National Cancer Survivors Day   |20 June 2020

Jimmy Mellon selling his fruits

Jimmy Mellon: “Cancer is NOT a death sentence!”

The first Sunday of June of every year is the National Cancer Survivors Day, an international event to raise awareness of cancer, sufferers and survivors. In Seychelles, the Cancer Concern Organisation (CCA) has dedicated the month of June to cancer survivors and Seychelles NATION always supports organisations with good causes. In collaboration with CCA, we will try to bring you stories about our brave survivors and how they are coping with life.  A survivor is anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer and survived, but even survivors have lasting effects on their lives left by the cancer, and this can affect them and their family in numerous ways. It is not easy for the survivors to talk about their experience and we are grateful to those who had the courage to share their stories with our readers.

Today with the collaboration of Sabrina Fred, we bring you the story of Jimmy Mellon from La Digue. He is 61 years old and he is a cancer survivor.

Seychelles NATION: Please tell our readers who is Mr Mellon?

Jimmy Mellon: I am a very active person who loves to grow fruits and vegetables in my garden and which I sell to tourists/locals and establishments. When my harvest is in excess of demand, I choose to share with family, friends and acquaintances.

Seychelles NATION: How and when did you discover you had cancer?

Jimmy Mellon: It was around the middle of the year 2017 when a sharp pain sent me to the clinic on La Digue. At the clinic, I was transferred to Mahé for further tests. When all tests were done, I was called in, accompanied by my wife and daughter, where I was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Seychelles NATION: What where your first reactions and how did you deal with it?

Jimmy Mellon: I remained calm throughout the entire conversation with the doctor while reading out my diagnosis and what actions that needed to be taken. I cannot say the same for my wife and daughter. They were hysterical and I had to reassure them that all would be fine. I was headstrong throughout the ordeal and was always positive, courageous and always held my faith. I did not let the diagnosis put me down.

Seychelles NATION: What were your next steps?

Jimmy Mellon: After discussing with my family, we decided that I should get a second opinion. Therefore, I went to Sri Lanka and Mauritius and both places confirmed same findings.

I had my operation at the Darne Hospital in Mauritius where my entire prostate was successfully removed. I was hospitalised for fourteen days after the operation, of which three days were spent in the Intensive Care Unit. Since everything was removed, there was no need for chemotherapy.

Seychelles NATION: What has helped besides chemotherapy and medicine to overcome cancer?

Jimmy Mellon: What has helped me and continue to help me is my mindset. I believe that positivity plays a very vital role in your mental and physical health.  I am a religious person and so I pray and involve myself with the Church. I also visit and support other cancer patients on La Digue, sharing my story and advice. I am also a member of the Cancer Concern Association and I am involved with the branch on La Digue to assist other patients still battling with cancer. So by being positive and keeping myself busy has really helped me through this ordeal.

I also enjoy gardening and caring for my animals which keep me energised. Being out in my garden and with my animals is very therapeutic.

Seychelles NATION: For how long were you on medication and how long have you been cancer free?

Jimmy Mellon: Following my discharge from the hospital I was on medication for pain due to surgery for seven days and I have not been taking medication since. Regular check up at the doctors in Seychelles has shown that I am cancer free for two and a half years.

Seychelles NATION: Is there cancer in the family?

Jimmy Mellon: Yes, a few members, but I will only mention my closest relatives. My father passed from liver cancer, my aunt lost her battle against breast cancer and I lost my brother to colon cancer.

Seychelles NATION: What advice would you give cancer patients and the public in general?

Jimmy Mellon: Cancer is NOT a death sentence!!!! To get through cancer you need to be strong and positive and continue to live life. Cancer should not be at the forefront in all that you do. Yes, it is a part of who you are, but do not let it be what determines who you are and how to live your best life!

Seychelles NATION: What kind of support network did you have? How was your lifestyle affected and what was changed?

Jimmy Mellon: I had very strong support from my family – my wife, daughter and sons. Because I did not let the cancer diagnosis define who I am as a person, nothing much changed apart from having my prostate removed. I continue to live my life to the fullest. I do avoid food that are greasy or that have many preservatives and I consume lots of fruits and vegetables. As for exercise, my garden keeps me on my toes and living on La Digue, our main mode of transportation, the bicycle, keeps me in check.

Compiled by Vidya Gappy