Donald Willcox
Donald Willcox, 71 from Bath, was diagnosed with a highly aggressive form of prostate cancer in August 2005 after mentioning to his doctor that he had developed difficulty passing urine. A blood test revealed his prostate specific antigen (PSA) level was extremely high – 386 ng/ml, when a result above 4ng/ml suggests the presence of cancer – and the tumour was given a Gleason score of nine, showing it was fast-growing.
“Early scans revealed that not only had the cancer spread to the bones, but that I also had a cancerous tumour on the spine,” he said. “My family were shocked and completely devastated by the grim prognosis, but they helped keep me focused and determined to make the most of what time I had.”
Mr Willcox, a father of three and grandfather of five, began immediate hormone therapy, which initially worked well and his PSA dropped to 8ng/ml. He was advised to stop playing golf due to the spinal tumour, but wanted to keep active so took up swimming, covering about 1200 metres three times a week. However, after about year his cancer developed resistance to the treatment and his PSA began rising again. He subsequently underwent 10 cycles of chemotherapy, taking docetaxel once every three weeks for 30 weeks. His PSA gradually reduced but within months it had started rising again.
“My consultant discussed the fact that my PSA had started rising; he didn’t have any other treatment options for me at that time but said that if I was interested he would put me forward for the abiraterone trial,” Mr Willcox said.
“I felt that there was hope on the horizon. I started the treatment on October 10, 2008 and I’ve been taking it for nearly two years now. It has given me a new lease of life and I have been virtually pain free ever since.
“The fact that the drug is administered by tablet form on a daily basis is a very convenient treatment. My symptoms and my PSA reduced considerably for the first 18 months although the PSA is now, unfortunately, gradually increasing. The tumour on my spine is now within a few millimetres of the spinal cord, so we’ll have to make a decision soon about stopping the treatment.”
“It is vitally important that patients offer themselves forward for drug trials in the hope that a new drug may become available for all who need it. It is a good feeling to think that I may have helped to contribute in a small way towards such research. If another trial, compatible with my present situation is available to me I will, of course, consider it!”
Since taking abiraterone, Mr Willcox, who used to work in the retail industry and is now retired, has been able to travel extensively, including trips to the Baltic states and St Petersburg in Russia. He has just returned from a cruise with his family to the eastern Mediterranean.
“I feel so fortunate that this treatment has worked for me. I have derived huge benefit from being on the abiraterone trial and am grateful for the extra time it has given me. I am sure that if I had not had the benefit of this drug I would not be here today.”
