Keith's Recovery Appeal

I am Keith, and this is the chapter in my story called prostate cancer. Five years ago, a good friend of mine, while on a night out, commented on how frequently I had to pee. I had got so accustomed to how often I had to pee that it seemed normal to me, but he suggested that I should get it checked out. Brothers, if this resonates with you, or sisters, if you know of a loved one it applies to, have your psa checked. One blood test later, and I was told I had a higher than average psa count, not a lot above average, but enough for a little concern, as this could be an indicator of prostate cancer. After a couple of years of six monthly tests, and despite my own magical healing process I had been on, my count continued to rise slowly and I was put on a tracker, which involved more regular tests, every three months. Five years on, many blood tests and two biopsies, I am now facing radical surgery, a prostatectomy and the removal of my prostate. I have low level cancer, a Gleason 7 ( the scale they use to determine risk), and because I'm relatively young, 57, surgery is the best course of treatment with the best prognosis, my consultant being hopeful to spare the all important nerves that surround that special little , walnut sized gland. I am in a positive space and have created a good story about it all, reframing the six week recovery period as a chance to feed my soul by making art again, something I haven't had the space for in the last few years. I'm also using it as a springboard into a healthier lifestyle, having already changed my diet, and stopping drinking alcohol on any regular basis. It's also giving me a deeper appreciation of how amazing it is to be alive! On a very practical note however, I am concerned about how we will manage financially over that six week period. I am self employed and only just manage to stay on top of the financial burden of still recovering from a bankruptcy and the debt I had to take into set up in business again. I currently have to do a sixty hour week to make ends meet, and just don't have the option of saving anything as everything I earn goes out as soon as I earn it, so six weeks of no income is a big challenge. I have been worried since being given my date for surgery, 13th June, and after a night of anxiety dreams, I woke with the idea of asking for help, which is why I have created this appeal and asking for your support. I need at least £6,000 to cover the period with no income, which would mean I could concentrate on getting fit enough to return to my very physical work ( I renovate wooden floors, trading as Fabulous Floors) and not worry about making ends meet, an important part of getting better. I will finish here by giving you all a virtual hug, real one when we meet again, and to say how grateful I and my family are for whatever support you can offer us, whether that be financial, prayers or just sharing this appeal further into our community, Love you, Keith ❤