When Antero Koski, 82, from Helsinki, Finland, was diagnosed with prostate cancer some 12 years ago his first thought was death, but he has since learned to live with his illness.
It was a stop. “I remember the turn of events in the summer of 1997 like it was yesterday. I was having a routine check-up in my local health centre, which had a new laboratory. The doctor asked me whether he could take a blood test, just for the sake of taking one. I guess he wanted to test the new laboratory equipment.”
“The following day, the doctor phoned me and asked whether it was possible to retake the test. I then went to the Maria Hospital for a biopsy, and additional samples were taken at a private sector laboratory.”
“The diagnosis was clear: I had prostate cancer and the tumour was malignant. Of course I got really scared. I thought of death. I had not detected any symptoms and at the time didn't really know what exactly the prostate is.”
The fear is
still there
“My prostate cancer diagnosis was a big scare for my wife Lahja who got really worried. I think she was even more terrified than I was. We have been together for over 50 years, through thick and thin. She supported me and I supported her.”
“The fear is still part of my life, but it’s more in the background now.”
Antero Koski has learned to live with prostate cancer.
“I am still anxious and scared every time I have a doctor's appointment to check whether the cancer is showing any signs of spreading.”
Hormone therapy
is working
“12 years later, I still live at home in central Helsinki. This morning, I visited my wife Lahja at the Kivelä Hospital. She has Alzheimer’s disease and is treated at the long-term ward there. I helped her with her meal, and we spent some time outside.”
“I feel a bit tired from the walk, but considering the circumstances, I feel very good. Due to my advanced age when I was diagnosed, radical treatment was not possible. But I have received hormone therapy for almost ten years now and have regular follow-ups. I am in good health.”
Less interest
in sex
“A few months after starting the hormone therapy, I lost my libido. But of course I was already an old man then. Younger men might find such things more troubling.”
“Repeated heavy bouts of sweating are one irritating effect that has lasted to this day. During the night time these also involve nausea and hunger. A table fan and a simple timer help a lot, though.”
Dancing
the troubles away
“I can honestly say that I have been too busy to dwell on my illness. I live a very active life.”
“After retiring from business life, I have organised dozens of spa trips for the members of the Finland-Hungary Society. Being fond of Hungarian dance, I have also invited Hungarian dance teachers to Finland and organised these visits.”
“My age and hip problems keep me away from the dance floor now. But I can still enjoy the dance-themed paintings hung on the walls of my living room.”
Peer
support
“I am also lucky to have my loved ones near me. Both my daughters have me over for dinner often, sometimes a couple of times a week. And one of them calls me every morning to make sure I'm out of bed.”
“I also visit the peer group meetings of the Finnish Prostate Cancer Association, Propo. I highly recommend such groups. They are a great way of sharing experiences and talking with other men.”
“You should also do some research into prostate cancer facts. This helps you understand that each case is different. And that it is possible to learn to live with prostate cancer.”
Text Matti Välimäki | Photos Yrjö Tuunanen