The Varian Linear Accelerator

This is the machine which has been delivering a deadly dose of radiation to the cancer cells in my prostate gland. It is a amazing piece of equipment. A large machine but with a very delicate touch, rotating 360 degrees around the patient. A CT scan is carried out immediately before treatment to precisely locate the current position of the prostate gland. It then delivers an invisible beam deep within the body to an accuracy of within one millimetre. The radiation works by damaging the dna in the cancer cells so that they are incapable of dividing or regenerating. After the 37 treatment sessions the cancer cells will now be totally destroyed.

I have been told it is very unlikely the prostate cancer will return but for reasons which are unknown it is something that might possibly happen at some time in the distant future. That is something which all cancer patients have to learn to live with. The only time we can ever be certain about is right now and I think life is about making the most of now! The outlook for me is extremely good – the consultant has told I won’t die from prostate cancer but from something else and that is very reassuring in a peculiar kind of way!!

Diagnosis was in November last year and a roller coaster emotional journey began. There were various discussion about the right type of treatment and once the decisions were made treatment started in December with hormone therapy.

I have been fortunate that the only significant side effects for me have been hot flushes and a complete lack of energy caused by fatigue and tiredness as the cumulative effects of the treatments built up.

I can’t adequately explain what a relief it is to finally complete the process after months of treatment! Over the coming weeks the side effects will slowly subside and I will return to ‘normal’. One major outcome of all of this is that it does cause you to review the priorities in life.

I am most grateful to the upbeat and skilled team of radiographers who have been delivering the treatment to me daily.

Thank you all for your very kind comments during my treatment. As far a blip is concerned I will continue to try and find an interesting daily photo and look forward to being fully involved again shortly.

One final reminder – if you are a male aged 50 plus or if there is a male in your life aged 50 plus please, please do ask your GP to carry out a PSA blood test – found early prostate cancer can be much more effectively treated!