Philip's Story in Portlaoise

Philip O’Brien is a mechanical engineer by trade, working for almost 40 years in the trade. However his life changed drastically after getting treatment for cancer. He shares what he learned along his journey and how volunteering has helped him.

“I got throat cancer in 2008 at 58 years of age. I was a smoker in the past. I had 40 fags a day for 40 years. Then I did everything, chemotherapy, radium and then I got the all clear after it was done. I used to drive from Dunlaven to work every day, then drive from Navan to Saint Luke’s hospital and then do radio therapy and come back and work every day. Then I got the all-clear one weekend. It was only after the weekend started and I had trouble again.Going from working all my life to not working was a big adjustment, especially for my brain to handle. I worked hard, made great money, and I had a new BMW every two years. I went up because it was pre-emptive and they wouldn’t let me out. I was there for 3 months. They thought I was going to die. And after nearly dying in the bed, it made me realise to live for the moment and want to give back in some way.

They removed my voice box.I couldn’t eat, I had to be fed through a tube. I went down to seven stone at one stage. I didn’t know they thought I was going to die til after only my family knew, they didn’t tell me. But I have a good sense of humour, and I said I’m not going to let the cancer take me over. Giving up work nearly did my head in. I’d go to radium after work. But when this all happened I couldn’t work at all, after the operation it just wasn’t possible.They inserted a valve into my throat after all the treatment. The valve fell out so I went down to the doctor and he said “I don't know if it’s air that still makes you talk. Your speaking valve fell out, how the hell are you talking?!” he laughs. I shouldn’t be able to talk. I’m defying science!

I don’t take life for granted in anyway anymore. I don’t jump in and rush into anything. When you see sick kids in James’ hospital it made me appreciate that there’s always people worse off than you. I’ve lived a life really in comparison and it made me appreciate life more. I didn’t want to die but these children hadn’t that opportunity.

Laughter is the best medicine. I’m a messer, I love to have the craic with people who come in. I’m made LOADS of friends, LOADS of friends. People will come in, even if it’s just to say hello, not even just in the shop but on the street. After getting over the cancer, my attitude became more positive and I believe it was my attitude that helped me through the cancer. I learned not to take life so seriously, I appreciate life so much more. I need to have a laugh, so working here is great for me, we have great fun. I intend to work here as long as possible. I enjoy meeting people, and giving back to society. And after nearly dying in the bed, it made me realise to live for the moment and want to give back in some way.”