Hello kind people my name is Alan, I am 66 years old and very ill with Stage IV Prostate Cancer. This is not currently curable but is treatable; nevertheless the only unknown is how long I can actually survive. I know my cancer story may be similar to many other cancer sufferers but it’s impact on my life has been devastating.
When I was first diagnosed, I was already stage IV with Gleason score of 4/5, PSA almost 500 and with significant and multiple bone metastases in almost all parts of my body; these metastases are treatable but not curable. My only option was chemotherapy, radiotherapy and ongoing medication to hopefully control the spread and give me more time. Surgery on the prostate would not cure me or delay the spread of the cancer as it had already spread to bones throughout my body and even some lymph nodes; however regular medication was helping me.
During Chemo
Bone Metastases
When I was diagnosed, I was still working and oblivious to the cancer, it was a big shock when I was told but I chose positivity and faith to help me through this. Initially my employer was also supportive and I expected/hoped that this support would continue; but as soon as the first medical insurance claims came in and the premiums rose, their attitude changed. So, despite me continuing to work hard for them through the pain and nausea of chemotherapy and radiation I very soon found myself out of work; with my employer citing my age (retirement) and “poor attendance” as reasons for ending my contract. I was not able to prove anything, but I’m convinced that the real reason for me losing my job was high insurance premiums that my ex-employer did not want to pay.
Losing that job also meant I was left homeless because my house came with the job. Now I move between friends and relatives and rely on their kindness for a place to stay and for food. Unfortunately they are not rich and cannot help me with the high cost of treatment and because of their own family commitments I can’t stay with them longer than a few days. I’ve already spent several nights on the streets or sleeping in cars.
Bed for the night in a friends car
So I find myself effectively homeless with a spreading cancer, no job, no income and very little chance of finding employment at my age and in my current condition. What savings I had have gone on my essential medication, but those savings ran out some time ago and I have no pension. So for the last 11 months I’ve had no treatment or medication at all. Because of this I’m very fearful of the cancer’s progression and my future. The pain in my bones is increasing every day and can be excruciating at times, it’s also beginning to affect my mobility. Some days it is hard to walk or even stand because of the pain. On top of this due to a poorly executed tooth extraction a year ago I ended up with necrosis in my jaw that needed surgery to remove the infected bone. This has left my jaw very weak and also added to my pain and sense of helplessness.
Jaw Necrosis
Bad day of pain in my bones
I have worked all my life and have been fortunate that I never had to ask for such help, in fact I was often the one helping others in need. My work often took me to many deprived areas and I always did whatever I could to improve the lives of individuals and communities in those areas, both directly with donations and equally by training and building skills that helped people support themselves. I also supported my elderly mother who was widowed 30 years ago and lived alone until her passing last year, aged 90. I am still grieving for her too.
Now in my current dire situation it’s still taken a long time and lot of courage for me to reach out in this way, but I have always believed that what you give, or the good things you do, can or will come back to you in some way, so I’m hoping and praying that there are kind souls out there who may find it in their hearts to help me.
Firstly, I need funds for new PET/CT scans ($6,000) to know if, or how much, my cancer has spread. I also need donations to help me pay for daily medication which is very expensive ($1200 every 28 days) but could give me the chance of surviving longer and living without pain. Finally any help possible for my living expenses, food etc.
Thanks for taking the time to read my story and I wish you all the best in life regardless of whether you can help me or not. Never take anything for granted in your own life and when you can, try to help those less fortunate than yourself.
Peace 🙏
Alan
My Paypal account for any kind donations is: PayPal.Me/aujelaman