Two days later, the doctor’s rooms telephoned and instructed me to take a course of medication he had prescribed, for what he thought could be some kind of infection or inflammation, as the blood test was still abnormally high. After the medication, I was to have the PSA test repeated once more.

Once this was done, approximately 2 weeks later, I received a call from the urologist’s rooms again. This sounded a little more serious. I was to visit the hospital for a scan.

A subsequent visit to the doctor revealed a slow growing, non-aggressive prostate cancer. I was, the urologist told me, an ideal candidate for brachytherapy, or I could consider several other options.

After an appointment with the oncologist, I decided on the brachytherapy and this procedure was carried out at Morningside Clinic in Sandton in October 2013.

There followed a series of check-ups and blood tests in the following months and years. At first at monthly intervals, then ever six months and presently annually.

I’m immensely grateful to God, excellent medical practitioners, hospital and nursing staff. I have made a complete recovery and have absolutely no effects to remind me of my brush with cancer. After almost six years, thankfully my annual tests remain clear.

O was a very anxious time and affected my attitude to life and my loved ones profoundly. Their support and positive reinforcement was was so important throughout.

In February 2014, my wife and I retired to Klein Brak River, where I built our new home. I started painting during this time of my cancer diagnosis, and found it to be very therapeutic. My art has become part of my daily life and I use my painting time each day as a time of meditation.