Sixteen years after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer and told to get his affairs in order, Bluff resident Kevin is still defying the odds. Through advances in treatment, unwavering faith, and strong support from family, community, and more recently the Ngā Kete Cancer Kaiarahi Service, he continues to embrace what he calls his “bonus years.”
Sixteen years ago, I received a phone call that changed my life. My wife and I were living in Queenstown at the time, and following a biopsy, I was told I had prostate cancer. That call marked the beginning of a journey that neither of us could have imagined and one that continues to this day.
We travelled to Christchurch to meet with specialists and surgeons, and my prostate was removed. Not long after the surgery, I was told to get my affairs in order. My PSA levels had risen, and the cancer was aggressive. On the Gleason scale, which measures how aggressive prostate cancer is, mine was rated nine out of 10.
The outlook wasn't promising, but thanks to advances in treatment, exceptional medical care and a fair amount of good fortune, I'm still here today.
Over the years I've undergone surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatment. I've had radiation three separate times and chemotherapy once. Every time the cancer has returned, a new treatment has become available, and every treatment has worked. I've also been incredibly fortunate to experience very few side effects from the cancer treatments themselves.
One specialist once told me that cancer wouldn't get me because I had the right attitude. I've always held onto those words.
Sixteen years later, treatment is still ongoing, but I've remained remarkably well. Most of the time I haven't felt sick. Recently, cancer was found in my shoulder and several other areas and was treated with radiation. The cancer has now spread to my bones, and we're waiting to meet with specialists to discuss the next step.
Chemotherapy remains an option, but at the moment I'm fit, active and feeling well. The plan is to make the most of my health while I can and begin further treatment if my PSA levels rise or symptoms develop.
While cancer has never stopped me living my life, there have been challenges along the way. Some of the treatments left my bladder badly scarred, and I lived with incontinence for years, relying on pads every day. It was difficult and often embarrassing. I worried about travelling or going places in case something happened. Eventually I had a valve implanted, which solved the problem and gave me back my confidence and freedom.
I also underwent hyperbaric treatment to repair damage caused by radiation. It worked incredibly well. As an added bonus, it even helped my sore knee.
Throughout it all, I've never faced cancer alone.
My wife and I retired early and moved to Bluff. Between us, we have six children, a growing number of grandchildren and an incredible support network around us. Most importantly, we have our faith.
Our Christian faith has carried us through every setback, every scan, every waiting room and every difficult conversation. It has given us strength when we needed it most and helped us face the uncertainty that comes with living alongside cancer for so many years.
A few months ago, we also connected with the Cancer Kaiarahi Service at Ngā Kete Mātauranga Pounamu. We already knew some of the staff through the community, but when we needed help completing travel and accommodation forms for treatment, we reached out.
That's when Wyma stepped in.
She helped lift a burden from our shoulders. Nothing was ever a problem. She made us feel comfortable, supported and understood. The practical help with paperwork was invaluable, but it was the emotional support that made the biggest difference.
Wyma helped us understand that tears are okay, that it's okay to say out loud how you're feeling and to be honest about the hard days.
We've also attended the cancer support group, where we've met others walking a similar path. It's reassuring to connect with people who truly understand what living with cancer is like.
When I look back now, I realise I've already quite a few more years than I was originally expecting. I call them my bonus years.
In those years, I've welcomed four more grandchildren into the world. I've watched my family grow. I've made memories I never thought I'd have the chance to make.
I could have missed all of that. Instead, I'm still here. For that, I feel incredibly blessed.
