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Mr. Marek worked in the Polish Ocean Lines from 1981. During this time, as a young man, he traveled around the world. In later years, he started working as an electro-automation officer on ships sailing in Singapore, where he worked for 24 years. In total, he spent 37 years at sea.

After turning 65, he decided to quit working at sea. He admits that time flows completely differently on land, he is an active person, he lives with his wife in a single-family house near the forest, and in the summer he spends several months in his apartment by the sea. Mr. Marek has two granddaughters with whom he shares every possible moment. Upon hearing the diagnosis: prostate cancer, his world turned upside down.

Mr. Marek Koziński talks to Mr. Marek Koziński about prostate cancer. Ed. Marcelina Dzięciołowska.

Your adventures are impressive! In your profession, a series of tests should be performed periodically, right?

Yes, you must obtain a He alth Certificate every year as a renewal of your diploma.

What research is necessary?

All possible. However, in the case of cancer, it did not work, because the cancer may develop several months after obtaining the He alth Certificate. You have to keep an eye on such things on your own.

During the entire time when you were required to confirm your ability to work, were there never any disturbing results?

Absolutely not, I have always been he althy, my results were exemplary. In the year the cancer was found, I had a 100% He alth Certificate, so it would not be an obstacle at work. I was in good he alth, and the cancer was detected by over-zealousness.

How is it?

I had a two-month vacation and decided to spend this time "running" around the doctors. When I was asked to leave the door, I would come back through the window. I also did a coronary angiography, then I was in the hospital for a few days. I also had blood pressure tests, exercise EKG - everything turned out well. None of the tests performed under the He alth Certificate indicated that I may have cancer.

So cancer was diagnosed in you during preventive examinations. There were no disturbing symptoms?

There were no symptoms. Thanks to minebitterness was discovered early on. Otherwise, the cancer cells could enter the bloodstream or metastasize, and it would be even worse. And if it got to the bone marrow, the prognosis is absolutely bad.

What happened next?

While in Poland, I went to a highly respected oncologist surgeon, where the ultrasound showed that the prostate was enlarged, i.e. I had a slight inflammation. I received the appropriate medication and went to Rijeka for a month, had a relaxed lifestyle, took medication, light work without a bit of alcohol at that time.

What happened when the Lord returned?

After a month of taking medications, I returned to Szczecin. I went to the doctor who then detected the lump. The doctor decided that something very serious was going on, and time was pressing to get the tests done as soon as possible. I was referred to the MRA, the waiting period was about six months.

What was the result of this study?

The result showed a high probability of cancer. Then I returned with this result to my doctor, who then grabbed his head - the cancer was already developing. To confirm this, I was ordered a biopsy, for which I had to wait two months. I got the result in January 2022, one side of the prostate was completely "clean", while the other side showed 20 percent. developing cancer.

What was your reaction to this diagnosis?

I broke down. I remember that then a young resident comforted me and assured me that it could all be treated.

What worried you the most in this difficult situation?

That the prostate will have to be cut. At the age of 63, I knew that it would end with diapers, that it would be the end of intercourse, the world would just collapse … I was referred to the hospital for an excision.

Fortunately, the resident I spoke to gave me the address of the hospital where they would treat my cancer and assured me that such an invasive surgery would not be necessary. However, it was not reimbursed treatment.

I understand that you have not agreed to have the prostate removed?

Of course not! It would be the worst thing I could do. I did not agree to a prostate excision, I could not imagine that I would not be sexually active. I was an extremely active person, an officer in Singapore, such a solution was beyond my mind!

What did you do?

I called the European He alth Center in Otwock and said that I had to fly to work for a few more months, but I already had all the necessary test results confirming the presence of cancer, I got the appropriate injection - it was the so-called hormonal castration whichcompletely stops the progression of the disease, so I flew.

You circulated between work and illness.

Yes. After returning home, I had an appointment in the hospital, so I got on the train and headed there. When I arrived, I was allocated a separate room, I unpacked my things, rested, and then many doctors of various speci alties, including an anesthesiologist, visited me. The necessary tests were also performed, which determined whether I was suitable for the HIFU procedure (a modern treatment method with low invasiveness - editorial note).

I understand there were no contraindications for HIFU? When was the procedure?

It wasn't. On the second day of my stay, I was ready for surgery and was completely anesthetized. The treatment lasted 2-3 hours and I woke up the next morning on my bed. Next to me there was a gentleman who also underwent HIFU surgery.

Since I hadn't remembered anything since last noon, I asked if I had been saying any weird work-related things, such as that I was in Iraq, because for the next five years I shouldn't reveal any details about it related.

The medical council judged that everything was fine and I heard that I could go home.

Are you relieved?

Definitely yes, especially since if I agreed to the proposed surgery, i.e. prostate excision, I would also receive chemotherapy. HIFU rules out chemotherapy, it is an ultrasound treatment, and can get rid of the cancer.

The prostate gland did not suffer from this in any way?

None. I have no trace of this treatment. All natural functions, such as urination, were restored after about 24 hours, and I had a catheter inserted immediately after the procedure.

Did you receive any specific recommendations after the procedure?

I was also prescribed medications and recommended that I perform a checkup in six months, mainly MRI. I was asked not to perform heavy activities for about two months. I couldn't wait that long and after a month I went to work. In Singapore, nobody knew about my he alth hits.

What were the test results after 6 months?

I went to Otwock as a commercial patient. The PSA was probably 0.7, which is nothing. I had a prostate ultrasound and other necessary tests, and the results turned out to be excellent. With these results I also went to my doctor in Szczecin, who said unequivocally that there was no chance of the cancer returning. I was to perform the next tests every year.

It's been since thenseveral years. Have the control test results been okay so far?

Yes, of course. PSA was still 0.7, and the rest of the results were also normal. A few days ago I had a prostate ultrasound and everything is fine as well.

What was your life like after the surgery?

For the first year after HIFU I had a huge problem with erection, it was not really there. It was very poor with this, so I asked my doctor for support and got a prescription for an erection drug.

Did your wife know about this?

Of course not. There was nothing to brag about. It is important that she was satisfied with the results. Now I absolutely do not have to take them, the erection occurs naturally and the most important functions are preserved.

I would like to touch on the topic of emotions. Please tell me, how did you feel while struggling with the disease? What helped you through this process?

I was furious at first, she was completely broken. Most of all, I was afraid that it would be the end of my sex life, the end of normal peeing, wearing diapers. I did not allow all of this to come into my mind, nor did I allow me to stop working at all. I made the decision to leave and I was left alone.

Did you maintain contacts with your family then?

I only had phone contact with the family that supported me, but on the ship I was completely alone with it, you could say that I was in isolation for three months. There was no turning back, I had nowhere to go, and there was no question of getting medical care there, because in Arab countries medicine is on a different level. If, in addition, anyone at work found out that I was sick, I would be sent home immediately. I was alone with it, but I defended myself.

What happened next?

He didn't see anything wrong at work, my work was light and I was doing it every day. After my return home, there was a huge storm around me. At one point I didn't believe this diagnosis was true at all, having a prior PSA result of 6.00 I went on a re-test which showed a PSA of 8.00. After a month, the PSA continued to increase. I felt that the decision to leave was the right one, because I was disturbed by enormous nerves, which could unfortunately have a negative impact on my family relations. My wife tried to help me, she managed to talk to people who underwent prostate resection.

What did your wife find out?

That it's something terrible, just hell and that if they knew that there is a rescue in Poland in the form of HIFU, they would not think about selling a car or borrowing it, as long as they did not go through what they had togo through.

As shown by what I was able to do on the websites of clinics that perform HIFU treatments, such a service costs around PLN 25,000. up. On the one hand, it is great news that there is a possibility other than invasive surgery, on the other hand, however, not everyone can afford such surgery.

People with whom I spoke and who know that it is possible to carry out the HIFU procedure declared without hesitation that they would rather sell their property than tire. And I understand it perfectly well. In such situations, expensive cars and luxury are not important, because he alth is the thing I enjoy the most - I know it myself.

Earlier you mentioned that you have always been an active person, full of strength and will to live. Could you please tell me what life after cancer looks like in your case?

A few weeks after the surgery, I was feeling well enough that I did not think back to my illness. After all, I flew to work then. The topic of cancer just disappeared. I do many sports on a daily basis.

What kind of sports do you do?

Nordic walking, swimming, active sport - light barbells, gentle jogging are my daily bread, my normality. I have my own gym, so I like to use it every day, work on my belly and so on. All the time I make sure that the weight does not go too high. I cut myself completely off from thinking about work, I am retired and lead a very recreational lifestyle.

Do you miss your job?

I was drawn to a bit, but a pandemic broke out, so I quit.

Maybe it was a sign that it was time to retire. Thank you for the interview.

I think so. Thank you.

About the authorMarcelina Dzięciołowska Editor for many years associated with the medical industry. He specializes in he alth and an active lifestyle. A private passion for psychology inspires her to take up difficult topics in this field. Author of a series of interviews in the field of psycho-oncology, the aim of which is to build awareness and break stereotypes about cancer. He believes that the right mental attitude can work wonders, therefore he promotes professional knowledge based on consultations with specialists.

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Category:

Oncology