Amid the melodies and harmonies that Roger Wickham long created with his saxophone and flute, he never imagined that life would one day play a different tune for him—a tune he didn’t choose, but one that became the key to a deeply human experience. This experience reshaped his outlook on life and inspired him to become a source of light and support for those walking a similar path.

A New Beginning

Roger Wickham, a 50-year-old British musician, spent much of his life moving between European capitals until he eventually settled in Madrid, Spain. But five years ago, he and his wife and their two children moved to Doha, Qatar, to begin a new chapter of their lives together.

“As a family, we are very happy here. We work hard and enjoy life,” Roger says. “Everything was going smoothly.”

He lived a healthy lifestyle—regular exercise, swimming, running, and never smoked. The only health issue he ever faced was a slight weight gain, which he considered a natural part of aging.

From a Sore Throat to a Life-Changing Journey

In late 2015, Roger noticed a mild sore throat and a small swelling on the right side of his neck. At first, it seemed trivial. His general practitioner prescribed antibiotics and told him to return if things didn’t improve within a week.

The pain subsided, but the swelling did not. At the follow-up visit, Roger’s doctor—whom he describes as “wonderful,” decided not to dismiss the persistent swelling and referred him immediately for further imaging, raising the possibility of cancer.

Roger then underwent a long series of detailed medical examinations, including a biopsy under general anesthesia and a PET scan. He recalls that phase as:

“The hardest part… The waiting was exhausting. Not knowing what you’re dealing with is terrifying. Every scenario seemed possible. Six weeks of uncertainty—swinging between fear and hope every moment.”

Although no one had used the word “cancer” at that point, Roger felt the fear deep within him. Eventually, the diagnosis came: throat cancer.

Despite the initial shock, finally understanding what was happening brought some relief. He could now begin his battle. He gave himself two days to absorb the news, then told himself“I can survive this. This isn’t the end of the road.”

He reached out to former patients, listened to their stories, and found hope. He saw people who had recovered and were living happy lives, and so his journey began.

In February 2016, Roger underwent major surgery followed by intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy. He recalls the treatment in detail and spent three weeks in the hospital. Despite the challenges, the illness gave him no choice but to fight “I knew I was in a battle—and I had to face it with everything I had.”

The Strength of Family

Roger didn’t go through this alone. His wife stood by his side every step of the way, as did his children and friends. From the beginning, he chose honesty.

“We told our children because they were old enough to understand. You can’t hide something this serious from them. Being honest with them was a necessity. Every conversation with my family was like a lifeline. The more I spoke about my condition, the better I felt.”

He speaks about the immense emotional support he received from those around him:

“Words of love, care, and compassion were just as healing as the treatment I was receiving in the hospital.”

Even the moments of weakness, like when he broke down in front of his wife upon entering the hospital, were softened by the arms of his family and the waves of empathy that surrounded him.

Music as a Path to Healing

Despite the hardship, Roger held on to his musical spirit. Even if he couldn’t play, he would dream and plan. After his recovery, he composed two music recordings, and he hopes to complete five albums over the next five years—a symbolic tribute to life and healing.

“I want these next five years to be the best of my life. After everything I’ve been through, I don’t want to forget any of it—it’s a constant reminder that I’m one of the lucky ones.”

A Message from the Heart

Having completed much of his recovery journey, Roger refuses to stay silent. He wants his voice to reach every person facing cancer:

“You are not alone… and every moment that passes brings you closer to healing.”

“Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Don’t underestimate what you’re going through. Accept support, and give it in return. Life doesn’t end with illness. We are stronger than we think.”

Gratitude

Roger expresses his deep appreciation for the Qatar Cancer Society, which supported him during different stages of his treatment:

“This organization plays a powerful humanitarian role. I shared my story with them because I want it to be a guiding light for anyone walking the treatment path. The joy of giving far outweighs the pleasure of receiving.”