Hi all,
Well, I'm 18 months since diagnosis of metastatic prostate cancer.
Since then I've lost my 40 year old son to a heart attack, my 25 year old has B-cell Lymphoma cancer that has returned, we sold our business and moved house, got a frozen shoulder and waiting for surgery on it.
Its been a busy time.
I'm under a new consultant now at Clatterbridge cancer centre which is literally 1 mile away from home. Had a meeting early December and he doesn't want to see me now for 6 months. He's happy that my meds, Apalutamide and Relugolix, are doing their job keeping the cancer in one place, my groin.
Had a blast of radiotherapy in November just to help with the increasing pain in my groin and it seems to have worked.
Accepted a couple of counselling sessions at Maggie's centre which helped. Good to offload on someone other than the wife.
My last consultant would only tell me that I have limited life expectancy when I asked how long she reckoned I will live so I asked the new one to be honest with me about with online NHS research that says usually 3-6 years. He agreed but said that when the meds stop working, I would be suitable for other treatments such as chemo. He stated that he has other patients on his books for 10 years+.
So I've just seen another new year in and looking forward to my 70th birthday in July.
I have decided to give up with my 'hands on' fundraising as it was getting too much. So after raising over £340k for cancer charities and the Poppy Appeal, it's time to retire properly now and enjoy what time I have.
Chins up and keep fighting.
Hello Tomjef
Great post although I am so sorry to read about your children - you have my deepest sympathy there.
As to your own cancer you look like the positive attitude is working and you are looking forward to enjoying the rest of your life - and it looks like you have a decent consultant.
Raising £340K for charities is amazing - it puts my 5K "walk" the other year to shame!
Best wishes for 2026 and your 70th in July.
Kind Regards - Brian.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
Strength, Courage, Faith, Hope, Defiance, VICTORY.
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Hello Tomjef,
I can only echo Brian's comments, and what a superb achievement to raise such a large amount.
I'm "looking forward" to my 70th this year too, it's in July, when's yours? Where did all that time go I wonder?
Derek.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
3rd July? Mine's the 28th so you just beat me to it.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
