Talks

Cancer You Are Messing With My Head!

This is a talk based on my book, Ripple in Still Water

Ripple in Still Water.
When there is no pebble tossed
Nor wind to blow

Welcome dear reader.
This is not the usual book about cancer.
This is not my cancer diary or even my blog.
It is not a textbook about cancer treatments.
It is not a list of natural cancer remedies.

Cancer has effects other than the physical. Its ripples go much further.
I wanted to explore how my cancer affected my thoughts and emotions.
This is a collection of short stories and observations on those ripples.
I was genuinely surprised how much of an effect the cancer and the treatments had on my emotions and so on my life.

I didn’t set out to write about my cancer.

I’m a private person, not known to share emotions. Ask my wife!
I am inviting you to experience some of these ripples.
Welcome to my world.

Lastly, This isn’t as an orgy of introspection. I hope it might give you an insight into how others you may know with cancer are feeling.

The titles may also assist.

• Alone;
• Haunts of Ancient Peace;
• Homebound;
• Hope;
• I Am;
• Me and my bike;
• My Grandfather The Kilted Tommy;
• My Son;
• Orina;
• Sometimes I break down;
• The coffee shop;
• The Days between;
• The Dog;
• The Hamsters Ball.

I read 3 or so stories and engage with the audience.

This has been done for a Rotary group.

It has also, in 2021 been performed live at the Wandsworth Arts Festival, and by Zoom at The Brighton Fringe Festival, and the Ludlow Fringe Festival.’

A beginners guide to prostate cancer

I talk to my audience about my history with the cancer, how it was diagnosed, the tests, the operation, the further therapies required, the side effects and how I tried to deal with them.

I talk about how it affected my family and friends and work and my mindfulness.

I don’t talk about other treatments and don’t give medical advice of any sort.

I just talk about my experiences and talk about how they might be coped with.

I hope to engage the audience in a discussion, and send them home with the idea that they are not alone, that other people have been in the same position and that there is hope.

Reviews

Simon’s talk to our club opened a window on what it’s like to have cancer from a non medical view point, the human side of how the diagnosis and treatment changes interactions with friends and family. Importantly, for us as listeners, it gave us an opportunity to consider how we can do our best when speaking with friends and family who have a diagnosis.  Simon’s talk was also a pertinent reminder that the best time for us all to check for cancer signs and symptoms is now.

Steve Root, Speaker Secretary, Rotary Club of Canterbury Sunrise.  May 2022