This timely and well-written piece is essential reading for every single man over the age of 40. I had my 45th birthday a few weeks ago so I am taking his advice! I would like to thank my great wine trade pal for sharing it with me and also for allowing me to share it with you. I look forward to enjoying many more glasses with him thanks to his prescient decision and action.
‘I thought that I’d let you know about a little adventure that I had 4 weeks ago.
I had my Prostate removed at Wexham hospital, near Slough. I was in and out of hospital in just 36 hours. The surgeons are very pleased with the result, they all commented that “it went well”. It was done robotically, more a case of “snip and remove”, rather than “Exterminate!”.
I’ve been very fortunate as the cancer was picked up very early in my annual blood test, there were no real symptoms. The NHS have been fantastic, as always: from being referred it was just 8 weeks from MRI scans to removal. Prostate Cancer is the “silent killer”, responsible for more deaths in men than breast cancer is in women, so I count my blessings.
Wexham has carried out hundreds of these operations over the last few years and are at the forefront of this type of operation in the UK. I’m up and about, but under doctor’s orders that I now have to take it easy for 4-6 weeks. Some of you might suggest that I’ve been doing this for 30 years, but I will obey them: I’d be mad not to – it’s too important. I have been told that I can pick up a bottle of wine, but not a case!
So, I do not have prostate cancer, my prostrate had it, so I have bid it farewell. Obviously this will all be closely monitored over the next 12 months +with regular blood tests every three months or so, but I am reassured that my PSA levels should fall back to normal. I saw the specialist last Friday, who said that there was a 90% chance that I would need no further treatment. I am not sick, so no Get Well cards please. I know quite a few people who have had this operation and are still working pretty hard five years + down the track.
Boys, heed the lesson – over 40 (and I know that most of you are) you’re entitled to an annual PSA blood test under the NHS – have it! It can be a lifesaver!’
