DENIS SPEAKS OF EXPERIENCE WITH PROSTATE CANCER

Blackrock resident Denis Cahalane, who retired from the HSE in 2009, tells The Argus about his experience of living with prostate cancer.

‘At around the age of fifty, I started attending my general practitioner yearly for a check up which included a routine blood test. A slightly elevated cholesterol level reduced after weight loss, diet adjustment and a job change leading to less related work stress. Fortunately, I never smoked, I took exercise and I did not load sugar or salt onto food.

One year, I had an elevated PSA reading. My general practitioner directed me at once to an eminent consultant urologist and robotic surgeon. It was a false alarm, and after medication my PSA level returned to normal. I may have had an infection.

By 2011, my PSA level was continuing to rise so I returned to my consultant. Biopsies performed at six month intervals revealed cancerous cells and digital examination of my prostate caused concern.

In February 2012, my consultant reviewed my situation. He was not content to continue long term monitoring. It was time for action. The main consequence of surgery is impotence. I was prepared to accept the emotional and practical consequences of it. I had read in some religious journal that celibacy is a special gift which was now about to be bestowed upon me.

In March 2012, a robot- ic prostatectomy was performed. I was in hospital for five days. Recovery on discharge progressed very well but satisfactory regaining of bladder control took longer than expected. I still made it over to Twickenham in May 2012 for the all Irish Heineken cup final.

Since surgery, I have lived an active life with involvement in sport and community organisations. I have to monitor fluid intake. I would not drink a pot of tea or coffee before taking a bus to Dublin.

Earlier this year, my consultant phoned me one day out of the blue. He was concerned about a small but steady rise in my PSA levels since surgery. He referred me to an oncologist and he accurately predicted that pelvic radiotherapy would be recommended.

Thirty three daily sessions were undertaken in April and May. It was a ‘pain in the arse’ literally and metaphorically. Each day I had to arrive one hour before treatment for bowel and bladder preparation. I got quickly into a routine and I tolerated radiotherapy well.

Going forward, I am very grateful for the excellent medical care I have received and for the ongoing support of my family and friends. I continue to lead an active life and to avoid the ‘sick man syndrome’. I believe in leading a normal life and dealing with medical issues as they arise and moving on.’