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06 Mar 2020
This article is more than 3 years old

"I can stand for the thing I care most about, even when I’m gone."

David was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2016, here he talks about his treatment and why he's leaving us a gift in his Will.

David Frederick was diagnosed with prostate cancer in October 2016, here he talks about his treatment and why he's leaving a gift in his Will.

"After I’d noticed there was blood in my urine I went to see my GP, who did some tests, and I thought it would be months before I heard anything. But, surprisingly, eight days later, I got a letter to go see the consultant.

Even then, I wasn’t too worried. I’d had a heart attack a few years ago, and I’d survived that. So, I thought, how bad can it be? Then, on 18 October, the consultant said to me, “We’ve looked at the results, and you have prostate cancer and advised me that we need to start treatment straight away.”

Of course, I began treatment the next day. But the seriousness of the situation didn’t really sink in until I started to tell my friends and family.

I told my best mate within a couple days, and when I did, I thought he was going to pass out. I’d forgotten his father had died of prostate cancer, within just six months of his diagnosis. So, he said to me, “you’re not gonna go too, are you?”.  I said, “no, I’m not”. And I remember I had to buy him two coffees to steady his nerves. 

It wasn’t any easier telling my family. My son who was 27 just broke down in tears. I wanted to cry as well, but I knew I couldn’t. My daughters seemed unable to say a word. I remember thinking, wow. This isn’t just going to affect me, but everyone around me.

I remember thinking, wow. This isn’t just going to affect me, but everyone around me.

Thankfully, I was able to treat my cancer, as it was still contained within the prostate. I hated the hormone therapy. I felt like it did things to my mind. It made me tearful at times, and like I didn’t want to keep going.

But I got through it, and I’ve had the all clear now. Well, as clear as it can be. Because of the nature of my cancer, there’s always a risk it could come back. I have tests every six months to monitor my PSA (prostate specific antigen). The thought of the cancer coming back is always in the back of my mind, and as the tests approach I get especially anxious. I try to manage my stress, but the problem is there’s nothing you can really do. 

I know if the cancer does come back, I’ll just have to tackle it like I did last time, and go through more treatments with a brave face. But what worries me is how it could affect my friends and family. You quickly learn when you’re diagnosed, it’s not just about you, but everyone in your life. I don’t want to put my loved ones through that again.  

After becoming involved with Prostate Cancer UK following my diagnosis, it felt only right to support them with a gift in my Will. It means I can continue to stand for the thing I care most about, even when I’m gone. Hopefully, I’ll be helping to fund the research that will one day stop prostate cancer altogether."

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