A man has been inspired to do all he can to raise awareness of prostate cancer – after his own long battle with the illness.
Terry Bytheway from Coulby Newham received his diagnosis eight and a half years ago after first experiencing symptoms.
Terry, 76, said: “Like a lot of men, I found out too late. I noticed blood in my semen and went to see my GP.
“I was referred for tests at The James Cook University Hospital just before Christmas, which made it a particularly difficult time for me and my family.”
“When I first went into the clinic, they carried out a rectal examination, which a lot of men are frightened of.
“I was sent for a biopsy the very next day, so I didn’t have much time to dwell on what might be wrong. It’s quite an invasive procedure, but it’s a necessary evil.
“The biopsy showed that eight out of ten samples were cancerous.
Terry then spent an anxious Christmas – where he “pretended” to his family nothing was wrong.
He said: “I spent Christmas with my family pretending everything was normal, even though I knew something serious was going on.
Between Christmas and New Year, I had an MRI scan and bone scan. That’s when I was told the cancer had spread to my bones, including my left hip and the base of my skull. I was told it was incurable.
“The consultant said, ‘We can’t cure it, but we have treatments that can keep you alive for years.’ I had prepared myself for that possibility and knew I had to be ready to face it.”
Biggest ally was positivity
After starting treatments of hormone therapy and chemotherapy, Terry PSA reading – a measure of the amount of protein produced by the prostate – had dropped from 32 to 0.2.
He said: “The chemotherapy unit was a very pleasant place and the staff were fantastic.
“At the same time, my sister was having treatment for breast cancer at North Tees, so we helped each other through it.
“My biggest ally was positivity. I knew my body, I understood what was happening, and that gave me a sense of control.
“I even gave my cancer a name, Colin. I knew he was going to be with me for life, so I wanted to keep him miserable. Naming him gave me another level of control.
“I wanted to help other men. If sharing my story can save someone else’s life, then it’s worth it.”
Around 64,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year – and for thousands of these men it is already at an advanced stage.
Terry now runs the North East Prostate Cancer Group – which he set up – and gives talks and attends events to encourage men to get checked.
He added: “There isn’t a national screening programme, which is why awareness is so important.”
“If I can save just one man’s life, I’ll be happy.
“I’m here nine years after my diagnosis and Colin’s fallen asleep for now.
“There is hope. Don’t be afraid of it. Live with it.
“Cancer has actually given me a better life. Because of the treatments I’ve received, I’ve been given a second chance.
“I’ve had a better time after my diagnosis than before it. It changed my outlook completely.”
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