I have accepted the death

Philipp Margrave was 24 years old when he could barely keep himself more upright, so much pain he had. Aftermath of Pfeiffer's glandular fever, he thought, but the pain remained. As he was then in the hospital to investigate, was the diagnosis of Doctors mercilessly: germ cell tumor a type of testicular cancer, life expectancy uncertain. For a year he was in treatment, chemotherapy, surgery, – the cancer did not disappear. Margrave refused further chemotherapy and was still alive. Today, five years later, the native of Munich and studied in Dresden in architecture, the Tumor has not returned since. In the spring of Margrave makes a sporty bike tour to South India, to collect on-the-go donations for the cancer aid.

you were 24 years old when she received the devastating diagnosis, they were just newly married, made plans for life. Have you thought much about justice, or the meaning of life?
Strangely enough, not at all. Of course, at the Moment of the diagnosis I was pushed against the head. But in the second Moment has an inexplicable ease wide.

Why?
everything was gone all of a sudden. The idea of one's own life: studying, graduation, children – of all these things, one has an exact idea. This is nice, but it restricts your life, it is inflexible to recognize in the Art, the diversity of life. But all of that was gone. In this Emptiness, I have found a total fulfillment.

to be Quite honest, this is hard to comprehend.
This is also difficult to understand, this is completely irrational, a sense of experience, to Explain is difficult for me.

you have not set the death?
But, really, as strong as never before. I have accepted the death.

"courage, who's afraid of."

Honestly?
It is so: We all want to have the death of true. If you allow, but in such a Situation, the thought that life can be with each day passing, a very different consequence for the life results.

And how's this for your wife?
For you, it is of course very difficult. My wife comes from Brazil. When we met, had died, your mother just for her, it was a traumatic experience. She then went with me to Germany – in a completely new country, a new culture. And then this diagnosis came with me. She was always very strong, but it has taken internally very strong.

A diagnosis of cancer, a hospital-year, chemotherapy and surgery. Where to get up the strength to go on. The Courage?
courage, who's afraid of. But this fear I had, so I had to build Motivation. For me, it was to find a way to me. And when I found him, I've developed an incredible peace and strength gained.

"It is from the beginning a strong negative climate, the effect on cancer patients."

but There were for sure in this year also the setbacks?
Several Doctors have told me that I have to get the maximum chemotherapy, and no further loading is possible. And then it was found that the Tumor has not disappeared.

And then?
Then the Doctors have tried to persuade me further Chemo. But since I refused. I was aware that I can't do that anymore.

Motivation is for cancer patients, survival is important – how was it for you?
We all live with a special image of cancer. If you receive this diagnosis, resonates because it is always the opinion that it will not survive in the majority of cases. There is a strong negative climate that affects the patient from the beginning. Many cancer patients have, therefore, no goals. Many patients die, although the prognosis of the Doctors is quite positive. You are surrounded by a dark cloud.

do not you?
I have seen this dark cloud always felt but never delivered. Of course, it was a stark turning point in my life. And still, I haven't felt depressed, but was able to draw a large force.

you have left the hospital.
It was not an easy decision, a further chemotherapy refuse.

But it was not good. "I crawled, on all fours, powerless, on the edge of life." As you describe it, at least on their website.
My mother had me nursed. After two weeks I could walk again, after six weeks I was back to my full efficiency. I have changed my life completely. Since then, I eat only vegan. The Tumor disappeared and has since not surfaced.

"I've learned since my illness that you can overcome any Problem."

you have started very quickly, to ride intense Cycling. What Doctors have said to that?
The Doctors have warned. The risk of injury was too great.

she has not stopped yet.
I drove in the first two years of 30'000 km with the bike, I picked up each slope. I wanted to explore what is physically possible, and I noticed that there was a substantial potential in me. And that's why I wouldn't put it past me now, to go with the Bicycle to South India.

A distance of 20'000 kilometres. Twelve mountain ranges they need to overcome, among other things, the three highest pass roads in the world. This is not an easy journey, it sounds like a big ordeal.
I have learned since my illness that you can overcome any Problem. With this trip I want to show that a diagnosis does not have to mean the end and that you can overcome the highest mountains, if only we are ready to design his life to a conscious process of relocation.

do you Want to prove themselves?
I would like to Prove anything. Me. And also other people. But I want to show that you have to have no blow of fate dictate to you, if you take his life in Hand. to be able to

To the bike-packing trip to South India Finance, Philipp, Margrave launched a Crowdfunding campaign. For more information on www.startnext.com/pedalskillcancer

(editing Tamedia)

Created: 08.02.2019, 19:49 Uhr