When Kevin Morley began using the bathroom more frequently, he knew it could be a warning sign and decided to go to his doctor.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn September 2023, I first noticed that I was having to use the bathroom a lot more than I used to,\u201d he says. \u201cAnd along with that, when I did go, I would only pass a minimum amount of urine, which is why I kept feeling the urge to go to the bathroom more frequently. So I made an appointment to go and see my GP and while prostate cancer<\/a> was initially dismissed, a further visit, where I underwent a PSA test, showed that it was in fact positive.\u201d<\/p>\n The now 56-year-old was diagnosed in February 2024, during a particularly difficult time for him. \u201cAlthough it was a big shock, it wasn\u2019t such a surprise,\u201d he says. \u201cI was with my wife when I got the phone call [confirming the diagnosis], which was just in the days between my dad passing away and being buried. I had tried to find out before this, but, because I was at work, I kept missing the consultant team before they left for the day.<\/p>\n \u201cOnce the diagnosis had been given, an in-person meeting was arranged for the following week and this is where my diagnosis and subsequent best course of treatment was explained to us.\u201d<\/p>\n The father-of three says that, together with his wife Erin, he received the official diagnosis and discovered what the next steps would be. \u201cIt was decided that the course of treatment which was best suited to me was radiation. This involved an initial three-month prescription of tablets, which would prepare my body for the upcoming treatment. Then, in June 2024, I started on 39 rounds of radiation under the wonderful care of St Luke\u2019s Oncology unit in St James\u2019s Hospital.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause we had known my diagnosis since the previous week, telling everyone [what was happening] was relatively easy. As soon as my family knew they passed the news on to other members of the larger family, two of whom had already been through the prostate cancer route. My girls [three daughters] were worried, but we are an open family and we talked about it openly which I think helped all of us. Also, I decided to work every day in order to try and keep things as \u2018normal\u2019 as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n He says that because he \u201cwent down the radiation treatment route\u201d, he didn\u2019t \u201dfind the experience too bad. To be honest, the worst part was having to have a full bladder [before each session]. This was often difficult, particularly if things were running late as it really made you want to pee. But, thankfully, I had no other feeling of sickness or side effects.<\/p>\n \u201cThe treatment was five days a week from Monday to Friday and it finished on September 13th \u2013 a date which might be unlucky for some, but was very lucky for me. And I also finished just in time to attend my niece\u2019s wedding in Cavan, which was a really super day in my life.\u201d<\/p>\n Following his programme of radiation, Kevin was prescribed a course of medication which involved three tablets per day, and one injection every three months, which continued until June 2026.<\/p>\n [\u00a0 Your Wellness \u2018Loneliness and isolation are among the most alarming challenges young people now face\u2019Opens in new window<\/a>\u00a0]<\/p>\n Thankfully the treatment so far has been successful and he is back to living life to the full. \u201cI would say that currently I am a survivor and am on a maintenance programme, which includes regular check-ups and blood test monitoring of my PSA levels for the next six months,\u201d he says. \u201cMost days I am feeling good, and it helps that I have a great family and friend network, I enjoy GAA and am still involved in the over-40s Gaelic Masters, which is a great outlet. Aside from that, my work and the team we have built, also brings me great joy.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, for the most part, I\u2019m doing good, although I am carrying a lot more weight than normal due to the steroid and the medication. I have also had some bleeding, but it is a known side effect of the treatment and it comes and goes. Other than that I\u2019m doing pretty good. <\/p>\n \u201cMy mom\u2019s brothers got it [prostate cancer] when they were in their mid-70s and two of them died from it. But having had cancer and gone through treatment has definitely changed how I view life and relationships, and I don\u2019t feel as worried about the small stuff any more.\u201d <\/p>\n Following his cancer experience, the electrical contractor, who lives in Kilcock, Co Kildare, would advise others who have recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer to try and be positive and to know that there are many \u201cgreat treatments out there\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cTo anyone else who has just found out that they have this disease, I would tell them not to panic \u2013 just put the chin up and get the chest out. It is a very treatable disease and there are so many different ways to treat prostate cancer \u2013 so make sure to listen to the doctors and surround yourself with good people.\u201d <\/p>\n [\u00a0My in-law is so at ease with everyone else, yet so cold and dismissive with meOpens in new window<\/a>\u00a0]<\/p>\n Thankfully, Kevin is doing well, but Dr Patricia Daly<\/a>, consultant radiation oncologist and a clinical senior lecturer in Trinity College Dublin, says the outcome for someone with prostate cancer differs from patient to patient. \u201cPrognosis depends on stage at diagnosis with early stage disease being curable,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n \u201cThe five-year survival [rate] in early stage disease is 95 per cent and even when prostate cancer has spread, it may be possible to offer curative treatments with newer approaches utilising radiotherapy techniques such as SABR [stereotactic ablative radiotherapy] and modern drugs.\u201d<\/p>\n The oncology expert says there are a few early symptoms which people should look out for and seek advice if they have any concerns. \u201cProstate cancer often grows slowly and has few signs or symptoms,\u201d she says. \u201cThese include, passing urine more often, especially at night, trouble starting or stopping the flow and a slow flow of urine or pain when passing urine. <\/p>\n \u201cOther symptoms include blood in the urine or semen and the feeling of not emptying your bladder fully. If anyone has any symptoms, they should speak to their GP or consider doing a PSA blood test if over 50.\u201d<\/p>\n About prostate cancer<\/p>\n\n