Tommy McGee

MEET THE WOLFPACK - Q&A

Man Up to Cancer is a community for men facing cancer, and the people who care about them!

🔸 Name: Tommy McGee

🔸 Age: 53

🔸 Occupation: Project Coordinator in Early Childhood Education

🔸 Location: Detroit

🔸 Cancer type: Rectal cancer stage 2b

Q: The Man Up to Cancer motto is OPEN HEART, WARRIOR SPIRIT. Which aspect of your personality could use more growth, your heart or your warrior?

A: I have the warrior piece down pat. I'm scared of nothing. So maybe the heart? I'm a little less tolerant and patient since I finished treatment so I'll have to go with heart.

Q: What are your top tools for coping with the psychological impacts of cancer (i.e. anxiety, depression, anger, isolation, etc.)?

A: Acceptance. When I accepted my diagnosis I got along better with my cancer team and stopped fighting every little diagnosis and procedure. I educated myself on the topic so I could have meaningful discussions and input with my doctors. 

During treatment I focused on each disappointment, pain, procedure, whatever came along, as a temporary situation and reminded myself I can do anything for a period of time and focused on the end game: NED! 

I also walked my dogs endless miles when I could and took xanax to keep panic attacks at a minimum. I pretty much removed all stress in my life and focused on me. My husband is a warrior caregiver and took care of everything I could no longer complete. I also believe we are all suffering from PTSD.

Q: What’s one thing you know now, but wish you had learned earlier in the journey?

A: Modesty is meaningless!

Q: If you could pick a “handle” for your wolf identity (like Icewolf, Blaze, Aura, Dash, Hunter, you get the idea), what would it be, and why?

A: Berhtwulf meaning ‘one who is the wolf of light.’