A Brunswick County man shares his journey through Stage IV prostate cancer

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) —

Bartlett was frightened and unsure of his next steps.  

“Was I nervous about it? Whew. The diagnosis, it works on your mind. You say you’re okay, but you’re concerned, um, I didn’t know how I was dealing with it, but I was, but you know, it was stressful, uh, it’s a tough pill to swallow,” said Bartlett.  

Then he was introduced to the ‘CORE’ program, which stands for cardio oncology rehab. 

‘CORE’ helps cancer patients manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and promote recovery during and after cancer treatment.   

With structured exercise, dietary guidance, and group support, Bartlett says the program kept him healthy. 

Registered Nurse Sara Weaver explains why the program is unique.  

“‘This is a program where people come and they learn what they can do for themselves, when they’ve had a lot done to them during treatment, and we work with them wherever they are. So, if they come in fatigued, not eating well, not being able to maintain weight or gaining too much weight, and it’s medically supervised, so it’s a safe place to exercise,” said Weaver.  

Weaver says that not only did the ‘CORE’ program help Bartlett — he now helps other patients who join the program. 

“We have group sessions where people can share, Richard has always been very open about what he’s been going through physically and mentally, um, and that’s helped other patients learn about what’s happening to them and how to address it,” said Weaver. 

Evan after graduation, Bartlett still exercises at ‘CORE’ and recommends it to anyone facing prostate cancer.    

“I would tell them get into the program, it’s um, the change on how your outlook is and how you manage this disease, or sickness, is completely different when you have the support staff that you have,” says Bartlett. 

Although he is unsure if he is in remission, Bartlett says this is the healthiest he’s been since starting this health journey.