Johnstone: Overcoming cancer one spin class at a time

Johnstone, a spin cycle enthusiast from Scotland, has been passionately involved in the sport for over 25 years. Diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2019, Johnstone’s commitment to spinning has been a cornerstone of his resilience and recovery.

His first symptom of bladder cancer appeared on January 2019, during a very strenuous spin cycle class when he noticed heavy blood in his urine with clots. As a doctor, he quickly diagnosed himself with bladder cancer and knew what might follow. He saw his GP the next morning, and after a TURBT on April 2019, he had a radical cystoprostatectomy on May 2019.

Despite undergoing radical treatment, Johnstone’s love for spin cycling never wavered. With immense support from Maggie’s Centres and a personal trainer specialising in cancer rehabilitation, Johnstone was encouraged to return to exercise. His family stood by him, recognising the positive physical and psychological benefits of his sport. The emotional experience of returning to his first spin cycle class six months after surgery marked a significant milestone in his recovery.

Staying active has profoundly impacted his life. Regular exercise helped him maintain a sense of normalcy and often made him forget about his stoma. His journey is a testament to the importance of perseverance and the role of sports in overcoming adversity.

Join us in celebrating stories like Johnstone’s and discover more inspirational journeys from bladder cancer patients. Read more patient stories here.