I tell them? They are elderly and how was I going to tell them their eldest son was diagnosed with bowel cancer? Especially my Dad, as he lost his only two brothers to this disease in last 18 months. My Uncle Noel just died at the end of May this year, so it was going to be very hard for them to take this news. But they have been excellent.”
For those with whom Alan shared his news, it was also shocking. Friends and acquaintances rallied around him and bolstered his belief that he could turn this illness into a force for good. That in his position, he could highlight the dangers of this disease and of the need for vigilance.
Positivity
It was a message that he bought into. “I decided from the start that positivity was the only option and to cmbrace the reality of it. I decided to hand myself over to the experts and to do what I am told and benefit from the advice that they can give me.
This week, he began his chemotherapy with a determination that he will beat this condition and save more lives.
“As I started my treatment journey on Monday, I made a decision I was going to raise awareness and to use my profile as a public representative to ask people to go for checks, to go for bowel screening. Early detection is key to this, and my mission during my illness, is firstly to beat this and get to other side, but also to talk like I am talking today to get the message out, so that perhaps my diagnosis will save more lives and prevent people getting as ill as they might.
The popular councillor has been stunned by the reaction to the news of his diagnosis, with many people offering advice and help and encouragement to maintain the strength to get through the treatment.
“I want to say thank you very much to everyone who has been so kind with their messages and greetings over the past few weeks since I got my diagnosis.
Journey
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“My journey started this week when I had my first round of chemo. It was a long day. I got in at about 7.40 and I did not leave until 5.30. I am feeling very tired and fatigued and I will probably be like that for a couple of days.
“I got a little gift when I left, which is my chemo pump which I have to use for a few days and that will keep me going.
“The positive slant on my diagnosis is that bowel screening and bowel check is so important and I would encourage anybody who hasn’t got it done, to get it done. It is really important to do that. Hopefully, raising awareness like this will save somebody’s life or get them to go in and have a check. This is what I am trying to achieve.
“I am not doing it for self promotion. I am doing it because I am a public representative. I have a profile and if I can use that profile to raise awareness, then I will have achieved what I want to achieve,” he said.
To speak out about his condition in this manner shows the selflessness of Alan Cheevers. Tens of thousands of you will read this article, and am sure will send him your virtual energy, prayers and encouragement.
To do justice to his courage at this time, also take a minute to read the checklist in the box provided to me by Cancer Care West. If you have any of the listed symptoms, tell your GP and get yourself checked out.
To Alan, my gratitude for sitting for this article. To himself, and to all others who are going through the same process at the moment, mind yourselves, stay rested and charge up the batteries for the treatment journey ahead.
