My Story
Kenneth Macpherson beats prostate cancer
Kenneth was lucky – he was diagnosed with prostate cancer just in time. He had surgery to remove the cancer and his blood test now shows a PSA level of 0.06. As far as it is possible to tell, he is free of prostate cancer.
"My story starts a few years ago whilst on holiday. One evening, I thought that I detected blood in my urine and made an appointment with my GP on my return. He gave me a PSA blood test, which showed a PSA level which was acceptable, so I thought no more about it.
Years later, my GP suggested that I should have further tests as a precautionary measure, but it was some time before I finally arranged the appointment on 12th September 2002. I must stress that in no way did I feel ill.
Following my appointment, I was told that my PSA level was raised to a level above ‘normal’ and I was referred to an urologist. An ultrasound scan and biopsy later confirmed prostate cancer. My attitude to being told I had cancer was that whatever it was that was wrong with me, I was going to get it sorted.
I was then given a CT and bone scan – and on 17th December, I was told that, although the cancer didn’t appear to be in my bones, it was particularly aggressive.
In my case, two courses of treatment were available – radical prostatectomy surgery or radiotherapy. After much consideration, I determined to have surgery as soon as possible. The earliest date was 2nd January 2003, which was arranged.
I will not dwell on the details of the operation, but the good news was that as far as anyone could tell, the cancer was still confined to the prostate. When I asked how long it would have been before the cancer spread from my prostate given its aggressiveness, I was told around three to six months. I consider myself very fortunate in the circumstances."
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