Ending Movember on a positive note, prominent Richards Bay doctor Karl Schilz shares his inspiring success story about overcoming rectal cancer and talks about preventive measures that should be taken seriously by all men.
With a long list of accomplishments, all of which he had planned and drafted at the age of 13, Schilz always knew what he wanted.
After leaving school he joined the navy for a year, studied medicine at Pretoria University, built a practice in Arboretum from scratch, started a family and assisted renowned surgeon Rex Henderson for 30 years as an anaesthetist.
But in 2009, nothing could have prepared him for the sudden shock of being diagnosed with stage three rectal cancer.
‘I found out only a few days before my wife’s birthday, which was terrible, but there was no time for much contemplation,’ says Schilz.
‘I revised my testament and had a six-and-a-half hour operation before starting six weeks of radiation and six months of chemotherapy.’
The treatments proved successful to the immense relief of Schilz, his wife Mary and five children.
‘My family’s support, good doctors and my faith in God helped me through the ordeal, but I also believe that it’s enormously important to stay positive and believe in your recovery when you’re facing cancer or any other serious disease.
‘It’s still like a dark cloud over me whenever I have to go for my check-up every four to six months, but I stay mentally strong.
‘I truly believe that negativity and stress is destructive to your overall health.’
Karl’s advice to men is to adopt a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
‘Men, especially from the age of 50, should also go for blood tests for prostate cancer and a scope for colon cancer every five years.
‘And if you smoke, stop immediately,’ he says.
‘Smoking is the worst thing you can do and you will regret it when it’s too late!’
