My Dilemma
I was in a dilemma.
Should I tell you or not? After all I am not looking for sympathy. Then I thought “What the hell, it might do some good”.
I’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Very much in the early stages so the prognosis is encouraging. I’m taking the radiotherapy route as opposed to an operation. I’ve been given some hormone treatment in the form of 2 injections and pills for a couple of weeks. Now I’m waiting for the main attack on the cancer in a month’s time.
The reason I decided to share the information is to encourage other men, to read up on the options for PSA testing. See Should I have a PSA test? I am certainly glad I was tested as I had no symptoms and without the test the cancer would have continued to grow.
A couple of thoughts I believe are inevitable and that is, it’s not fair and why me? After about 24 hours of feeling sorry for myself I put things in their proper perspective, counted my blessings and got on with life. I realised that this is NOT a tragedy but a challenge. With people living longer most of us will face a health challenge at some stage. I face this one with gratitude… Obviously grateful for my loving family. But also I am grateful for the NHS and, unlike in the USA, the fact that my treatment will not incur a financial burden; I am grateful for medical scientists and the miraculous work they do; and finally I am grateful to be living in a village with probably the best GP practice in the country!
A couple of months before the diagnosis I was elected as a Councillor for Stirlingshire West. I decided I would have one last tilt at windmills before I was truly past it and I have to admit I am enjoying myself. If you do a proper job you can help a lot of people – that’s what I tell myself. So far I haven’t been proven wrong. I’ll keep you in the picture.
In the meantime my latest thriller, Vendetta, is published. Another TIFAT adventure with all the twists and turns I hope you have come to expect. I won’t tell you the story but the good guy gets the girl and the bad guys have bad deaths!
The good guy, not surprisingly, is Nick Hunter.
If you want any copies signed and gift wrapped and posted to the recipients just let Dorothy know and she will be delighted to help.
Finally a very happy festive season to you all and thanks for your support over the years.
Paul
In the meantime my latest thriller, Vendetta, is published. Another TIFAT adventure with all the twists and turns I hope you have come to expect. I won’t tell you the story but the good guy gets the girl and the bad guys have bad deaths!
The good guy, not surprisingly, is Nick Hunter.
If you want any copies signed and gift wrapped and posted to the recipients just let Dorothy know and she will be delighted to help.
Finally a very happy festive season to you all and thanks for your support over the years.
Paul