A detour in my life: cancer —
My family and most of my nearby friends already know, but I can’t put off writing about it any longer. I have prostate cancer.
In 2007, after turning 50, I submitted myself to what was to become an annual check-up that included a PSA test, an indicator of prostate health. But my local GP let me down badly by not telling me that my PSA was already elevated (I know that now), perhaps putting me on a watchful wait scheme. I returned to the GP a year later for an unrelated issue but my record was obviously not reviewed and the test was not repeated. Now I’m in strife.
I’m having my prostate removed on 22 July by laparoscopic surgery. The wait is about the same in both the public (my choice) and private system here in Australia. That doesn’t make the wait any easier. I’ll receive radiotherapy afterwards.
So far, cancer is not detected outside my prostate. My chance of cure is good, but considering the advance of the disease, I’m going to need a good dose of luck.
I’m doing my best to maintain a positive outlook and minimise the inevitable stress that I am living. It has been especially difficult for my wife. I’m so grateful to friends, including a prostate cancer survivor, who have already provided fabulous encouragement and support. Don’t be afraid to write me (privately) about it, as I benefit by the conversation.
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Hi Ron – I’m sorry to hear about your prostate cancer. I can only imagine the stress/strife that you are feeling. My father had prostate cancer (first diagnosed 12 years ago). It was a stressful time for our family. The treatment – combination of surgery and radiotherapy – was effective in treating the cancer. But, it still requires twice annual checkups. I wish you well as you go through treatment.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Ron.
George
Posted by George Siemens 26 June 2010 01:53 am | link
Hello Ron,
I have come across your blog for the first time today ( I followed a comment you made on Leigh Blackall’s blog- which I don’t read as often as I should either).
I am very sorry to hear your news and can imagine that life must feel very upside down now. But I also wanted to share with you the blog of someone who has survived prostate cancer, my fellow Cardiffian and blogger, Keith Underdown. I only met him for the first time after he had moved on from this blog, but the story of the delay in getting initially high levels sorted out- although you are very likely to be right that watchful waiting is all that might be required- rang a bell with a story he told me. I have checked the blog and it is detailed here:
http://keith-underdown.livejournal.com/2006/10/11/
I haven’t read the whole blog but I hope that it may of interest and some support to you.
When googling for Keith’s blog I also came across this wonderful comment that he had left elsewhere.
http://www.letlifehappen.com/2010/02/12/how-did-you-react-when-someone-told-you-that-they-had-cancer/
I’m going to send him a link to this blog post as I am sure he would like to say hello.
With all best wishes to you and your family,
Anne Marie
Posted by Anne Marie Cunningham 01 July 2010 12:59 am | link
good on you for blogging it Ron. More stories like this may help both GPs and patients be more vigilant. I hope the blogging and the comments here help you deal with it it some way. Bill Kerr is another Adelaide Australia edublogger who went through something similar a few years back, and came out of it ok. We’ll be thinking of you, waiting anxiously for your updates.
Posted by Leigh Blackall 06 July 2010 04:20 pm | link