John’s initial cancer diagnosis was on 27th October. The news knocked us for six as he has none of the typical prostate cancer symptoms. At this appointment the consultant advised us that there were two treatment options: surgery (which he proudly told us would be carried out by a robot) or radiotherapy. There was no urgency to decide which treatment we would choose. Further tests followed and on 21st November we were given the shocking and unreal news that the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes and bones. Surgery and radiotherapy were no longer treatment options. It was a completely unreal and unimaginable experience to go from John being outwardly fit and healthy in late October, to less than 4 weeks later sitting in an oncologist’s consulting room being told that life expectancy is less than five years. At this appointment John was prescribed hormones in an attempt to slow the cancer’s spread. Fortunately he has suffered only very mild side effects since this treatment commenced. Several other tests followed and on 15th December John was offered a course of chemotherapy, and the opportunity to take part in a clinical trial which will study the effects of insulin in controlling the cancer’s spread. It’s difficult to describe the effect that the diagnosis has had on us, but we are now hopefully through the stage of being in utter shock and disbelief. We are preparing ourselves for the start of the chemo treatment on 5th January, and will both aim to post regular updates here to keep you informed of the progress with treatment. Thank you so much for all the support and kind wishes that we have received so far from wonderful family and friends. Our best wishes to you for a happy and healthy 2017. Love to you all. Bim. xx