Perth man Willie Auld went to his GP with what he thought were UTI symptoms in 2013.
The appointment marked the start of an almost 10 year journey with prostate cancer, which would see his world turned upside down.
For International Men’s Day (November 19) Willie – a father of three, step-father of three, and grandfather of 11 – tells us about the challenges of his diagnosis and treatment.
He also shares how his hobbies, the support of his family and “lifeline” Maggie’s Dundee help him through tough times.
When Willie, 70, first went to the GP, he was advised to take a PSA test.
He explains: “I was a bit suspicious because I knew what it was for, but the GP said it can also pick up infections, in case the UTI was hanging about.
“The PSA result was a little raised, so he decided we’d do another one in a few weeks’ time, but the next one was still raised. So, he referred me on to urology.
‘It was quite devastating’
After a prostate exam that raised no alarms, it was decided Willie would be monitored.
Two years on from his first PSA test, and following an inconclusive biopsy, the results hadn’t gone down.
But after a second biopsy at Ninewells in 2015, cancer cells were discovered in Willie’s prostate.
In October that year, he had surgery to remove the prostate, and was optimistic about the results.
He says: “I went to be checked just before Christmas and discovered I still had a PSA reading, which meant the cancer was still around.
“This was probably the worst appointment because I’d naively assumed I’d have the surgery, take out the prostate and the cancer would be gone.
“But it wasn’t like that. It was devastating actually. I was told I needed hormone treatment and radiotherapy.”
‘For nine months I didn’t leave the house’
Unfortunately, the radiotherapy caused problems to Willie’s bladder and bowel – issues he still struggles with today.
He continues: “I had a hell of a time. For nine months after the radiotherapy I didn’t leave the house.
“My bowel was all over the place, I was on anti-depressants. I felt my whole life had disintegrated, I was in a real mess.
“I didn’t trust my insides. So I couldn’t go anywhere in case I suddenly had a real issue with my bowel.”
💬 "Maggie’s helps people cope better with their diagnosis. The homely environment gives them the space, time and support to deal with cancer." – Mhairi, Cancer Care Nurse
🧡 We’re everyone’s home of cancer care. Retweet to help others find us. pic.twitter.com/0rQQQpo2gm
— Maggie's Dundee (@maggiesdundee) April 19, 2022
But, thanks to Willie’s daughters, he found two different avenues to help him cope with the challenging times.
Willie says: “One of my daughters suggested I phone Maggie’s Dundee. I went to see the psychologist there who was brilliant.
“I was able to talk through some of the issues in my head. After five sessions, I started mindfulness sessions.
“It was really helpful. Maggie’s was my sanctuary, I loved going there. It has been a lifeline for me and I’ve made some good friends through them.
‘Kayaking really helps my mental health’
“Around the time I was starting to get myself moving again after radiotherapy, my other daughter asked if I’d ever thought of kayaking.
“She knew I loved getting out on the water. I gave it a try and I loved it.
“I’m a member of the Tayside Sea Kayak Club in Broughty Ferry. I kayak all over the place and it’s been wonderful.
“It has also been helpful because my bowel is much more comfortable sitting down than standing up.
“Kayaking is wonderful. It’s physical exercise, but it also takes me to some absolutely stunningly beautiful places.
“You get fresh air and it really helps my mental health a lot. I’ve not been on anti-depressants for a long time.”
Family support
Willie also says the support of his partner, Morna, has been invaluable in his journey: “Morna has been with me at virtually every appointment. I couldn’t ask for any more help than that.
“I often look at her and think ‘How would I cope if I was you?’ I don’t know how she does it.
“It’s a bad idea to try and do this on your own. I couldn’t have done it by myself. You need to open up at some point.”
Sadly, after two years on hormone treatment, Willie still had a PSA reading. He will now be on hormone treatment for as long as it continues to work.
He explains: “The hormone treatment will work for so long, but eventually the cancer wins.
“I’m waiting on it not working anymore, which is difficult to deal with, but there’s nothing else I can do.
“I just need to get on with my life. Often, I look back and think ‘How did I cope? How did I get through that?’
“I think I’ve done pretty well and you have to look at yourself and say ‘I can do this’. I’ve done really well up until now, so I’m going to keep trying to do really well.
“I know this isn’t going to go away and I could get bad news in a month’s time, but in the meantime, I just have to keep going.”
Prostate Scotland
www.prostatescotland.org.uk
Maggie’s
Dundee
Conversation