Doug’s Story

Doug’s specialist put Doug on tablets when he had a high PSA reading and was told that “he was never likely to get prostate cancer”. When Doug felt that he wanted to stop taking the tablets, his doctor in Temora didn’t give any explanation of the consequences. In 2022 Doug went for his regular blood test and queried re getting a PSA reading. But his GP said that he wasn’t due to have that test for another year. When Doug did have this blood test in 2023, his PSA reading was concerning. 

Doug then went to another urologist in Wagga, where Doug received the news that he had prostate cancer, that it was in 5 lymph nodes and on the bone. If Doug had had the test the year before when he asked, the cancer may have been contained. 

Doug’s treatment was radiation every day for 8 weeks. During this period Doug had a supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) attack (the heart races) which meant that Doug was put into Wagga hospital. After another attack, Doug had to go to Sydney for an ablation to control the SVT. He flew to Sydney on Sunday, operated on Monday, travelled back on Tuesday, and back to radiation on Wednesday.  

Now that his radiation treatment is complete, Doug has a hormone injection every 4 months as well as taking hormone tablets. And now “I’m just trying to live my life normally”. 

Doug knew about Can Assist from their fundraising in Temora, and because of friendships with some of the Can Assist branch committee. And he also knew that he would need assistance as he is a pensioner. So far Doug has travelled 8,000kms on his cancer journey. Can Assist assisted with accommodation at Lilier Lodge, petrol vouchers, medication and out of pocket treatment fees. 

Doug has found support for his journey from Can Assist, from his Men’s Shed group, and from the Temora Cancer Support group. And from his garden – Doug grows plants to sell at Temora’s Own Arts and Crafts shop.