Footy legend reveals cancer battle that saw doctors give him as little as six months to live

Geelong legend and former captain Michael Turner has opened up about his battle with pancreatic cancer, which left him with just six months to live.

Despite a frightening initial prognosis, Turner managed to overcome the odds and is now looking forward to returning to his beloved pastime: surfing after a challenging year.

The Geelong Team of the Century winger and 25-year-old Geelong Falcons boss' journey began in January when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just as he was coming to terms with the loss of his mother.

Faced with a bleak prognosis of six to twelve months, Turner confronted his condition head-on, determined to fight for survival.

The battle included undergoing the complex Whipple procedure, a nine-hour surgery similar to an organ transplant, and undergoing twelve rigorous rounds of chemotherapy.

“They removed half of my pancreas, my gallbladder and part of my intestines,” he said News Corp.

“Besides, they cut out some of my veins, and then they cut a hole in your stomach, took you back the other way, and stuck your pancreas into your stomach so you don't get diabetes and you can digest it in your stomach. food.'

The physical toll was heavy: Turner lost 30 pounds (16 kg) and struggled with basic activities like eating.

His once robust physique was reduced to a shadow of its former self, a stark contrast to the athletic figure he maintained throughout his football career.

'I have never been afraid of death. What I'm afraid of, and what I've lost during those ten months, is my quality of life.' said Turner.

Turner received the devastating diagnosis this year and was given just six to 12 months to live

It's been a courageous battle for the Geelong great, who has undergone surgery and chemotherapy to beat the disease

He spoke candidly about preparing for his own funeral during the darkest of times, highlighting the heavy emotional strain he endured.

Despite these challenges, Turner, now 69 years old, bravely persevered.

His wife, Karen, was involved in a serious car accident at the time, adding an extra layer of misfortune to their already difficult journey.

While Karen recovered from her injuries, Turner continued his battle against pancreatic cancer, facing the debilitating side effects of chemotherapy.

Turner described his chemotherapy experience as introducing Roundup (weedkiller) into your system, causing extreme fatigue, digestive problems, altered taste perceptions and overall discomfort.

Realizing the toll it was taking on his body, Turner opted to take a month-long break from treatment to regain his strength before completing the remaining chemotherapy doses.

After completing the full twelve rounds of chemotherapy, Turner received recognition of his achievement. His blood cancer count, initially 700, had dropped dramatically to 25, which marked a significant improvement.

The football community rallied around Turner and helped him and his family during his treatment

Turner knows there is a good chance the cancer will return, but he would like to spend more time with his family and the surf.

While Turner acknowledges the potential risk of recurrence of pancreatic cancer, he remains grateful for the opportunity to regain his lifestyle and cherish moments with his family.

Looking forward to returning to the surf and celebrating Christmas with his grandchildren, Turner is a true embodiment of triumph over adversity.

'I'm getting my life back, my lifestyle back. I'm back to 70kg and I'm incredibly grateful,” Turner said.

'I'm all realistic about it. Chances are it will come back and if it does, then so be it.

'I can't go through the operation and chemo again. If it came back it would just be radiotherapy.

'But now that I'm sitting here talking to you, I feel really good. I'm working out and gaining weight again.

'I was able to travel to New Zealand to see my son and his partner, and I was lucky to have great support from my family and my specialists.

“It's been quite a challenge, but I'm one of the lucky ones.”