Jim Durling
What If It Was Your Son?
Jim Durling is a family man through and through. In 2008, he faced the heartbreaking news that his brother had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, a disease his brother would ultimately succumb to. After losing his brother, Jim vowed to remain vigilant with his own screenings, and when his PSA screening numbers became elevated, Jim prepared himself to face the same diagnosis. Fortunately, because his cancer was detected early through screening, doctors were able to present him with two treatment options. Although the final decision rested with Jim, he couldn’t help but ask Dr. Goel, ‘What would you do if it were your son?’
By sharing his experience, Jim hopes to raise awareness and funds to ensure both treatment options remain accessible close to home.
Jim’s Story
At 72 years old, Jim, a resident of Windsor for many years, has built a life filled with love. This vibrant East Coast man, originally from New Brunswick, lights up when talking about his family “I’ve got a lovely wife, three kids and seven grand kids.”
Jim’s family is his anchor.
However, cancer has profoundly impacted Jim’s life. As a survivor of prostate cancer, he knows firsthand the challenges it brings. “I am a survivor of the same cancer that took my brother.” Sadly the Durling family is no stranger to this disease, as his wife Marjorie, underwent three years of treatment for Stage 4 cancer. She is currently in remission.
It’s Like Star Wars, You Know?
Shortly after his diagnosis, Jim met with his Urologist, Dr. Goel, to go over the options. Dr. Goel offered a radiation treatment plan as an option, or, Jim could undergo a robot-assisted surgery known as Robotic Prostatectomy.
“I had the choice of undergoing internal/external radiation, or a robotic surgery. That was an easy decision for me. Go with the DaVinci Xi Surgical Robot. It’s like Star Wars, you know?”
Jim’s surgery was performed using the DaVinci Xi Surgical Robot. He went in for surgery on April 2nd, and was home on April 3rd. His surgery lasted roughly three and a half hours. A short while later, Jim woke up in recovery. He couldn’t believe how well he felt considering the major operation he had just received. Jim distinctly recalls how great he felt, and was pleasantly surprised when the nurses offered him a popsicle. “All things considered, Jim felt great. “Can I have another one?” he jokingly added.
Thinking back to his treatment plan, and those who supported him, he recalls, “I’m in awe of what our local medical team can do. I’ve relied on my Doctor, my Urologist, and now my Physical Therapist to help me recover. I’m so thankful to have had my surgery here in Windsor, close to my family.”
“You’re A Lucky Guy.”
A short while after his surgery, Jim again met with his Urologist, Dr. Goel, for an update on his health. Dr. Goel shared an important update in a statement that Jim can still hear replaying in his mind. “He said ‘Jim, you’re a lucky guy. Your cancer was on the way out of the prostate’.”
Jim’s cancer was mobilizing, and could have soon spread to other parts of his body if it hadn’t been removed when it was.
Jim Discovers Key Exercise
“I discovered the word Kegel! I didn’t know what Kegel was” His lighthearted nature sheds light to something many are not aware of. After a patient undergoes a Prostatectomy, incontinence typically occurs. This happened to Jim and affects many patients because one of the valves that controls urine flow is removed along with the prostate during surgery.
During his recovery phase, Jim began working with a Physical Therapist who taught him the importance of the Kegel exercise. These exercises focus on tightening and squeezing muscles that strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. While this was all new to Jim, he’s determined to share this important exercise with other survivors.
“I will work on this, and then be at a stage where I can wear my boxers again!” Jim says with a smile.
Jim is passionate about sharing his story; from the importance of screening, to the value of family, to the techniques he’s learned through recovery. Jim believes that shining a light on these important aspects will inspire others to open up about their own challenges in life.
“I know this is something I can share from my experience. There’s nothing to be afraid of.”
Jim’s Message To Supporters
Jim Is One Of Five Grow On Windsor Ambassadors
Rod, Jim, Jill, Gemma, and George are local cancer survivors who are sharing their stories in the hopes that you’ll Team Up for Grow On Windsor. Donate in honour of an Ambassador, or register today and raise funds to support world class care close to home.