A msg from my partner’s experience
Forgive my intrusion but this msg has dual purpose
1. To say ‘thank you’
2. To bring the attention to men the importance of having a PSA test.
Tuesday 22 May 2024 will be an emotional milestone for me, being the day I completed my treatment for prostrate cancer.
March 2023, having made an appointment to see my GP for something non-cancer related but resulted in me being diagnosed, through blood test results, as having ‘prostrate cancer’.
Further biopsies, MRI/CT & PAT scans confirmed that I had prostrate cancer Stage 5 Aggressive - and that some cancer cells had also broken away from the prostrate & attacked themselves to my pelvic lymph nodes - hence my prostrate could not be removed & my only option was to have chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy:
Chemo - 8 sessions 3 hours every 3 weeks
Radiotherapy - 20 consecutive days excl w/end
Was I scared??? YES
Cancer not only has physical implications but also mental which plays mind games & scars your brain.
Did I have side effects??? YES
All treatments have different side effects; mine included tiredness, loss of body hair, spells of confusion & anxiety.
During my treatment I was supported by my friends & my partner Jan was like my rock - selfishly I didn’t think what she too was going through, as it does affect the ones you love too.
November 2023 was the start of my chemotherapy treatment together with having HRT injections to stop my body producing testosterone on which cancer feeds.
It was tough……..
The HRT treatment will continue for 3 years until 2027.
April 2024 I commenced radiotherapy until 22 May, when I rang ‘the bell’ - what an emotional experience - shared with my partner.
As men - we are so reluctant to talk about issues concerning our health, both physical & mental - WHY???? Please don’t let pride come before a fall guys.
My consultant told me how lucky I was going to see my GP back in March 2023 otherwise the possibility of me being being dead now was highly likely. So my message to all men 40 year plus is to make a simple call to your GP & request a PSA test which could make the difference between life & death. Also, pls understand that prostrate cancer can be hereditary & can be passed to male family members.
In conclusion, I want to thank:
The Consultants/ nursing staff @ Ysbyty Gwynedd both Urology/Oncology & Alaw Ward.
The radiotherapy staff at Glan Clwyd Hospital.
My many friends who supported me & also still do.
Last but no means least - Jan my partner ‘my rock’.
I have now my fingers firmly crossed as in 3 months time I will hopefully receive confirmation that my treatment has worked & I will become a person “living with cancer”.
Reading this message, should anybody want to chat - pls do not hesitate to call me 077xxxxxxxxxx
It’s pays to talk - as a problem shared is a problem halved.
Good Morning Jan99E
A warm welcome to the Macmillan Prostate Cancer forum and thank you sharing your partner's prostate cancer journey. I fully agree with you that all men should be tested, but then if bulk testing was done now the "time bomb" it brought to light would overwhelm the already overworked NHS.
I am pleased you have not posted your mobile number - as this is against Community Guidelines. If anyone wishes to contact you they need to send you a "Friend Request". Once that's accepted you can use our private message service to chat - if you wish to exchange personal details there - that's fine.
Thanks again for the positive post and I wish your partner well on his Hormone Therapy journey (I had my last injection on my 3 year HT/RT journey yesterday!).
Best wishes - Brian.
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