Melvin Samuel, a retired risk and safety adviser, has attended the prostate cancer support group at Blythe House for over five years.
The 68 year old from Marple, explained: ‘I was 58 when I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I had a summons for jury service and was concerned about frequents visit to the toilet. I visited my GP and a subsequent prostate-specific antigen test (known as a PSA test – an indicator of prostate cancer) and an examination, led to a referral to the hospital. Biopsies confirmed the presence of prostate cancer. I was very fit and had no previous symptoms, for example no back ache, no weight loss, or tiredness.
‘I opted for a prostatectomy, as there was cancer present in most of the prostate including a small amount of more advanced cancer. The surgery went well. I was cured, with a 95% chance of needing no further treatment for at least five years, and I returned to work. Two years later, my PSA levels began to rise, the cancer had returned. This produced a much greater shock than the initial diagnosis and the prognosis became much more uncertain. I retired from work; I knew that it was crucial to have further treatment immediately. I had 20 sessions of radiation, which reduced the PSA level. Due to the position of the cancer, my bladder neck had been damaged and I had to wait sometime after the radiation treatment before I could have an artificial sphincter fitted.
‘It was at this point that my mental health became as much an issue as my physical health. Though many men live a comparatively long time with prostate cancer, the course of the disease is uncertain. The treatments and outcomes are less well researched and can have unpleasant side effects. A friend of mine who had late stage prostate cancer told me about the local support group at Blythe House Hospicecare, and I subsequently attended my first meeting. I met the nurses who run the group, who encouraged me to self-refer to the hospice services. Once referred, I learnt more about the services available to me from the Community Hub. I did not realise the array of day services available to support my diagnosis.
‘Blythe House staff gave me skills to cope with the uncertainty of living with cancer and the side effects, through a package of courses, group meetings, counselling and associated treatments including acupuncture and physiotherapy.
‘For me, Blythe House was initially a sanctuary and then a place to meet people in a similar situation, and then being supported to move forward. The staff not only provide excellent care and support, but also can provide contemporary clinical advice and information, and can liaise with other clinical and social service providers.
‘The associated High Peak prostate cancer support group gave me a forum to discuss sometimes unpleasant, embarrassing symptoms and treatments, as well as keeping me informed of advances in treatment.
‘I would not have coped without Blythe House and by that I mean without all of the staff and volunteers. I would have needed much more high impact clinical interventions and would have made even greater demands of my family.
‘As my surgery initially went well and I felt reasonably self-sufficient, I did not seek any additional support. It was only after two years when the cancer returned that I knew I could no longer cope alone and I contacted Blythe House. I strongly believe that if I had made that contact earlier I would have been able to cope much better and recover a sense of well-being and a more balanced perspective much sooner. I continue to have contact with Blythe House via the support group, and I am greatly appreciative that the service is there if my cancer progresses or I become unable to cope.
‘I would advise anyone diagnosed with cancer or a life-limiting illness to contact Blythe House and relevant support groups as soon as possible.’
