Cranbourne’s Bill Durrant and wife Leonie have encouraged men to speak up about their health and visit the doctor. 49011
By Bridget Brady
THE day started like any other for Bill Durrant.
He got up, went to work, and carried out his usual duties as a signwriter. But routine was thrown out the window by 5pm when he was in hospital getting ready for surgery.
The 65-year-old Cranbourne man had experienced a few months of shortness of breath and a weak voice before he finally made an appointment to see a specialist in December.
His condition was so serious that Mr Durrant underwent emergency surgery a few hours after his appointment. He was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer and later underwent a total laryngectomy, or removal of his voice box.
With the unexpected turn in his health and knowing he waited a few months before seeing a doctor, Mr Durrant has encouraged all men to speak up about their health.
“Go straight away,” he said.
His wife, Leonie, said Mr Durrant’s condition could have been addressed some time before his appointment.
“There was no pain. His voice started going a bit funny and all of a sudden it would disappear. This went on for a while but he didn’t really want to know about it, being a male,” she said.
Mrs Durrant said the removal of her husband’s voicebox meant they had to go through some significant lifestyle changes.
“It’s hard to get used to it but we’ve got him here and that’s the main thing.”
Southern Health’s medical oncology director Peter Briggs said Men’s Health Week was a good reminder for men to get a check up.
“The best thing that Australian men can do about their health is to get pro-active,” Dr Briggs said.
“Talk to those around you, your family and friends, don’t just sit back hoping it will go away.”
Dr Briggs said he was happy to see that Mr Durrant was now in remission.
