Gregg McKella – A Year On
SPRING 2024
This is really an update to my full story following the prostatectomy I had on 12 January 2023
I have also made a few YouTube videos about my journey, in the hope of raising awareness and helping newly diagnosed patients gain some insight, just as I found other people’s videos helpful. I will be making another one shortly: a “one year after” episode.
I really can’t believe a whole year has gone by since I had my operation. I have now had four three-monthly PSA blood tests, all coming back at 0.01 ng/ml, which is a massive relief.
My journey started in spring 2022, when my GP suggested that I have a PSA blood test. I did not know what this was, but I was happy to have it added to the growing list of blood tests, along with cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
It came as a great shock to discover that I had a raised PSA level of 5.95 and to be told that it might be cancer. In August 2022, it was confirmed.
I was introduced to the PCaSO support group by Clive Hancocks. The advice I received from PCaSO members at that time was invaluable in helping me decide which treatment I should have.
I have since become an active member. I am part of the Horizon Centre team that holds the monthly drop-ins, as well as being part of the dynamic dream team running the donation table at PSA blood-testing events.
After this first year, I feel quite fit overall. I am not as fatigued as I was during the first few months after my operation, and I feel very positive about life in general.
My continence has been pretty good. I now use only the lightest continence pads, and only when going out. On the E/D front, I still have issues, but things are moving positively—although I realise this can be a slow process.
Following my operation last year, I decided to take part in Dry January and managed to raise just short of £1,700.
The money raised paid for 1,500 water bottles for men undergoing radiotherapy for prostate cancer. Before radiotherapy treatment, men have to drink between 500 ml and one litre of water. This helps to push the bladder away from the prostate and minimise radiation damage to the bladder.
Plastic, single-use cups had previously been used. The branded, biodegradable PCaSO bottles are now used instead, saving thousands of cups from going to landfill.
This year, I have completed another Dry January and no alcohol has passed my lips. I will be going out for a beer or two in February, mind!
At the time, I also invited readers to support my Dry January fundraiser through my JustGiving page.
Gregg McKella
