Dave Dee Discusses Prostate Cancer
The pop star talks to 50connect about how he overcame prostate cancer.
The lead singer of Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich discovered he had prostate cancer in 2000. He tells 50connect about his experience.
How did you discover you had prostate cancer?
I booked to go for a 'Well Man' check-up. They did all the usual tests. Everything was perfect except my PSA level was a bit high so the clinic recommended that I see my GP. At this time, it was just under five and I had had no usual symptoms. My GP sent me to see a urologist who said it would be a good idea to have a biopsy but did not expect to find anything. Unfortunately, the biopsy revealed cancer cells in the prostate.
How did you feel when you found out?
I must confess that it came as a bit of a shock and for a while I found it hard to accept. It felt like it wasn't me as these sorts of things only happen to other people.
What treatment did you have?
I was given the usual choices of radical surgery, radiation, Brachytherapy or "watch and wait". As there were no statistics to say that one treatment was more successful than the other, I decided to go for Brachytherapy which seemed less intrusive and would suit my work and lifestyle.
I know it did not quite go according to plan. Can you tell me what happened subsequently?
When I woke up after the operation, I was in the x-ray dept. During the procedure, one of the radiation implant needles had broken off and after the x-ray they thought it was embedded in my pelvic tissue. It took six weeks to locate and was eventually extracted from my bladder.
How did your deal with the subject with your eight year old daughter?
My daughter is now 10 and she knows I have cancer. I just leave it at that.
Were there times when you thought you were not going to get through the ordeal?
In the first 15 months, if someone had handed me a loaded gun - I think I would have shot myself.
Are you still in discomfort?
Eventually, we managed to partially sort out these problems and get rid of the pain.
What advice would you give to any man as a result of your experience?
I have given lots of advice to my friends and any other men that will listen and that is to get themselves checked out. The chances are that there won't be anything wrong but, if the test is positive and it's early enough in the development of this disease - it can be treated.
You are still touring, and getting on with your life. Has this experience changed your personal philosophy at all?
The one thing that has changed is that all the things that one thinks are important like money, cars, houses and so on don't mean anything if you don't have your health.
Interview by Rachael Hannan
What's Your View?
Has prostate cancer affected you, your family or friends? You can share your experiences by leaving a comment below or discuss in the 50connect forum.
You can purchase The Very Best of Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich from all good record stores or online at Amazon
You can read another 50connect interview with Dave Dee here.
Web Links
The Prostate Cancer Charity: www.prostate-cancer.org.uk
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