About 3,900 men in Ireland are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year. But while these numbers are staggering, it’s a highly treatable cancer, especially if it’s caught early.
He was the case with Martin O’Sullivan, who was diagnosed with the disease in 2018 after making regular appointments with his GP to check his PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels. Went in for a PSA test, but recently tested positive for the BRCA2 gene mutation (he was tested because of family ties), so the doctor decided it was time to get tested. So I was referred to the Rapid Access Clinic,” he says.
“I had a biopsy, and nobody seemed to think it would detect cancer, so I didn’t think anything of it. But it was — and I was a little shocked. But I’m a fatalist, so deep down in my heart I felt the worst because I wasn’t sent to the Rapid Access Clinic and couldn’t get a biopsy just because the doctor didn’t have anything else. I was thinking about the situation, they thought something was possible, obviously something to do that day, but I’m not completely shocked by the news, but my wife definitely I was even more shocked.”
The 65-year-old, who is married to Kathy and has two adult daughters, was told there were no immediate concerns if the cancer was removed, but wanted to “sort things out” as soon as possible. rice field. As such, he underwent surgery to remove the tumor in December 2018 and returned to work in January 2019 after recovering for several weeks.
However, this was not the end of his ordeal, as two years later another tumor was discovered. “I thought it was about my cancer experience, but I was wrong,” he says. , dislocated and severely fractured his shoulder.
“I went to the hospital right away, but it was Tuesday afternoon when they rearranged the beds and it was time for shoulder surgery. But the next morning they found something in my scan and said they wanted another scan.
“Later that night, a nurse and a doctor came to see me. They pulled the curtains around the bed and sat down, so I knew something was wrong. I told them it was good news.” I said I could say no, and asked him to let me know the facts immediately without prying. I can say it wasn’t a great night for me.”
The Coke man, who works as an accountant, has never smoked, so the lung tumor was unexpected. He said – and following this he received even worse news – a tumor was also detected in his kidney.
“This was very hard news to hear, but there’s nothing you can do. Glad someone sorted it out,” he says. “Therefore, we will have further tests and scans over the next few weeks, and in early December 2020, we will have part of his right kidney removed.
“Then I was scheduled to have a biopsy of the lung[for further investigation]but it was a very difficult procedure because of the location of the tumor, so the doctor said it was better to wait until the tumor was removed. Decided.Done in February 2021 with the whole left upper lobe.
“Following this, I was told that one of my lymph nodes tested positive for cancer and that I would have to undergo chemotherapy.
“I’m glad it ended. I did well but I was pretty sick. I did 4 sessions 3 weeks apart. I’m glad I didn’t have to do a 5th session. I didn’t.” Best of my life It was the time of the year, but I got over it. I am fine today and fully back to work. My life is pretty much back to how it was before my first diagnosis, so it’s going really well. “
“People affected by these potentially debilitating problems often don’t know where to go for help, as relevant support may not be part of standard hospital care. , poses a significant unaddressed burden to this group of men.
All of this happened during the COVID-19 restrictions, and the father of two had a hard time with his wife, who wasn’t allowed to accompany him on his appointments. But he says the support of family and friends and the expertise of his medical team helped him through the ordeal.
“Because of Covid-19, my family was naturally excluded from the whole process, which was the right thing to do given the circumstances,” he says. “But it was very difficult for them because they just had to wait for the news while I was catching up on everything.
“The surgeons, doctors, and everyone who looked after me were wonderful, and I’ve been very fortunate to have had the incredible support of family, friends, colleagues, and more. Some people, especially men, may find themselves at a very low point both during and after something like this and feel like they have no one to turn to .
“But there is a great new trial in Cork to help men who are or have had cancer. This is the Liam Mc Trial (Linking In with Advice, It’s called Supporting Men with Sexual Cancer) and I think it’s a great initiative that can go a long way in helping men deal with the emotional side of cancer.”
Martin says he doesn’t want to give advice because “everyone’s experience with cancer is different,” but getting as much information as possible from your doctor and being patient while waiting for news can be very helpful.
He is fine now and hopes this continues, but in the meantime he says he is enjoying life to the fullest. I could be positive and optimistic, but I know this can change,” he says. “Every situation is different. Ultimately we are all on our own. You have to get through cancer, but with some support it will be much easier to deal with.”
The Liam Mc Trial was awarded to UCC for its attempt to connect men to the support of a hospital environment that helps them live full and fulfilling lives during and after cancer treatment. The Irish Cancer Society trial, which begins in September, will invite selected participants into a 12-week program aimed at meeting their health and well-being needs based on a holistic approach that goes beyond standard care .
“Cancer treatment can be difficult for men. Physical and emotional complications are common, including weight gain and muscle loss, trouble sleeping, incontinence problems, and erectile dysfunction,” says Ireland Cancer’s director. said Fionnuala Creighton, an oncology nurse. society.
“People affected by these potentially debilitating problems often don’t know where to go for help, as relevant support may not be part of standard hospital care. , poses a significant unaddressed burden to this group of men.
“Therefore, in a research trial based at Cork University Hospital, men received weekly physiotherapy sessions, as well as specialized nurse and nutritionist support, which were critically important to their quality of life.” This is complemented by access to social work and psychological support to ensure that their practical, emotional and physical needs are met.”
About prostate cancer
- About 3890 people are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year.
- It usually affects men over the age of 50. Nearly two of his three cases of prostate cancer have been diagnosed in men over the age of 65.
- The risk is increased if you have a sick brother or father, if a relative developed prostate cancer at a young age, or if you have multiple sick relatives.
- Two genes identified as increasing risk are the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. A man with BRCA2 is twice as likely as he is to develop prostate cancer.
- Afro-Caribbean men are at increased risk of developing prostate cancer.
- Often, prostate cancer grows slowly and does not cause symptoms for long, if any.
- Symptoms may include: Frequent urination, especially at night. Problems starting or stopping flows. slow flow of urine; and pain when urinating.
- Less common symptoms include blood in the urine or semen and a feeling that the bladder does not empty completely.
- A PSA test (PSA levels can be elevated for other reasons) or a physical exam may be recommended.
- If you have any concerns, please seek medical attention.
For more information, see: Cancer.ie or call 1800 200 700
