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It's Thursday, the 19th of December. I'm sitting in the clinic with the doctor. I am listening, but after hearing the word "cancer," I'm not really taking much of what he is saying now. We have a family history of prostate cancer, so I've been diligent with blood tests and the dreaded invasive check. Now it’s my turn.
How did this happen?
My PSA levels had been tracking upward for over 12 months, but I was assured there was no cause for alarm as there were no other symptoms. The blood tests moved to 3-month intervals, and now, with a second opinion, I was sent for an MRI. That box was ticked, and I assumed the meeting with the urologist was just a formality where he would confirm that the PSA levels were nothing to be alarmed about.
Prostate cancer is serious but not always fatal. The likelihood of survival depends on the stage and grade of the cancer, as well as when it's diagnosed and treated. I have clinically advanced prostate cancer; it is likely to have been there for some time. There are seven lesions, four of which he is quite concerned about.
WTF, I knew I was high risk, but this is bullsh*t. How did this not get picked up sooner?
Christmas is a special time of year, for many the longest holiday and the best weather (we hope).
That’s the downside of getting the C news in late December. The earliest they can get me in for the biopsy surgery is the 10th of February 2025.
I am thankful I have medical insurance and, as part of my financial planning, other insurances in place, and some cash reserves. That is one stress removed; adding financial stress to the mix will not help my body fight this disease. Our health system is at capacity, and for me, a 2-month wait seems like an eternity.
I want this thing in my body gone.
I would hate to think how long I would be waiting if it wasn’t for my medical insurance.
I am not a fan of uncertainty; maybe none of us are. I feel like I’ve had my share of long waits (see previous blog), so I implement the tools I have to manage my anxiety and try to focus on each day as it comes. It's my turn to have my kids for Christmas, so I plan a simple off-grid Christmas adventure. A camping Christmas by the river, keeping it simple and soaking in all that nature has to offer. What could go wrong? Well, the weather, but I will remain optimistic. Surely, I can catch a break.
We had the most amazing four days camping at Kaitoke Regional Park, with stunning weather, swimming in the river, and some beautiful moments of feeling connected to nature, and best of all, three of my kids.
I am trying not to think of the worst and enjoy every moment.
On the 1st of January, after the kid handover, I start driving north with no real plan, just me and my bikes, dreaming of a warm ocean and sunny days. The weather in Wellington hasn’t been great since Boxing Day, so I am chasing the sun. It is a time to reflect and digest what is ahead of me.
There is a lot I don’t know yet. Has it been caught early enough? What will the treatment look like, and how long will I be unwell?
I head north: Rangataua, Whanganui, New Plymouth, Warkworth, Leigh, Matakana, Piha, Snells Beach, and Rotorua. Days of ocean swimming, mountain biking, sun on my face, and afternoon naps. Most days, I could see the beauty in the world. New Zealand keeps surprising me with stunning places to stop and explore, but there were days when I was angry and annoyed.
This time 12 months ago, I was in peak fitness, healthy (I thought so), in a happy relationship, and loving my life. We rode the Timber Trail on Christmas Day in six hours—a magical day with an epic human. The relationship hadn’t worked out as hoped, but I wasn’t alone; I have loving, supportive children, family, and friends, and me. I had to dig deep and take on this challenge like I have before. I walked again after being told I may not, so I’ve got this.
I won’t go into details; the image below is graphic enough. I was thankful for the general anaesthetic.
I can assure you I won’t be sitting on my bike seat anytime soon, and urine that looks like red wine is quite unnerving.
Another wait. The test results will take up to four weeks, so now I wait again until Monday, the 10th of March.
My urologist won’t yet talk treatment. He has explained some of the options and the risks associated, but until we have the facts, I can’t make an informed decision.
Life is uncertain; we can’t predict the future or know what is around the corner, but we can have a plan—a roadmap to help us get from today to the place we would like to be, whatever that may look like.
Financial planning isn’t just about building wealth; it’s about having strategies in place when you need them and least expect them.
Trust me, I know this, and without those strategies, I may not be as optimistic as I am today, and I may not be here to watch my children and grandchildren grow up.
To all those men out there over 40, get checked. Get a baseline PSA level, get another blood test in three months. If nothing has changed, then job done. If the level has changed, then do everything you can to get an MRI and see if there is anything to be concerned about.
Learn and understand the symptoms; they are not obvious. I now know I had several symptoms for several years that I had put down to age.
Look after yourselves men. Do your due diligence both medically and financially.
Feel free to talk to me if you’ve had a similar experience, or you want to avoid one. If your medical insurance is lacking, it’s time to look at that too. Don’t risk playing dice with the NZ health system. The system has changed, and it may not catch you in time.
Dean.
Hi everyone! My name is Dean, and I am Financial Adviser and coach. I work with people to help them to achieve their financial goals and assist them to make smarter financial decisions. Drop me a line for a chat and to work through your goals. I work with you to become financially fit and together we create a game plan for your financial future. D.
Disclaimer: Dean Blair (FSP87402) is a Financial Adviser with Velocity Financial (FSP95466). No investment decision should be taken based on the information in this blog alone. Please see our disclosure statement on our website.
Always get professional advice
The information shared in this post is meant to be general guide to support you on your journey. When making important decisions about your finances, we encourage you to seek independent financial advice first, tailored to your unique situation. As well as talking with a financial adviser, make sure you talk to your lawyer and accountant too – together they'll help you find the best solution for your specific situation. Our knowledgeable financial advisers are here to help. Check out our website for the details about our financial advisory services in our disclosures:
https://www.velocityfinancial.co.nz/disclosure-statement.