We are incredibly lucky to have access to such exceptional hospital care in Victoria. As a recent patient, I am grateful for the extraordinary doctors and caregivers we have in our hospitals—and the Victoria Hospitals Foundation donors who support their work. I’m sharing my story to put a spotlight on our local hospital teams and all those who support Royal Jubilee (RJH) and Victoria General (VGH) hospitals.
In the span of two years, I have had 40 diagnostic tests done at RJH and VGH, including CT, MRI and C-Arm scans. I have since learned that several of these important pieces of equipment were supported by donors to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation. These tests changed the course of my life. I am thankful for community members who support our doctors through the Foundation, coming together to ultimately improve the journeys of patients like me through their donations. It makes me proud to call Victoria home.
I was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of cancer in 2023. Only about 300 cases have been reported around the world. Signet ring cell carcinoma usually affects the gastrointestinal tract, but in my case it affected the bladder.
I had been experiencing some problems with frequent urination for about six months. The symptoms are not always easy to talk about. Like many men, I pushed it aside until I couldn’t any longer but when I noticed blood in my urine, I knew I needed to see a doctor.
It wasn’t the first time I had experienced this problem. In 2017, I had similar symptoms and was referred to urologist Dr. Michael Metcalfe who removed a benign tumor from my bladder. I was able to quickly recover from that procedure and return to an active and healthy lifestyle. Dr. Metcalfe made sure to check in with me regularly. Whether it was a visit or phone call, this became the basis for the best doctor-patient relationship I’ve ever had.
The symptoms returned in 2023. This time, I was put on prostate reduction pills, but the problem persisted. I underwent a series of tests, including an MRI scan, which helped Dr. Metcalfe determine surgery would be the next step. He called me personally to let me know and answered all the questions I had. I was scheduled for prostate resection surgery at VGH.
The news was difficult to hear but I appreciated Dr. Metcalfe’s devotion and determination to help me get better.
After the surgery, I was more committed than ever to get back to a normal life, but that plan would have to wait. Dr. Metcalfe had warned me that he didn’t like what he had observed during the surgery. While he ordered a biopsy, I tried to push the idea of cancer aside. I was 59 years old and in the middle of living my best life. My wife and I have been married for 28 years; we were enjoying life, socializing with our friends, hiking, paddle boarding and planning trips around the world. Our daughters were away studying in university. I was exercising and eating right—I thought I was doing everything correctly. But ten days later, Dr. Metcalfe called with the news I didn’t want to hear. He would have to perform surgery again, but this time to remove the highly aggressive signet ring cell carcinoma that was taking over my bladder.
This was a very difficult time. No matter how much you prepare, emotions just take over. I joined the military at 17 and spent 12 years in service. I had learned to compartmentalize a lot of feelings. I tried to be stoic but sharing the news with friends and family, especially my daughters, was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done. I wanted to be strong for them, in reality, it was far more challenging than I could have ever expected. I’ve always been very close to my daughters; like most dads, I want to be there for them to mentor and guide them through their lives. I couldn’t imagine a time where I wouldn’t be able to do that.
After six hours in the operating room, Dr. Metcalfe removed my bladder, prostate, and surrounding lymph nodes. He also used a portion of my bowel to construct a new bladder. It was a very complex and intricate procedure, but the cancer was now gone. I just felt so fortunate that I was able to get it done here in Victoria.
The next six months turned into a cycle of CT scans, x-rays and ultrasounds. One surgery turned into five more as Dr. Metcalfe and his team worked to repair leaks in my new bladder and infections in my body. Throughout all of this, I always felt I had Dr. Metcalfe’s full attention and support. I felt like I was his priority.
There is not a single radiologist, anesthesiologist, virologist, immunologist, nurse, administrative staff member, porter, housekeeper, or technologist in our hospitals that isn’t top notch. They’re kind, understanding, and compassionate.
During one of the procedures, a radiologist used a C-Arm scanner to pinpoint an infection near my hip. I remember being able to see it on one of the monitors in the X-Ray room and thinking ‘this technology is amazing.’ It was like a roadmap, allowing my medical team to see inside my body in real time. This equipment is in our hospital thanks to donors that support the Victoria Hospitals Foundation—what a gift.
I am here today, cancer-free—thanks to Dr. Metcalfe and because of this community. I’m back to doing all the things I loved to do. I get regular tests done every three months and check in with Dr. Metcalfe to make sure my body is working the way it should. After going through this journey, I have a new respect and appreciation for our hospitals, our doctors, and Foundation donors. I’ll continue to be a champion for all of them because in the end, our health is all we have.
— Trent, Grateful Patient
