Unity and Progress Lodge

We’ve covered prostate testing in Arena and the Scrip Purse before, but it remains a crucial part of Almony in Freemasonry and is always worth a mention. Here is Michael’s story.

I’d always had a chequered time getting a prostate check. My then doctor told me how unreliable the blood test was, and basically to go away and wait for the symptoms.

So when a friend had prostate issues, and although I had no symptoms, I went back to the surgery demanded a blood test which turned out OK.

I was at a Lodge meeting in May 2023 and, on the ground floor at Great Queen Street, I saw a banner offering free PSA blood tests. I signed up and went back to Freemasons’ Hall on 18 May. Before having my blood taken, a retired Consultant Urologist, Dr Chris Booth, told us that if we were to wait for the symptoms, it may be too late. He also told us that one in eight men with our age profile is at risk of prostate cancer. There were eight of us in the group, so the maths was easy to work out.

Within a few days, the result came back by email. A traffic light system was used with green indicating “no problem” and red indicating a further test was needed. My email instructed me to consult my GP for a further test.

These days, talking to your GP is easier said than done. Receiving the instruction from the CHAPS Men’s Charity to contact my GP raised my anxiety levels. Eventually my email to the surgery got through and, to his credit, my GP referred me immediately for an MRI scan. That was done about a week later; and a telephone follow-up featured those famous words, “We think there’s something there”, and that a biopsy was needed.

I had my biopsy two days later; and a week after that, Type 3 prostate cancer was diagnosed. Next came a bone scan two weeks later, to check for possible spread. The result was negative, which was a huge relief.

There were three options available to me: radiotherapy, high intensity focal ultrasound, and removal of the prostate through surgery. The first two were explained over the phone, but I chose to discuss the surgery option face-to-face at UCLH Westmoreland Street, which specialises in these matters. All these were explained to me in the space of two days.

My wife and I were most reassured by the surgeon who explained the surgery option; and this was soon confirmed. Two weeks after that, I had a pre-op test, and the procedure was carried out on 30^th August. That’s a little over three months after my original test.

The surgeon who operated was very friendly and also called my wife, Hazel, immediately afterwards to reassure her. I was discharged the next day with a catheter fitted; which was removed after a week.

I have a PSA blood test every three months now, in order to check that all is OK. I’m delighted to say that so far I am in the clear. I’m now a true disciple, telling everyone who will listen to go for a PSA blood test.

All this was carried out on the NHS and within government time guidelines. I can’t speak highly enough of the care I received from everyone I encountered on this journey. Praise also must be given to the charity Prostate Cancer UK, for their incredible service on the phone and through their literature.

And finally, what a great initiative of W Bro Frank Tiller PAGDC and Met Grand Lodge, for setting up this programme. If it wasn’t for the banner being displayed in the Café foyer at Freemasons’ Hall, I would never have had my cancer diagnosed in time. Together, these initiatives have saved my life, for which I and my family will be eternally grateful.