Cancer, Comfort, and Community: Joe Bullock’s Contributions to Male Cancer Support

Gut Checks

Today, we're honored to welcome Joe Bullock, Chief Operating Officer of the Man Up to Cancer Organization. Joe shares his compelling journey from being diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer to spearheading efforts to support men across the globe facing similar battles. In today's episode, Joe opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of his diagnosis, the crucial support he found in online communities, and how his challenges led him to co-create Man Up to Cancer. This organization not only provides practical support through initiatives like the chemo care backpack program but also fosters a sense of brotherhood and understanding among men dealing with cancer. Joe also touches on significant events like the annual Gathering the Wolves Retreat, which offers a space for men to bond, heal, and find strength. So, stay tuned as we dive into a conversation that is both heart-wrenching and heartwarming, illustrating the power of community and resilience in the face of life's toughest challenges.

Key Topics

• Excited to talk about MAN UP TO Cancer.
• Supporting men facing cancer through social media.
• Real Recovery provides cancer retreats and resource packs.
• Using a backpack for chemo was empowering.
• Struggles brought joy, happiness and emotional support.

About Joe Bullock:

I was diagnosed in May of 2018 with stage3b Colorectal Cancer after a routine Colonoscopy at age 50. I had symptoms like blood in my stool, irregular bowel movements and excessive fatigue but had ignored them for several months following the deaths of both my parents in 2017 within a six-month period. After a period of grieving, I finally got around to getting a colonoscopy. During the Colonoscopy my GI doctor at Duke Cancer Center found two polyps and a 10 cm tumor in my colon. I had surgery to remove the tumor, reconnect my colon, and had 40 lymph nodes removed. Three of those polyps tested positive for cancer. After surgery I underwent treatment with two forms of chemotherapy, Oxaliplatin infusions and Xeloda pills for 8 cycles or six months. In February 2019 I became known as NED (No Evidence of Disease). I always say for cancer survivors being NED is like a gift you don't know how to unwrap, but you are grateful to have it. Over the last few years, I have been working on finding my voice in the cancer community. I have begun living by the mantra " Cancer might be done with me but I'm not done with cancer."

The following are my current roles of advocacy in the cancer community.

*** January 2020 I was invited to become the Lead Administrator for a Men's Cancer emotional support group on Facebook called ‘Man Up To Cancer/ The Howling Place' . It's a part of manuptocancer.org that has been created by Trevor Maxwell a Stage IV Colorectal Cancer patient and friend. https://www.facebook.com/groups/manuptocancer/.

*** February 2020 I became a ‘Card Angel' for Chemo Angels

***April 2020 I became a contributor to manuptocancer.com as a blogger for ' Joe's Wolfpack Trailblazers’. A blog about the works of service and the daily lives of the men of The Howling Place. My latest Blog https://www.manuptocancer.com/trailblazers/volume17

***June 2020 I became an Ambassador for Fight CRC as a part of the 2021 class at Fightcolorectalcancer.org

***October 2020 I became an Empowered Patient Leader for Colontown.org

***December 2020 I Created 'Colontown Junior' with the help of Colontown.org to emotionally support the families of children and teenagers diagnosed with pediatric colorectal cancer .

*** February 2022 I became an onboarding specialist for Colontown.org

***November 2023 I became the Chief Operating Officer of the Man Up to Cancer nonprofit

I have been married to my wife Michelle Bullock for 32 years. We live in Durham, N.C. with our two children Joshua age 19 and Megan age 24.

Social media information:

twitter @jbullock114

Instagram @jbullock114

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/joe.bullock.7792

Linkedin.com/in/joe-bullock-aa7865101

Contact information: [e-mail]

About Paul:

To learn more about Paul and the Iron Dad Book, head on over to https://irondadbook.com.

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