John
Pearce and his partner Fiona live in Victoria Australia.
John
was 53 at diagnosis on December 04, 2000. His initial PSA was: 7.5 with a Gleason
Score of 6. He decided on Surgery as his treatment option
John's
story: The initial diagnosis created the predictable sense of shock and fear,
however the wait for scan results was the most emotionally agonising 5 days of
the whole journey. Fortunately the results provided relief rather than greater
trauma.
Exploring
the options in regard to treatment was an incredibly challenging experience. My
urologist, whilst promoting the positives of surgery, encouraged me to investigate
the other available treatments, which I did in a variety of ways. One of the most
valuable and draining stages was a weekend away with three close 'mates'. One
a mathematician, another a research scientist and the third a secondary school
teacher. They in fact had done some 'homework' before our workshop weekend - including
a risk analysis chart, networking with colleagues etc. No decision was made at
this time, however a week later I made MY decision with a sense of confidence
and clarity.
Some
minor procedural difficulties during surgery saw me in Critical Care but my recovery
in terms of healing and incontinence went as well as I'd hoped. However my resolve
was really tested during my stay in hospital when on Day 4 a 37 y.o. Colleague
from school finally lost his battle with cancer (in the same hospital and after
having been my first post-operative visitor). On Day 6 close friends arrived to
break the news that my father has passed away earlier that day. Phew! My philosophy
that ' It doesn't matter so much what happens to you in life but rather how you
deal with it that's important'. Not original I know but I value the sentiment.
Since
surgery in Feb 2001 my PSA has hovered around the 0.1 mark, and I'm very keen
to return a magical 0.0 reading.
Over
the past 24 months my life has returned to a similar pattern to my previous existence
- with a small number of significant differences. These changes I will share with
you when next I write.
John
is now 55 with a PSA of 0.1. He is receiving no current treatment.
John's
story update: Approaching the 2nd anniversary of my 'radical' I am feeling somewhat
anxious about my next 'blood test' as is my regular response to such an event.
Particularly as about 10 weeks ago I was experiencing the same symptoms as prior
to my diagnosis. My urologist, Dr S Lindsay, has been fantastic throughout the
entire journey, as has my GP Greg Mewett. A battery of tests resulted in the 'all
clear', with the most likely explanation being that my body remembered the symptoms
and replicated them in response to a stressful period in my life. I felt quite
comfortable with that 'theory'.
The
two years have provided much learning and a few moments of darkness, but generally
I have put the prostrate experience to one side and endeavored to approach everyday
life with an optimistic attitude.
Lots
of thoughts, experiences and theories I would willingly share/swap with others.
The
world is full of statistics and more statistics. In so many ways I am now more
statistically involved in life than ever before. Prostate cancer, PSA readings
etc and now a member of the 'marriage over' sub-group.
With just days
to go before my next 6 monthly check-up my focus on my health and happiness becomes
even more finely tuned. Separated for over 12 months and into a new relationship
I am again compelled to reflect on where I've come from, where I am and where
I'm going.
My PSA has stayed steady at 0.1, incontinence is not an issue
and impotence has indeed proven to be an asset as much as a liability.
At my last check-up my urologist decided to extend my follow-up time from 5 years
to 10. After discussion and explanation I am no longer anxious about his decision.
In regard to relationship changes - it has been an amazing part of the 'journey'.
Grief, emotional pain and anguish are unavoidable during such times. Then to establish
a new relationship and disclose the 'facts' in relation to my health issues has
been challenging but also incredibly empowering. A compassionate, sensitive, patient
and inspiring partner can turn near tragedy into almost total triumph. Impotence
IS a real issue but love can work miracles. Enough said.
The journey
continues and I look forward to sharing my experiences along the way.
My
most recent visit to 'my specialist' resulted in a reading of 0.03 ng/ml and a
'I don't need to see you again' statement. A reason to celebrate - cautiously
due to my superstitious nature. My six monthly visits provided an opportunity
to seek positive news and observe first hand the high pressure life of a medical
specialist.
One
of the most positive outcomes of my experience has been the sharing of my story
with young people. Working in a Year 7-10 secondary college has allowed me to
increase the awareness of mens health issues - particularly in open question and
answer sessions with Health classes. I have continued to participate in Relay
for Life events and found the opening lap involving 'survivors and carers' an
incredibly emotional experience each year.
I
continue to play competition volleyball and jog regularly - with a pitstop essential
after about 15-20 minutes of activity.
I
wish my fellow travellers all the best!
It
is now six and a half years since my procedure and life continues along at a hectic
pace - a grandfather for the first time, an AFL premiership (Go Cats!) and still
teaching full-time.
2007
has reinforced the fact that you are never alone - I've been joined by three friends.
All within five months of each other and all opting for surgery. Is there actually
a 'virus'?
The
four of us recently met for a meal and a few drinks and formed the first chapter
of the Bendigo SAS - the Soft and Soggy 'support group'. Enjoyed an absolutely
hilarious night swapping stories and sharing the highs and lows of our individual
journeys. Hope to catch up each month for on-going bonding sessions.
It
certainly helps in 'normalising' our respective experiences and puts a positive
comedic spin on many of our setbacks and challenges.
John's
e-mail address is pearce.john.c@edumail.vic.gov.au
