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Barwon Heads’ Paul Saunders is stepping out to raise money for prostate cancer research and support Men’s Health Week. He speaks with Jena Carr about the challenge and his journey following his own diagnosis.
No matter how careful anyone is, cancer can still hit at any time, which is something Paul Saunders is all too familiar with.
The Barwon Heads man had been getting regular blood tests since he turned 50 to check for any early signs of health concerns.
For many years, there was nothing to be worried about. That was until a blood test five years ago at 63 showed abnormal PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels, which is a common indicator for prostate cancer.
“In November 2020, results from a biopsy showed that I had a very aggressive type of prostate cancer and that it was recommended that I have surgery as soon as possible,” Paul said.
“In early December of that year, I was in St John of God Geelong Hospital for three days and had my prostate removed during a five-hour operation, and I took quite a few weeks to recover from that.
“Then, in about March or April 2021, doctors wanted to do a scan to see if they had gotten rid of the cancer, but it showed that there was still some cancer in the lymph nodes around my pelvic area.
“So, I had a course of radiation every day for about 10 days in a row, and then they let that settle down for a few months before they did another scan.
“That showed that the three main tumours in the lymph nodes had been destroyed by the radiation, but there were still a lot of little ones spread around my body, including one up near my shoulder.
“They couldn’t treat those ones with radiation because they were too small, so I started on a course of medication towards the end of 2021.”
The medication was initially successful until the end of 2022, when Paul’s PSA levels started rising again. Over the next three years, different medications and oral chemotherapy tablets have helped keep those levels stable.
“I’m going good at the moment and there’s been no change for a few months in the PSA readings, which has been under one. They say that if it’s under about four, then it’s normal,” he said.
“Mine went up to nine before I had the surgery, and now it’s under one. So, the drugs that I’m on are keeping it very suppressed.
“The side effects are pretty annoying, but it’s not really debilitating and doesn’t stop me from doing most things. It does make me very tired and more susceptible to colds and coughs.
“My wife and I have a strong Christian faith, so even though it was a shock to get the cancer, it wasn’t devastating news because we know that our lives are in God’s hands, which was very reassuring.”
Paul’s original cancer diagnosis was quite a surprise for his wife of 46 years, Liz, who has been by his side throughout every diagnosis, surgery, and appointment.
The couple have had “three beautiful daughters” together and share fond memories of them getting married and having their own children, making Paul and Liz grandparents to seven grandchildren.
“It was a shock, not so much that he had something, but that it was so aggressive, and it was a really big operation,” Liz said.
“He’s been so diligent and better at going to the doctor than I am. He will always go every 12 months to have a general health checkup.
“There are all different sorts of prostate cancer, and some you can live with that doesn’t impact you at all, and others are more aggressive types.
“Unfortunately, Paul’s cancer is an aggressive type that can’t be cured, and he has to live with it. Hopefully the drugs keep it under control, but you don’t really know how long they’ll be effective for.”
Throughout Men’s Health Week, from June 9 to 15, Paul will walk 50km to raise funds for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) through the Walk for Him challenge, with Liz accompanying him along the way.
The Australia-wide challenge fundraises for prostate cancer research, awareness initiatives and support services. Within the first 48 hours of setting the challenge, Paul surpassed his original $1000 goal.
“Taking part in Walk for Him really helps raise funds and awareness for Australia’s most diagnosed cancer,” Paul said.
“The challenge is also a great opportunity to get the message out to people that it is a simple test that could save your life.
“I’ve been blown away by the support that I’ve already received, and I hope to raise some more funds and awareness of prostate cancer.
“It is a good and worthy cause that has affected me personally, so if they (PCFA) can get some money for research and to help support survivors, that would be great.”
Paul said it was important for every man to get checked as soon as anything seemed wrong as there is a better chance of treating it if detected early.
“I had no symptoms at all when I was diagnosed, and I was quite healthy and active… It’s very important that men are aware of their health and can do something about it,” he said.
“I know quite a few men who’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer and had their prostate removed, and that was it. But for me, it had already spread by the time it was found.
“Traditionally, men have not been good about going to the doctor and had that sort of tough attitude of not needing a doctor. But it’s just a simple 10 minutes with the doctor that could save your life.
“My advice to anyone in a similar position to me is to communicate with family and friends. Don’t try and carry the burden on your own and involve your partner in the discussions as it’s good to have someone there to listen.”
Paul had completed 18km of the challenge and raised more than $1900 ny Thursday, June 12. Visit walkforhim.org.au/fundraisers/paulsaunders for more updates or to donate.
