It’s Been a While Since…
My last update, and there have been some significant changes in my health journey. The main news: my PSA level is now down to 0.2, which is a massive milestone in itself. However, while one thing improves, another presents a challenge—my liver count is up, and my energy levels remain low. Some days I feel fine, but on others, it’s as if I wasn’t recharged overnight. That’s the best way I can describe it.
Odd things that spring to mind: anyone in the same position, approximately one year down since being diagnosed, I now suffer from what they call Chemo Legacy. It can only be described as phantom symptoms, pins and needles in both hands, and random pains in the ankles, back, hips and knees that come from nowhere. On the plus side, my taste has returned, but not 100%. I still can’t stand milk chocolate in any form unless it’s a hot drink; you could say that’s a good thing, health-wise.
Even though I lost a lot of hair, it’s growing back much thicker than before my diagnosis. My brother recommended Amargan oils, which seem to have helped. While it might not work for everyone, it’s worth trying if you’re worried about chemo hair loss. I didn’t opt for the coldcap, thinking that if I lost all my hair, maybe it would grow back and put ‘Fabio’s golden locks’ to shame. Maybe I’ve just cracked it—maybe not.
So, as of late May 2026, PSA levels are good. The liver has taken a bit of a hit, which was to be expected with all the drugs, steroids, etc. According to my consultant, the next step is to start an exercise plan to improve overall fitness.
Don’t Run Before You Can Walk!
My theory was maybe to start walking around the block to see if I could improve my energy levels. So I tried walking to the doctor’s surgery, which is no distance for any healthy person. Okay, I walked there, which was a bit of a mission. Walking back was another story and not an easy task. The next day, I wasn’t able to do much; my energy was zapped beyond belief.
All this is a reminder that my body is still recovering, not ready to bounce back as quickly as I’d hoped. The reality is that ‘normal’ for me has changed, and that’s a daily lesson. My main message is: don’t be hard on yourself during this process—it’s tough, but it’s important to accept where you are now.
Reflecting on recovery, it’s easy to expect everything to return to 100% after treatment, but that’s not how it works. Treatment was the beginning, not the end. As my consultant put it, “We have poisoned you for the last 8 months”, which is what chemotherapy essentially is—it goes after the cancer cells, but takes a massive toll on the rest of you, too. So, the recovery process is an ongoing journey, not an instant fix or cure, and in my situation, it is adding more time to the timeline.
So, returning to work may not be an option for some at this stage, or at all, and maybe for others it’s a way back to some normality, but don’t jump the gun, as that Chemo Legacy Monster has a wicked way of showing up when you least expect it. Oh boy, has it been in my experience so far.
Do things in your own time frame and don’t let others, or in my case, my headspace, convince you otherwise. It’s not fun when you hit that low point when things seem to be going so well, and likewise, don’t put yourself down either! The cancer journey isn’t a pleasant one, but you will have your highs and lows; that’s just the way it rolls from one day to another.
I still do some work wherever possible and sometimes volunteer for the National Trust; if nothing else, it gives me a sense of normality, but reality then tells me otherwise. It’s very challenging at times, which I will admit, even now, makes me feel a bit worthless. If that’s how you’re feeling? You’re in the same boat. Cancer Survivors Rock! Dust yourself down, take a deep breath, and smile, knowing you’re not alone in this ocean. Keep going, you’re doing great!
My support team at Maidstone Oncology, Dr Brulinski, Jeanette Smith & Co, the MTWPCG group, my amazing wife, San, friends, and family, all encourage me to continue moving forward and bring some new hope to others in a similar position who may be reading this blog.
We’re Not Fond of the Crash Test Dummy Song Anymore
We had a much-needed week away to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary at our favourite place near Melton Mowbray. After a year filled with hospital appointments, chemo, and countless blood tests—I’m surprised I don’t spring a leak whenever I drink anything—it was wonderful to escape and recharge. Unfortunately, the low point came when we were hit by a lorry on the M25 as we headed home; thankfully, no one was hurt, but the car’s nearside doors were damaged. It was a frightening end to an otherwise special trip.
The Funny Side of Chemo Legacy After Effects!
Uncontrollable laughter (I mean tears) running down your face from some silly Facebook or TikTok videos, which I wouldn’t normally find that funny. San, my better half, looks over her reading glasses with that ‘What the Hell’ and tells the kids, ‘This is what I have to put up with.’
Other Good News…
• New grandson Samuel arrived back in November 2025
• My brother Gary completed the London Marathon 2026 in 4 hours and 11 minutes. I’ll do another post shortly with all the info, photos, and videos. Amazing time and accomplishment for my big brother!
• My youngest has received a positive life-changing opportunity.
• Allegedly, my blogging site has won an award for best health & wellness website 2026. More info in July this year, as and when it gets officially announced.
I think there may be a cost involved in getting a certificate for that, so I’m not really taking it too seriously, but it’s a nice positive vibe knowing my experience with my Prostate Cancer Journey might give others some hope and insight, that you’re not alone!
Keep smiling, you’re doing great!