A story to share
In 1998, Ken Peters was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He offers his own account of his experience – and the tough decisions he had to make.
"When I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, I was given a stark choice – radiotherapy or surgery. Despite the fears I had, I was reassured that the fact that I had a choice was a good sign – surgery is not always an option if the cancer is too far advanced. With radiotherapy, I learnt that there was a risk of incontinence, impotence, short-term diarrhoea and cystitis to balance against the possibility of sorting out my cancer.
My disease has been given a pummelling by a lot of fine people and the foreseeable future looks optimistic.
After a lot of consideration – and worry – I chose surgery. I felt that if something bad could be cut out and assigned to the clinical waste bag, it wouldn’t be in a position to bother me again. I was also told that I could have radiotherapy later on to zap any residual problems following surgery. This seemed to offer a reassuringly ‘belt and braces’ approach.
My stay in hospital took just seven days and, together with a small dose of radiotherapy a couple of years later, my previously soaring PSA level has been reduced. My treatment has been successful.
I’m grateful that, unlike many other cancer patients, I have never suffered pain or discomfort with my condition. My disease has been given a good bashing by a lot of fine people and the foreseeable future looks optimistic. And I join The Prostate Cancer Charity in strongly urging men to take early action if they are the slightest bit concerned."
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