Wat-Not Staff
Beloved travel guru Rick Steves, known for his PBS series “Rick Steves’ Europe,” has long been a guide to adventure, encouraging travellers to connect deeply with the cultures they visit. Recently, Steves embarked on a different kind of journey—a personal one involving prostate cancer. Diagnosed in August, Steves underwent surgery in early October.
He’s now back on the road to recovery, embracing this challenging experience as a “beautiful” reminder of the fleeting nature of life. For Steves, the experience has also provided him with new, unexpected insights that he’s eager to share.
In a statement, Steves expressed gratitude, saying, “It’s a beautiful feeling to be on the road to recovery.” Despite facing some difficult side effects, his optimistic spirit remains unshaken.
The travel author and host, whose work spans over 40 years, has used this time to reflect deeply, saying it’s a reminder “of our mortality and how fast the years go by.” This period has become, as he calls it, a “divine intervention,” making him pause and appreciate what truly matters.
Incontinence Challenges Lead to Empathy for Women’s Health Experiences
One of the surgery’s more challenging side effects has been urinary incontinence, an issue experienced by up to 8% of men post-prostate surgery. Although this condition is typically temporary, it has required Steves to adapt.
For someone whose life has been devoted to exploration and constant movement, the adjustment hasn’t been easy. However, he’s found a silver lining, seeing it as a chance to gain empathy for the women in his life.
In his characteristically lighthearted way, Steves remarked, “Women go, ‘Well, now you understand!’ I think that’s so funny.” Reflecting on the insight, he’s realised how easily one can overlook the daily struggles faced by others.
To manage his condition, he’s adopted pelvic floor exercises, known as Kegels, which have provided gradual improvement and a new appreciation for well-being. “I don’t complain about the incontinence,” Steves adds. “I see it as a way to gain some empathy and laugh along the way.”
A New Perspective on Life and Relationships
Steves’ recovery period has also prompted reflections on his career and relationships. Acknowledging how easy it is to feel indispensable in a demanding career, he sees this as an opportunity to refocus on life’s more meaningful connections.
Steves speaks fondly of his long-time girlfriend, Shelley Bryan Wee, a Lutheran bishop whom he has been dating since 2019. He describes her as a “loving person of great faith and inspiration,” who has been by his side through this journey.
Looking forward, Steves remains optimistic. Awaiting final lab results, he’s hopeful to be cancer-free and back in Europe next year. He remains eager to continue his work, connecting cultures and sharing the joys of travel.
Yet, he is more committed than ever to live with gratitude and mindfulness. As he puts it, “My mindset now is be patient, be positive, be thankful, take it one day at a time…and do your Kegel exercises!”
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