Elephants, the end of my treatment - Shirt 20

 

One of the first things I did when I received my Prostate Cancer diagnosis was to book a visit to Monze. I wasn't sure what effect the treatment would have and wanted to check out the situation particularly in relation to PIZZ School. While there, I came acrross this material displaying elephants.There is a lot that is wonderful about elephants. They are animals that look after each other. They are gentle giants and are my favourite animals.

It was therefore fitting to finish my radiotherapy wearing this shirt.

Patients are invited to mark the end of their treatment by ringing the bell. It was also an opportunity to thank the radiotherapy staff for looking after me and halting the progress of the cancer.

We have so much to be thankful for here in the UK. I have lost many friends in Zambia over the years – some might be still be with us if some of the facilities that we enjoy were available there.

Many children in Zambia die because of poverty. Undernourished children are probably the norm. These are not the children displayed in some of charity adverts who are close to starvation. They look healthy at first glance, but they are underweight and their diet lacks the nourishment needed. They are susceptible to disease and lack the resistence when disease strikes. For many getting to a hospital or clinic is difficult or impossible and they cannot afford to pay for medicine or treatment.

At PIZZ School the children receive a meal each day and if they become ill the project tries to ensure they they can receive treatment. This is only possible because of the funding provided by Transformation Through Education. Please consider sponsoring a child at PIZZ School or giving a donation.

My radiotherapy treatment finished at the end of August, since when my PSA results – initially 83.4 - have recorded two readings <0.1. I am very grateful for the treatment I have received. I am sure that if I had delayed, even for a short time, the outcome could have been very different.

I will continue to use my energy to help the children of Monze escape from the depths of poverty, but there is a long way to go.

With love and prayers,

Chris

Prostate Cancer, Transformation Through Education and Radiotherapy Shirt 14

 

I took a PSA test in January last year. The result indicated that I might have prostate cancer. Further tests including scans and a biopsy confirmed the suspicions.

It seems that I have been lucky and caught the disease just in time. If by sharing my experience someone else takes a test and doesn't develop a life limiting disease, it will be well worthwhile.

As I prepared for my radiotherapy treatment I thought that by wearing my shirts I could turn a difficult time into a positive opportunity to publicise Prostate Cancer and the PSA test. It was also a chance to tell people about Transformation Through Education – the charity I established recently to bring hope to some very disadvantaged children in Zambia.

My grandaughter Amy set up Facebook and Instagram accounts for the charity and took photos and videos to post online. I am now posting these on my blog in order to reach another audience. You can use the following links to see the Facebook and Instagram posts.

Facebook - Transformation Through Education

Instagram - Transformation Through Education

Chris