I rang the bell today.

[daveathall]

I had prostate cancer some 15 or so years ago, my prostate was removed but the cancer came back after a year, so I had radiotherapy and all had been good since then. Unfortunately, it came back recently, things have moved on in the 15 years since and whereas in those times radiotherapy could only be given once, the machines are more accurate and I was able to have a second course of 20 doses. I finished the last one today, I feel very tired, have stomach cramps and diarrhoea but these are minor ailments compared to the suffering and worry that others in this world are experiencing.

Throughout this time, I have sat in a waiting room many times with others and their partners who are having the same procedure. I am a people watcher and see many sad and worried people during my waiting here, we have to wear masks so I can only see their eyes. The timings throughout the 20 days have been different so I have seen different people waiting, it was easy to tell out of the pairs of people waiting, who was the patient and who was the partner. The partner was the one with the worried eyes, The patient always seemed to have the calmer more sparkly eyes, certainly, looking into my wife’s eyes I saw resignation and worry, one always seem to forget the partners, they go through so much but try to hide it from their mates who are going through the procedure. It must also be very difficult to work full time in a lovely place like this unit but see so much sadness.

I have heard the term, “I am going to fight this” well, to be honest, one doesn’t fight cancer, one turns up and gives one’s body to these wonderful doctors and nurses with their fabulous machines and trust them to fight it on your behalf. They have been absolutely brilliant.

After the last treatment, it is tradition to “ring the bell” which I did.










The radiation will still be fighting inside me for a couple of weeks yet and I have been told that the side effects will still be felt by me for some time.

During my treatment I have had support from some of my friends here on TRF and I would like to thank them very much for their support and kindness, it has helped me greatly, I won’t name them because I am not sure if it would be proper, but they know who they are so thank you so much, I would also like to thank my agent…….erm, wrong speech, lol.

I wrote a card and bought some cakes for doctors and nurses, it seems such a small gesture to give cards and cakes to people who have ultimately tried their hardest to prolong another human beings life. Excuse the spelling and hand writing, I used to be a quite nice writer but seem to be a bit shaky now, If I had texted it, it would have been perfect.

[AzPaul]

All the best to you Dave
And a great reminder to live every day as best you can.

[MrGoat]

Dave, your post brought happy tears to my eyes. Wishing you continued wellness and courage to trust others to fight this with you!!

[JParm]

Congratulations Dave!!

[OYptL]

Congratulations! Hang in there!

[Tools]

Wishing you good health and a positive outcome going forward.

[watchmaker]

Congratulations on finishing treatment and best wishes for the all clear soon

[ZOOK]

Congratulations, Dave. I hope that is the last time you have to visit that waiting room.


Good luck and good health.

[Speedbird-1]

Well done Dave!
Very good news. We've been thinking of you mate.

[BNA/LION]

Say Strong Dave! You have the right stuff to take this challenge on. Best Wishes...

[NYC6]

You seem like a real good guy and I’m seriously hoping hard for you that you finally knock this thing out for good.

[FTX I]

I had no idea of that, Dave. I wish you all the best and a speedy recovery. Stay strong my friend. Cheers.

[colpol]

Glad the treatment finished & hope all well with checkups in the future

[Blansky]

Congratulations Dave.

I hope it all goes well in the future.

[Dr. Robert]

Congratulations! Good vibrations being sent for you!

[emersm]

Dave, I am so glad that the treatments are over for you.

You are a good man and one of the nicest members I have come across on this forum. Your outlook through this process and in life is inspiring.

[brandrea]

That’s awesome Dave, I’m happy to her you’ve completed your treatments and I truly wish you and yours all the health and happiness you deserve.

I can relate to the worry as I’ve gone through this same procedure with my dad. He’s 85 now and although he’s struggling with Parkinson’s, he has beaten the cancer (2002 -2006).

Cancer can be beaten. I wish you the very best

[dddrees]

Dave, here's to beating this once and for all.

[superdog]

amazing news!!!

thrilled for you!!!

[joeychitwood]

I am happy for you Dave. Congratulations.

As a physician, if I had received a note such as you wrote, I'd be so grateful and happy. Well done.

[Lonehiker]

The very best of luck to you; I hope the treatment works well.

[selpo]

Congratulations and Good luck! Hopefully third time is the charm!

[DLRIDES]

All the best Dave !

[GradyPhilpott]

Congratulations and continue the march!

[THC]

All the best x10000 Dave

[rolexpatek363]

Good luck Dave.

As a retired NHS physician, I can tell you that hardly anyone bothers to thank us, but it's really great when someone actually bothers to.

[sickened1]

Congrats Dave!

[NAVY]

All the best going forward!

[Beo3]

Congratulations soldier and may the worst be behind you.

[HL65]

Congrats Dave and wishing you the best going forward!