22/09/2024
This warrior is Alan. 💪
“I was diagnosed with stage 3, locally advanced prostate cancer, just three weeks after my 53rd birthday,” he says. 🙁
“I’d been feeling a bit off from time to time and saw my GP. I was given a blood test and it came back that I had abnormally high iron levels. 🤔
“The doctor told me that inflammation sometimes causes high iron. After some investigation, I asked if it could be my prostate. 🤷🏼♂️
“The doctor sent me for a PSA blood test. That came back at 37, so it was straight to get an MRI. The results showed that I had advanced prostate cancer. PET scans and a biopsy confirmed it. 😦
“I am currently on my second dose of hormone therapy injections. The next step for me will be radiation therapy, most likely starting in March next year. 🤞🏼
“Being proactive sometimes isn't enough. When I turned 50, I went to my GP for a checkup and asked about a PSA test. I was told that I was too young to worry about it. 😰
“My oncologist has advised me that, based on the advancement of my cancer, I likely already had it when I requested my first PSA test three years ago. 😓
“So, be proactive for sure. But be prepared to take charge of your medical care. It's your health - you're in charge and the earlier you find these kinds of things, the better. 💯👊🏼
“My outcome and treatment options would be dramatically different if I'd been more assertive. 💙
“I've tried to channel the feelings that accompany a cancer diagnosis into other positive things like spreading awareness, raising funds and making time for the things in my life that are most important to me. 🙏🏼
“Prostate cancer might return - but not today and not tomorrow, so I'm going to live life to the fullest and make every day count.” ❤️
When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Big love to you Alan. 💙
Make a difference 👉🏼www.thelongrun.org.au
