Hormone therapy ‘lifeline’ helps give cancer man six
more years
 Docs stunned
by Bob’s fight for survival
By Tracey Bryce
A CANCER sufferer has astounded medics by surviving the disease six years after diagnosis — thanks to hormone therapy.
And yesterday Bob Bonthrone (72), from Dollar in Clackmannanshire, and his wife Margaret marked their golden wedding anniversary — an occasion they once thought Bob wouldn’t live to see.
He was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in August 2003. It had already spread to his pelvis and lymph nodes.
Prostate cancer is among the most common killers of men in the UK. Every year 2500 men in Scotland are diagnosed with the condition. In 2007 it resulted in the deaths of 793 Scots.
Spread
Bob and Margaret feared the worst when they were advised that, because the cancer had spread beyond the prostate gland, it couldn’t be cured. He even contemplated finalising plans for his funeral.
But then it was suggested he try hormone therapy — an NHS treatment that the couple now refer to as Bob’s “lifeline”.
An injection at his local GP surgery once every 12 weeks has kept the cancer at bay and allowed him to lead a healthy, happy lifestyle.
“Hormone therapy has given me six years I might not have had. I’m probably healthier now than when I was diagnosed,” says Bob.
Before diagnosis he had next to no symptoms. It was by pure chance that his GP suggested doing a test.
The father of two explained, “Margaret noticed I was always first to the toilet when we went out for a few drinks so she said I should mention it, just to be on the safe side.
“The doctor took a blood sample. Three days later she rang to say she was referring me to a specialist.”
Bombshell
Weeks later came the bombshell. Bob had cancer and was told he could die at any time.
The only treatment option was hormone therapy injections. These stop the body producing the male hormone testosterone, which prostate cancer feeds on, and effectively suppresses the cancer’s growth.
“I was warned of the side-effects, which include hot sweats, loss of libido and body hair, tiredness, growing breasts and a pot belly,” Bob explained. “It did cause me some concern but it was the only chance I had of prolonging my life.
“I did suffer initially but three years on the side-effects started to diminish.
“I’ve been very lucky that hormone therapy has worked for me and to have had the gold star medical treatment and support throughout — but I realise not everyone is in that position.”
A spokesperson for The Prostate Cancer Charity, of which Bob and Margaret are patrons, said, “Typically patients stop reacting to hormone therapy after about two or three years, so for Bob to get to six years is great.
“He has received excellent care but sadly there are different standards across the board.
“Many men do not receive information on the potential side-effects of hormone therapy before they begin treatment, nor are they asked about their experience of side-effects or given ways to manage these.”
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