Peter on prostate cancer and the power of conversation

When I was diagnosed, friends would say how unlucky I was to have been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

But I would say to them, ‘No, I am lucky to have been diagnosed in this day and age when we have access to all of the various medical advancements and interventions, like scans and treatments. (My mum was diagnosed with cancer at age 65 in 1973 and had no such thing - it was terrible then.)

But the NHS have taken very good care of me physically, and I have Maggie’s to thank for the last five years for all of their expert emotional and mental cancer support, and their friendship.

I have had the odd blip in my physical fitness during my treatment. I had many tiny blood clots in my lungs at one point, which the doctors thought could have been due to the seven weeks of radiotherapy that I had to go through very early on. But I was treated very well and thankfully made a good recovery.

Advice for other men facing prostate cancer treatment

It can be hard to put a positive spin on it, especially when you’re in the middle of it. But that’s what I have always tried to do, and the support I got meant I always left Maggie’s feeling better.

Hormone treatment for prostate cancer can be tough, but I want men to know: you can get through it.

If it’s a choice between taking the treatment and living through some of the side effects to come out the other end cancer free, then I would happily say: take the prostate and hormone treatment that you are offered.

I would also advise you: don't to delay going to the doctor if you think you're going to the loo too often in the night or have had a drop in pressure when you wee, like I had.

Yes, I had to deal with incontinence for a few months... but I wore briefs instead of boxer shorts for the few months that I had to wear the incontinence pads, and I never once had an accident.

Hormone treatment can cause other bodily changes, like body hair loss and a bit of muscle wastage. I also put on a little bit of weight around my middle and my chest.

Then there are things that the doctors don’t tell you, for example, that during treatment your testicles can all but disappear!

But I can happily say I’m out of the other end, and all of this is getting back to normal. Hair is sprouting back on my chest, and I’m feeling more toned and muscular again. I’m feeling physically fit – I’m almost pubescent again at the age of 77!

Humour, gratitude and other tips

Having a sense of humour is also vitally important in staying positive.

One specialist nurse I'd come to see after my prostate operation told me he was going to remove my catheter. I said to him, ‘I suppose this is going to hurt?’, and he said, ‘Not for me!’ and we both fell about laughing. What else can you do?

It’s the same as when you need to go for various tests and biopsies. We really are lucky that, as men of this time, we have access to these various tests and treatment.

I know at times these can be uncomfortable, physically and emotionally, but there isn’t any room for embarrassment when cancer is present. You’ve just got to get on with it so you can get the right treatment.

I think it’s important to take each step one day at a time – view treatment steps in smaller chunks, and you will get through it.

I would also advise men to try to stay as physically fit as you can going through treatment. Try to keep your diet sensible, lose that wee bit of weight if that’s what is recommended by your medical team, and do the pelvic floor exercises that the doctors tell you to do. Then you will get there – all of these things make a big a difference.

Conversations that powered me through treatment

I believe the support at Maggie’s, including my many conversations with the staff, have been most beneficial. There wasn’t a question they couldn’t answer, and I wasn’t afraid to ask.

It wasn’t until I was a few weeks into my radiotherapy and I had been coming to Maggie’s every day that I realised the good work they were doing with me.

I didn’t realise just how deep and long lasting these conversations were in supporting me through this time in helping me to keep a positive outlook and cheery demeanour.

I was always a glass half-full kind of guy and physically fit, from my days as a young man in a London-based pop group The Vodoo Factor, to my career now in my seventies in interior decoration.

I’ve always had a zest for life, but Maggie’s definitely helped me keep my chin up when I was going through treatment. I found that speaking with other people going through a similar thing at a Maggie’s prostate group was helpful too.

Back to work and normal life... restoring castles and cars!

I can’t believe how far I’ve come through my treatment. Now I’m back to myself – I’m up and down ladders everyday, busy gilding cornices and restoring antique furniture.

I've had the pleasure of having two Scottish castles on my books, and I’m helping second generation customers to restore their homes as well. Between that and restoring classic cars and racing them with my daughter, there is no stopping me!

We’re here with you

Our cancer support specialists, psychologists and benefits advisors are here for everyone with cancer, and all the people who love them. 

• Come and see us at your nearest Maggie’s
• Call us on 0300 123 180 or arrange a callback
• Cmail us at enquiries@maggies.org