My Journey with Prostate Cancer
My journey started late in 2021 when I had given a blood donation.
Having donated over 60 plus times, it came as a big shock to receive a letter informing me that my blood could not be used and to visit my G.P, also thanking me for my previous donations, and that I could not donate anymore.
My G.P asked for a blood sample and a urine sample and after tests showed that I had blood in my urine and a high PSA count. I was then referred to Wrexham Maelor for further tests and an examination on my urethra which showed a narrowing to a pin head size.
I was then referred to Professor Iqbal Shergill a consultant and a urological surgeon who suggested minor surgery and a biopsy on my prostate at the same time.
All was arranged for this to happen at the Maelor hospital but covid took hold and I was asked if I would consider having the procedure done at Bangor hospital instead. With the likelihood of more disruptions at Wrexham I took the opportunity and had the operation in Bangor.
After recovery I then had a bone scan to make sure the cancer had not progressed further. All turned out fine and I was then given a treatment plan of chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy.
I had lots of encouragement from family and friends and also a positive mind-set to see me through my chemotherapy.
Treatment at the Shooting Star facilities at the Maelor hospital could not have been better. The staff were amazing, always reassuring each patient and going through each procedure for their treatment. The various wards were comfortable with an abundance array of refreshments depending on how long each treatment took. I was given medication to take home with all the instructions on how and when to use, even a thermometer to check my temperature each day and telephone numbers to contact should I have any problems or anxieties, very reassuring.
There were appointments with the oncology department to see how I was progressing during chemo.
After 8 sessions of chemo and a period of 6 weeks rest, I was ready for radiotherapy, by which time my blood count was back down to 0.01 from 23.0
This was to be at Glan Clywd hospital as Wrexham has no radiotherapy machines and Glan Clwyd had two.
I was booked to have 29 daily treatment sessions, Monday to Friday with the weekends off.
With a daily round trip of 80 odd miles, it seemed a daunting task driving up and down the A55 but keeping the positive thoughts and knowing that these sessions would be killing off any minor cancer cells, I knew it would all be for the good.
On the 16th of December I was ringing the bell associated with beating the cancer, a very emotional occasion.
I have 6 monthly hormone injections to keep any cells from growing and 6 monthly blood tests all of which are going well.
Being diagnosed at the age of 71 was a great shock, especially as I never had any symptoms to show that I may have prostate cancer. An active person playing golf 3 times a week and feeling very fit for my age.
I can only thank Shooting Star for their help in my treatment not only for myself but for all the other patients who I have met along my journey. I have friends at the golf club who themselves have made this very journey.
As Captain of Clays Golf Club, I have dedicated my charity year to Shooting Star who deserve our donations and any others that help to continue to treat patients in years to come.