Andreas’ journey of hope

Andreas Kleynhans was first diagnosed with prostate cancer and then oesophageal cancer. He explains that how you think about your cancer determines your experience, adding that he decided to make something positive of it.

Andreas Kleynhans (54) lives in Linden, Gauteng. 

Prostate cancer 

In March 2021, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer (Grade 1, slow-growing, small) after a routine check-up as I had an enlarged prostate for a few years already; active surveillance was advised. 

Seven months later, it had metastasised to my hip bone and was Grade 4. This was devastating news as I learnt that this type of cancer can’t be healed but only slowed down and pain can be managed. 

I went on a triple treatment plan: hormone therapy; brachytherapy and external radiation. The hormone therapy is to stop the testosterone from feeding the prostate cancer. This started in November and is given in the form of injections every six months and will continue until June 2023. Brachytherapy was done in January 2022; radioactive seeds were planted into my prostate. 

The seeds will be active for six to eight months. In April 2022, I started radiation; 25 sessions on the prostate and 25 sessions on the hip bone. 

After finishing radiation, my PSA levels were tested and I’m grateful that the results were excellent. My PSA is now 0,2 (above normal for my age).

Side effects

All the treatments I received had an impact on my sex life. The hormone therapy is blocking testosterone therefore I don’t have any libido. It also impacts on erections. Most men can’t get an erection while on hormone therapy but every person is different. Other side affects includes: mood swings, hot flushes and fatigue. I was fortunate to have them mildly and only for a short period of time. Brachytherapy has an influence on erectile functioning. 

The radiation on the prostate is the worst; it damages erective tissue and most men can’t get a natural erection again after radiation. Fortunately there is medication to help with that.

Oesophageal cancer

A year after my initial diagnosis, I was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer with spread to the liver and a lymph node. 

It wasn’t related to the prostate cancer. For two months, I could only drink liquids because the tumour was blocking my oesophagus. I received 30 sessions of radiation. Thankfully, the tumour shrunk and I can eat again. I’m about to start radiation on the lymph node.

Dealing with two diagnosis

The prostate cancer was a big shock since I was healthy throughout my whole life; no smoking or excessive drinking. 

I exercise regularly and do yoga. When they told me about the metastasis to the bone and that it couldn’t be healed only slowed down, I could at first not understand what it meant. I then realised that it may shorten my life drastically. 

The oesophageal cancer diagnosis was unreal to me. I couldn’t believe what the doctor told me. When I was told about the metastasis to the liver and lymph node, I just accepted it. 

In July 2022 I had an MRI scan to measure the tumour in the liver before starting chemotherapy. Miraculously the tumour shrunk without any medical treatment. The doctor can’t explain how it has happened. I believe through my positive mindset, meditation, and prayer this result was achieved.

Support

Thankfully my family, friends and church community are a great support. I created a WhatsApp group where I write about my journey; it’s called Andreas’ Journey of HOPE.

Advice to men

Please test PSA levels regularly. Prostate cancer is very curable whenit’s detected early. But even when it’s advanced as mine, there is hope.

Yes, a digital rectal exam is a bit awkward the first time but it’s necessary. In the end, it’s all about how you think about it and what it can mean for your health. You can’t determine what happens to you but you can decide how to react to it. I choose to tell my story and to make something positive of it.