In September 2016, Gary received the earth-shattering news that no man wants to hear, ‘you’ve got prostate cancer’.
“When I heard I had prostate cancer, to say I was devastated would be an understatement,” Gary recalls. “I have faced many terrifying situations, I’ve even been held at gunpoint in Nigeria during my previous career as an engineer, but knowing I had prostate cancer and the prospect of life changing treatment, was all the more terrifying for me!”.
It is hard to understand the sheer despair felt, nevertheless, Gary was determined to make the most out of his life. A photographer, he booked a trip to the Arctic Circle so he had something to look forward to. “At one point I wasn’t sure if I would be able to go, but the trip went ahead last year and my wife and I had a fantastic time. I felt so lucky.”
Gary praises the positive guidance and support provided by Prostate Cancer UK’s Specialist Nurses. “We are also so grateful for [them]. The news about my diagnosis came as a complete shock. Our minds went totally blank and we had so many questions about how this would impact us both. The nurses explained everything to us so clearly and provided true, honest and balanced information and were very easy to talk to.”
The research, support and care provided by Prostate Cancer UK makes a huge difference to so many people – men and women. Prostate cancer is a terrible disease that affects whole families. Every day over 120 men in the UK are diagnosed with prostate cancer. Their diagnoses has an impact not only on their own lives, but the lives of their loved ones. Without support at such an overwhelming time, making the decision that is best for them can be incredibly difficult. That’s why the Specialist Nurse service by the charity means so much to Gary and thousands of others. They speak to families who feel left in the dark and alone after diagnosis, and help them make sense of what they’re going through.
Click here to find out more about Prostate Cancer UK and their Specialist Nurse service.
