Michael’s Prostate Cancer Story

6.10.2015

Devastated, that’s how I felt when I was told I had Prostate cancer. I originally went to GP as I woke frequently in the night needing to urinate; I never expected it to be serious though.

I was referred to the urologist who monitored my PSA reading, it wasn’t until my PSA score steadily increased to 14.6 that I got offered treatment. This was following my insistence that something needed to be done, but the NHS said no treatment was recommended for me; in the end they finally gave me the option of having a prostatectomy (removal of the prostate) and radiotherapy.

With these two treatments they both carried a high possibility of side effects including incontinence and erectile dysfunction. As a result of these side-effects I began looking around for other treatments and that’s when I came across Proton therapy.

Even though I was to have 21 fractions the whole process was speedy and efficient and it exceeded my expectations. I found the staff incredibly caring and friendly and the best part of it all was no side-effects. However I did get some side-effects from the hormone treatment which gave me breast enlargement and tenderness.

I would 100% recommend proton therapy; it’s up to date with much less risk of damage to other organs and it has left me feeling optimistic about my future.

Disclaimer: This patient is happy to share their story but would like to protect their identity.