Andrew wasn’t worried. His GP had ordered some blood tests but at 45, Andrew was fit, active, and on top of his health. He expected the all-clear.

Instead, he was told he had advanced prostate cancer and needed surgery to save his life. Andrew, who is a builder by trade, went into ‘fix it’ mode after his diagnosis.

“I don’t think I was too emotional,” he says. “I just wanted to get the surgery over and done with and move forward.”

It was a different story for his wife, Jo, and their two teenaged children, Ethan and Eliza.

“It was a massive shock,” Jo remembers. “We told the kids point blank what was going on and where we were at with it, and Eliza said, ‘is Dad going to die?’”

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Queensland men. While it’s more common in older men – in their 60s and above – about one in 1,000 men under 45 are diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Facing a difficult choice between surgery or potentially fatal consequences, Andrew decided to open up and talk about his diagnosis – and found that five of his friends and colleagues had also been through prostate cancer. They all told him to come to The Wesley Hospital for treatment.

The Wesley Hospital is renowned for its expertise in prostate cancer treatment, particularly its use of the cutting-edge Da Vinci Robotic System. Funded by generous donations to The Wesley, this technology offers unparalleled precision in surgery, which is critical for prostate cancer patients.

Andrew needed prostatectomy surgery to remove the cancerous growth on his prostate. This type of surgery needs to be incredibly precise. Too much removal could leave him with long-term complications, but not enough could risk leaving cancerous tissue behind. The Da Vinci system, controlled by highly skilled surgeons, provided the precision needed to ensure the best possible outcome for Andrew.

“I knew there was nothing better in Australia than robotic surgery,” Andrew says. “It was reassuring that an expert surgeon would be controlling the precise movements of the robot to give me the best chance of preserving the nerves around my prostate.”

Thanks to the advanced technology and the expertise of his medical team, Andrew’s surgery was a success. He recovered quickly but remained diligent about his rehabilitation.

“At 45, I didn’t want to live with incontinence or erectile dysfunction,” he says.

His commitment to his rehabilitation, including regular pelvic floor strengthening exercises, helped him recover fully.

Looking back, Andrew is grateful for the care he received at The Wesley. He credits not just the advanced technology, but also the compassionate support from the hospital’s team of healthcare professionals.

“From the moment I walked in the door at The Wesley, I felt like I was in good hands,” he reflects.

For Andrew’s wife, Jo, and their children, this Christmas will be a time for deep gratitude.

“We’re looking forward to a quiet Christmas together,” Jo says. “We’re just so thankful that Andrew is here with us.”

Andrew echoes this sentiment, acknowledging the crucial role that skilled surgeons, advanced medical technology, and ongoing support played in saving his life.

“The money people donated in the past helped save my life,” he says simply, his words a testament to the power of generosity and innovation in healthcare.

If you would like to contribute towards leading-edge technology, world-class medical expertise, compassionate patient care, and our Choices Cancer Support Centre, you can donate online here or call our friendly fundraising team on 1800 961 331.