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My Story

 

Hi,

Thank you for taking the time to read my message.

For roughly a year my father complained of back ache and difficulty passing urine “nothing unusual for a 76 year old male, right?” gradually the pain became worse and he began to lose his appetite.

A close friend, who he would regularly meet whilst walking the dog had suffered from Prostate Cancer in the past, but now had the all clear, had himself presented the same symptoms and advised my father to speak to his GP just to be on the safe side.

Months went by and my father was worried that he may have Prostate Cancer. He decided the best course of action was to do and say nothing.

Being a rather proud and private man he eventually plucked up the courage to visit the doctor who misdiagnosed the symptoms again and again and again, no tests, no checks… just the usual pain killers and “If the pain persists, come back in 2 weeks”

My father kept this all a secret for months.

Six months ago he became very ill and within two weeks he had lost 2 stone and became extremely frail, pale and disorientated. “As long as he’s drinking plenty of fluids there’s no cause for concern” said the GP. He was finally admitted into hospital after the family pleaded with the GP to do something.

  

He was diagnosed with advanced Prostate Cancer with levels a 1000 times the normal operable limit. The family prepared for the worse, the news we dreaded arrived – the doctors advised that he had just a few months to live.

The family spent every day and night by his side whilst he lay in hospital. Two weeks later he was released as soon as he had stabilised. 

Since leaving hospital he has been courageous and positive and has had the family supporting him throughout. He is achieving the unexpected and fighting the cancer into remission. It is truly amazing what the power of the mind can achieve.

It is easy to ask yourself “why has this happened to my father”, but the grim reality is that had he had the confidence and courage to seek early medical advice and that the GP had been more attentive of his symptoms; early intervention may have significantly reduced the cancer to a treatable level. 

I send this email hoping to raise awareness of Prostate Cancer which can often go undetected for years. 

For more information about Prostate Cancer click this link. www.prostate-cancer.org.uk

The Plan!

I plan to run the 2010 London Marathon and aim to raise £2000 for the Prostate Cancer Charity.

I know you may think that running the London Marathon should be easy for a Sports Science Lecturer but for the best part of a year I have traded weights and the treadmill for a lifestyle of beer and pizza.

Believe me, it will be difficult dragging my 18 stone out of condition body around for 26 miles. But I will do it!!! No taxis or piggy backs!

Please would you be so kind in supporting me to raise £2000. Maybe take that £1 that you would normally spend on this week’s lottery and donate to the Prostate Cancer Charity and help towards the research and cure for Prostate Cancer.

Please feel free to pass this on to colleagues, family and friends.

Thank you for your support!

Kind regards

Karl Jackson