shared stories

My prostate cancer diagnosis came almost by accident. I was in my local town in April 2010 and saw a mobile health screening unit* was visiting and as I had some time, went on board to have a once over. I felt fine and didn’t have any symptoms or anything so it was purely precautionary.

The nurse took some bloods which the nurse wasn’t quite happy with so I was referred to my GP for a PSA test. My GP then asked me to go to the Mater for a digital exam which I did. The doctor I saw also wanted me to have a biopsy done so I just did everything that I was asked to do that day and went home. I did tell my son and daughter what was happening but I suppose I was keen to keep everything in perspective and not worry unless I was actually told something was wrong.

I went back for the results a little while later with my daughter and the consultant said the words no one ever really thinks they will hear…. “You have prostate cancer” but he followed that by saying “It’s very early stage and it’s very treatable” so once I heard that I wanted to know what treatments were available to me. I was told that I could have radiotherapy or I could go down the surgery route. My immediate thought was ‘Out with it’; I wanted the surgery. The consultant did explain the procedure and the possible side effects of going for the surgery option to me in detail and I was still happy to go ahead, my mind was made up.

I guess it took a few days for the diagnosis to sink in but I really tried not to dwell on it. I kept reminding myself of the consultant’s words “It’s very early stage and it’s very treatable” and it was reassuring to know that it had been picked up and I was already on track to get my treatment started.

I went for a pre-op exam in August and all went well so I then got a call from the Mater to book me in for the actual surgery in September. Again, the surgeon explained the procedure to me and I was happy to go ahead with everything. The surgery was a success and my son and daughter were waiting for me when I came round. Later that night the surgeon came back to check on me and he reassured me that everything was looking good. I can only remember one day during my recovery when I felt really unwell but it only lasted a couple of hours and then it lifted. I was there for 5 or 6 days in total and the care I got was fantastic.

I was advised to keep active following my surgery and I really took that advice on board to try to let life get back to normal. I’m back to doing all the things I loved before my diagnosis, if anything I am more active now than I was before. I do genuinely appreciate this second shot at life and when I wake up every day I hop out of bed and do whatever I feel like doing.

Having survived prostate cancer, I would say to any man who is in the risk age group for the disease to be vigilant and if you think something is wrong, go to your GP. If it turns out that there is something wrong it is so important to get treatment early and if everything is fine, getting the ‘all clear’ will give you peace of mind.

For anyone who has just been diagnosed with prostate cancer I would encourage them to stay positive and whatever you do, don’t isolate yourself by thinking about cancer 24 hours a day. Try to talk to your friends and family if you can but please don’t suffer in silence. I would also suggest that taking up a hobby or finding a new interest after your treatment is a good idea as it can help to move your focus from cancer to something new. There can be a very happy and fulfilling life after cancer; I’m living proof of that.

*please note this was not one of the foundation’s mobile information units, we do not provide a screening service.

As a 23 year old, sitting on a Melbourne beach, halfway through a round-the-world trip, I had very very little to be worried about. Having swam in alligator infested waters, jumped out of 2 aeroplanes, taken to the road in some very questionable vehicles, and numerous other little adventures I figured worth the risk, I felt quite invincible as I applied sunscreen to my hopelessly shiny Irish body.

Everything was fairly perfect.....except for that niggling little pain in my lower abdomen. Barely noticable, but fairly constant, I overlooked it for a few days before figuring it was probably worth investigating a bit more. I do regularly check myself, but hadnt done so in two months, maybe a little more, so I thought it worth a look. I didnt find a lump, but did notice there was some hardness on my right testicle, a shell (if you will). I took a trip to the local doctor, figuring it simply not worth waiting on. He, in turn, referred me for an ultrasound, which showed a tumor on my right testicle, which would need to be dealt with immediately. I sorted everything out for a quick return home and boarded my flight.

A week later, I had an Orchiectomy. I was very much aware of the stigma of having a testicle removed; but didn't let it concern me. The medical team were hugely helpful and always explained everything brilliantly and answered any questions I might have had. Surrounding yourself with accurate information is simply the only way to deal with these situations, in my opinion. The first set of tumor markers showed that I wouldnt need chemotherapy, but there may be a chance in the future for these to change.

6 Months into my surveillance I was told I would need 3 cycles of BEP chemotherapy. Again, I asked every question I felt I needed to, which in turn helped me explain the process to my friends and family. Talking about it in this way removed the fear alot. Its simple- it would most likely cure me, but might make for a difficult period of time. Ill take the cure.

During treatment I found it hugely important to accept any side-effect that came, but not only around waiting for them- I would eat as well as I could, take the correct medications, listen to my doctors/ nurses and keep my head up. Taking to something with a fearful attitude would only make it harder. It's the cure, let it do its thing. No one really ever likes the taste of cough medicine, but we drink that!

All blood work has gone as hoped- and thanks to the excellent medical team and their brilliant approach (and perhaps a bit of luck that I wasnt in the middle of a jungle when I got the pain) I'm back to full health. Being within the system was always more comforting than being unsure and 'alone' when originally concerned by a symptom, the information and realities of the statistics helped keep things positive throughout.

As clichéd as it may sound, getting yourself checked out and discussing these issues in the open is of huge importance, and something my own friends and family have taken on board since my diagnosis. It's a simple change, that can literally save your life.

KF

In early October, 2009, my doctor suggested that I go see a urologist for a full check up. He said that he recommends all his patients who are over 40 to do so. As I was just 40 years old, I didn’t think too much about it, but decided that it couldn’t do any harm. He told me to do a PSA test and a testosterone test and bring the results to the urologist. I did the blood work in early October and I saw the urologist about late November.

Before seeing him I researched my results on the internet, my PSA was 2.33, which was within range, in any case I had that test done Dec. 2008, when I was hospitalized for an unknown condition, they thought it might have been cancer. I was told it wasn’t. So I was feeling good about my results, plus my testosterone level was very high.

The urologist requested another PSA test, as he said that my PSA level, given my age should be no more than 0.5. Now I was concerned. I mentioned I had it done a year ago and he asked me to try and get the result. I did, and it was 2.17, and when I repeated the test in early December it was 2.83. My urologist did a biopsy on December 19, which came back positive for cancer, with a Gleason score of 3 + 4.

I decided to opt for surgery and had a radical prostatectomy on February 1. The cancer was contained within my prostate, so thankfully it was caught in time. My follow up PSA test was 0.05, considered undetectable. Not having any history of prostate cancer in my family, I would never have even thought about it, especially not at my age. It could have gone undetected for years, until it was too late.

I am recovering well, and getting back to my normal routine. I am so thankful to my doctor for his suggestion. I know that it is unusual for someone my age to have prostate cancer, and many doctors would probably not suggest having a PSA until you are 50 years old, but it saved my life. I would strongly urge every man over 50 to see their urologist, and if there is a history of prostate cancer in your family, to do the test when you turn 40. It is so important that we take control of our health and not be afraid or embarrassed to talk about issues that we would sometimes not want to discuss. It can save your life.

I was diagnosed with testiclar cancer in Dec 2007. My cancer had spread by that time to my Lungs, Brain. I had my testicle removed in Dec 07, and begun a VIP course of chemotherapy, to Feb 08. My tumour markers continued to decrease and returned to normal in May of 2008. This was short lived however.

In June on 2008 I was sent to St Lukes for 15 sessions of radiotherapy on my brain, this proved a success, and eliminated the need for surgery. Shortly afterwards my tumour markers went back up and I was recalled for more chemotherapy, Taxol based I believe coupled with the harvesting of my white blood cells, this was to allow "high dose" chemotherapy. This took place in Aug/Sept/Oct of 2008.

Since then I have been well, with all markers remaining normal, I still have a few tumours in my lungs which are thankfully asleep, and may remain that way. A decision will be made soon. I'll finish on another submission.

I suppose by sharing my story I am hoping that I will influence men of all ages to go to the doctor regularily. Had I not ignored my symptoms, my treatment may not have been so difficult, not just on me but on my wife and children, extended family and friends. Having said all that, I cannot speak highly enough of the professionals who treat cancer in this country, my experience whilst difficult was positive, but I do wish I had avoided it, and the only way others can do this is by going to the doctor regularily.

It should be borne in mind that more people survive cancer than die of it each year, but as we all know early detection is paramount. Its not easy being told what to do, but my advice to all men is to go to your doctor.

Hi, I just heard about this great initiative on the radio a few minutes ago.

I am a Prostate Cancer Survivor and you can read a synopsis of my story clicking here.

I am an active athlete and continue to be so, even following surgery.

At the end of the article in the link above is a request for other survivors to participate in the Cork City Marathon Relay last year, Six of us cancer survivors completed the 2009 relay in 4 hours and 1 minute. We intend going again this June.

You can find out more about "C Team - Cancer Survivors", including our aims and intentions clicking here.

 

Hi, Two Years ago I was 61 in perfect health, active in sport etc, and never had an illness in my life. My wife had a mole which I wanted her to get an opinion on, and by chance, I accompanied her when she attended the local GP. I was then asked if I had had a PSA test recently. I had never heard of a PSA test.

The test was positive and I ended up having a prostatectomy in January 2008. The biopsy was unhappily Gleeson grade 8-one too many for hope of survival longevity.

The cancer is back, and I am going through the usual standard procedures to delay its progress, hormone and radiotherapy treatment.

The moral of this story is that every healthy young man of 60 should be alerted to this widespread cancer. for a start, I believe that the private health insurance companies could contact all their members of my age and issue them with a stark and serious warning: get a PSA blood test every year-or die before your time!