1 .First of all, the most important question, was the Operation successful?
They tell me it was, although I have to go back next week for another PSA check, just in case there is any “activity” that they did not detect. I am still very nervous about that. They said that the cancer was where they thought it was, and of the size and aggression expected.
2. So could you say you were lucky?
That will depend upon the next test. Certainly, I am luckier than those many men who wait for symptoms, rather than having regular PSA testing. It was explained to me that the cancer is often towards the edge of the gland, which means that if there are symptoms, then it may already have spread. Perhaps why 9,000 men are dying still each year of the condition.
3.Don’t some people say that the PSA test is unreliable?
Some do, but I understand it is about the best test we have – survival rates have jumped from 1 in 4 during the 70’s to about 3 in 4 now. The earlier it is detected, the better it is. Men who ignore this message are mad.
4.Where did you have the Operation?
In London, at the London Clinic.
5.Not in the Midlands then. I thought we had brilliant hospitals in the Midlands?
We do, but I was advised that an operation by robot had less side effects and a quicker recovery time. I was also advised that there is no robot in the Midlands – you have to go to Cambridge, Birmingham or the north. Incredible that there is not one in our area – I was told that in New York, there are dozens and dozens of robots
6.A robot sounds scary, doesn’t it?
Not when you really think about it. Robots do not get camera shake, for a start. I had six little holes, the size of a bullet, in my stomach. The cameras have magnification ten times better than the human eye! However, you have to be careful afterwards: it was still a very major operation and, inside, your body does know it!
7.So yours was a private operation?
Yes, partly funded by a private health scheme, but robotic operations are available on the NHS. Our holidays were going to be very limited this year and I decided to spend holiday money instead on health, so as to interfere as little as possible with Mayoral duties
8.How long had you known that you had the disease?
A high PSA test about two years ago led me to having further checks, including biopsies, which revealed the cancer. However, it was only about 2% in two of the twelve samples and up to a quarter of men have this in them anyway, so I was told. The advice was that they would keep me under surveillance, with six monthly PSA checks, and two yearly biopsies. I had my second biopsy early, in about March. This revealed the 2% had grown to 25%. I was told the surveillance was over – I had to have treatment, with surgery being the recommendation. This was devastating news, totally unexpected, and coming only a few weeks after my Mayoral nomination.
9.Tell me about the lead up to the Op.
The Surgeon said that after looking at the medical reports, he thought he could cure me, but I had to lose weight. I was too fat. This was not just an operation to get rid of PC, but to improve my health. It was up to me. I had to lose two stone. That would mean going from over 16½ to about 14½ stone. That was the deal. I had to do it. In about two months.
10.Did you manage to do lose all that weight?
Yes, although at the next appointment, after losing one stone, and feeling proud of myself, I was reminded that it was two stone, and I also had to have about one hour’s continual exercise each day. Hang on, I thought, this is changing the rules in the middle of the game. It was made very clear to me that 50 % of my success in recovery would be down to my preparation.
11.How did you do it?
I opted for a sort of “Eat what I like” diet. It is surprising how much you eat just for the sake of eating. I also cut down massively on the bread, pastries and potatoes that I would have previously had stuffed down myself.
The result ? I started really enjoying my food, I just kept the quantities down, but enjoyed every mouthful. I avoided all the low fat stuff that has no taste. Two stones down. I did not manage an hour’s exercise every day, but most days – and we discovered the beautiful countryside that we have in Solihull. The surgeon was very impressed. Obviously, most of the other patients had not taken him at his word.
12. What was the worst moment?
I suppose it has to be – being told you have cancer, although I look back at all this rather differently now.
What happens to me is one thing, but having this diagnosis just over two years after losing our daughter in horrible circumstances; well, that is another thing. Sheila was very positive and supportive throughout, but her thoughts had to be on the lines that “someone up there was out to get us”. My son, Robert’s, approach was also very simple “You have always told me, Dad, that problems are here to be dealt with and solved. You just have to deal with it and do what has to be done.”
With hindsight, this advice was spot on. Since all this happened, I have met so many people who have had cancer. It affects 1 : 3 of us at the moment, and that figure will rise to 1 : 2 in the next 10/15 years. Prostate cancer is curable now – if an early diagnosis is achieved.
Likewise, many other cancers.
I still cannot believe that more than half of those Bowel Cancer testing kits sent out by the NHS are thrown away by people. Sheer and utter madness.
13.…and the Best?
Losing all that weight. Made me feel really great. I am obviously very, very happy that they have, fingers crossed, taken out the prostate cancer. However, losing all that fat makes you feel so much better and is better for your health in many, many ways
14. How are you feeling now? Are you back to doing your Mayoral duties?
I had two complete weeks off, then resumed my Mayoral duties. My first Full Council had to be a marathon, didn’t it – five hours – but it had to be done. I am getting on quite well, but try not to overdo it: also to have an hour or so‘s rest each day.
15. Do you feel different now, with reference to your “Prevention, rather than Cure” campaign?
Only that the messages are so important – as I carry out my duties as Mayor, I realise more and more how relevant all these things are. I was in a Doctor’s surgery the other day and I realised just how many messages are being fired at us. It is all becoming too complicated. Keep it simple. That is why you need something like my rather naff saying “Testing, not jesting”
16. Do you have any particular advice for residents, in view of your own experience?
I have given my advice already: “Prevention is better than the need for a Cure” “Testing, not jesting”. This is particularly in relation to men’s health. There is nothing clever or macho about neglecting your body. There are many good people and organisations out there, ready and willing to help.
Losing weight can bring back your enjoyment of food; you look better, you will feel younger. It just takes that bit of discipline to get going.
17.What are the next steps in your campaign?
Much more needs to be done to get these messages across. I am looking for employers and businesses that will sign up and take them to their staff.
Ian Courts Blog 