Alan, a former Church of Ireland Bishop of Connor in Northern Ireland, took a sabbatical from the Ministry from May to September in 2019 to write a book.
Upon his return he consistently felt tired and thought it may have been exhaustion, from serving thousands of people in a large community in his role.
However, after visiting his GP, a blood test revealed he had advanced prostate cancer.
Alan was 61 at the time. He was fit and healthy but worried that this meant his life was going to be cut short.
“I was naive. I didn’t realise how seriously ill I was.”
- Alan
Telling his children of his diagnosis was the hardest part, although his son, a Radiologist and his daughter, a biology teacher, were determined to support Alan and his wife, Liz, on this journey.
Alan discussed the option to join a clinical research study with his consultant and felt taking part “was a no brainer.”
After 6 sessions of chemotherapy, Alan became a participant in the ADRRAD clinical research study. The study explored adding radiotherapy and radionuclide therapy to hormone therapy, giving 3 treatments at the one time. This was mainly a radioactive injection that seeks out cancer in the bone to slow the spread of prostate cancer.
This research took place over several months. In total, Alan’s treatment involved 37 radiotherapy sessions, chemotherapy and 6 nuclear injections given at 4-week intervals.
Alan found the process of preparing for and undergoing treatment very hard at times. The tiredness was the most challenging part, with this energy and mood levels varying drastically throughout the week. Alan’s faith helped him throughout. “I was in a public role in the ministry, there was a sense I felt carried by the love and prayers of many people.”
The trial results, in the words of his consultant, were “amazing”. Scans showed Alan’s cancer had gone and he has been in remission since.
Alan was thrilled at the results. His wife Liz, a medical doctor, was so amazed at the results she asked to see the scans again!
Alan feels glad to be part of innovative treatment. Thanks to his cohort, there’s now a new cancer advancement between bowel and bladder. His treatment had a life-changing outcome for him.
“I’ve got 6 years of extra life! Medicine saved my life. I got a great kick that this was going to help others. This made it all worthwhile.”
- Alan
Alan is a big advocate of research and supports ‘Northern Ireland Friends of the Cancer Centre’ in Belfast, which he describes as “an incredible centre that gives people hope - the patients get the care and the family get the help. The incredible teamwork that takes place in the NI Friends of the Cancer Centre, from those working at the reception desk to the nurses”.
Asked if he would take part in research again, Alan said: “I’d do anything to support research. The more we do in research, the better”.
“Research is one of the greatest gifts to have and we need to support and encourage it.”
How you can get involved with research
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And if taking part in a study doesn’t feel right at the moment there are other ways to get involved in research.
