Halifax HX1 1PR
First Tuesday every month
- Prostate Cancer Stories
Clinton's Story
This is Clinton’s prostate cancer journey, so far. It is candid and written to share his experiences, good and bad, with those who perhaps are on their own prostate cancer journey.
My Cancer Journey 2018 to 2026
In 2018 just after my 62nd birthday, a visit to my GP followed by extensive tests, which culminated an unexpected devasting diagnosis on the 10th August. I was diagnosed with an initial PSA of 362, Stage 4, Gleeson 9, Metastatic Prostate Cancer for which there is no cure. Basically, all that can be done is to provide palliative treatment to hold the cancer at bay for as long as possible with treatment including radiotherapy & chemotherapy. The cancer had escaped the ‘mother ship’ (Prostate) & spread to my lymph nodes, pelvis, spine & ribs. In early 2026 as a result of my PSA rising to 1240 further investigations revealed that it had now spread to my liver & new course of Chemotherapy was started immediately. I am nearly at the end of all the treatment available on the NHS Pathway & we are actively seeking new cancer treatments through Medical Trials.
The Cancer diagnosis put our lives on hold & ultimately affected our future plans, particularly for retirement, but also our daily routine, holidays, diet & so many other things you take for granted. I am particularly annoyed with the outcome as I had a healthy lifestyle, being very fit & active, rarely visiting the GP. If I was only made aware of a ‘Well Man Test’ available from the age of 50 or access to simple screening with a PSA test, my cancer could have been caught early & probably curable. At the moment with all the adjustments, we are able to lead a fairly normal & relatively active lifestyle & part of that includes looking forward to our visits to the Meandering Bear. Finally, I would just like to mention my long-suffering wife, Kim, without whom I am sure I would not be here now.