Tim Swinton

SPRING 2024

My prostate cancer story is much the same as anybody else’s. The principal reason I’m getting it out there to all of you is because of what might be a bit different – I’m gay.

Without going into the comic innuendos that verge into Carry On territory, I have to say straight away that almost any gay man will tell you what the prostate does for their sex life. Some rely on it. Straight men too I guess; although for me, that’s only hearsay…

My cancer was diagnosed at the end of 2013 with a PSA of 25 and a Gleason score of 3:4. I was quickly given high-dose rate brachytherapy and fifteen localised radiotherapy treatments early in 2014. I was then on hormone treatment for about a year.

My PSA started to rise again in 2018–19 (the dates are uncertain as my PSA rose so slowly) as the cancer had metastasised, so I have been having follow-up hormone treatment as quarterly injections for the last few years. Recently I found out that the prostate cancer has spread slightly further, so I have just started on Enzolutamide.

Back when I was diagnosed, nobody prepared me for the sex-life-changing impacts of my treatments. One result is my sex drive has fallen to zero. Since I’m 70 this year that’s not so important to me (my partner and I split up the year the cancer came back). However, if I get lucky and a sex life returns, I know there are several approaches I can take.

Today, if I were newly diagnosed, I would definitely want to share my particular anxieties and concerns with a person familiar with my situation. Until recently, I don’t think any such help existed. However, in the last few years, PCaSO (the Prostate Cancer Support Organisation) has established a support service so you can talk to a gay man like me. We’re here to help; so get in touch – we can make a real difference.

The best of luck and health to you all,

Tim

Other patient stories you might be interested in

Gregg McKella – A Year On

SPRING 2024

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.

Andrew Somerville – A Year On

SPRING 2024

One year after his prostate cancer surgery, Andrew reflects on his recovery, fundraising for PCaSO and the three lifestyle changes that continue to support his health.

Tim Swinton

SPRING 2024

My prostate cancer story is much the same as anybody else’s. The principal reason I’m getting it out there to all of you is because of what might be a bit different – I’m gay. Without going into the comic innuendos that verge into Carry On territory, I have to say straight away that almost any gay man will tell you what the prostate does for their sex life. Some rely on it. Straight men too I guess; although for me, that’s only hearsay…

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