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Cancer - Abiraterone Interview with ALFRED SAMUELS

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Nigeria has one of the highest cancer mortality rates in the world, with approximately four out of five cases resulting in death, according to the Global Cancer Observatory.

There is a lack efficient public policy on cancer issues in Nigeria. In recent years, reported cases of people afflicted with cancer in thcountry have been on a steady rise. There is very low awareness of the scourge among Nigerians, and the level of awareness that would help to significantly address the disease, has not been created. The most common types of cancer in Nigeria are carcinoma of the uterine cervix and breast cancer for women, with liver and prostate cancers for men over 40 years.

Regrettably, the situation in Nigeria paints a dismal picture. Currently, the situation about cancer care leaves much to be desired. From diagnosis and treatment, to care and support, cancer has more or less remained a death sentence even among the wealthy.

Nigerias.News is starting a campaign to raise awareness of the scourge of cancer in Nigeria, and how prostate cancer affects black men in particular. We talk with ALFRED SAMUELS, author and Prostate Cancer Patient Advocate, and also feature some of his videos.
 
 Alfred Samuels

Alfred Samuels is a black  man born in the United Kingdom and aged 65. He is educated to a Master's Degree level in The Study of Security Management and has travelled extensively throughout the world for over 30 years in his capacity; as a Security consultant to an array of major; A-list entertainment stars:- Beyonce, Bob Dylan, Sade, Seal, Oasis, Prince, Mick Jagger, Spandau Ballet, Kelly Rowland, BROS, Mariah Carey and Harrison Ford, to name but a few. Complementing his career working with Foreign government agencies in the Military and Law Enforcement areas.
 
At that point, his career had been fulfilling and rewarding. Then his whole world crashed when he was diagnosed with cancer in Jan 2012, and his career abruptly ended. The experience of cancer; changed him into an even more interesting new person. An author, An award-winning documentary filmmaker, Ambassador of the year award, to mention but; a few achievements.
 
 
Question And Answer Session with Alfred below. 

WHAT YEAR WERE YOU DIAGNOSED WITH PROSTATE CANCER, AND WHAT STAGE WAS THE CANCER?

I was diagnosed in Jan 2012 with Advanced Metastatic Prostate Cancer Stage 4. Initially, my presenting PSA was measured at 509 ng/ml though my oncologist believed my PSA went above 800 ng/ml. My Gleason score was; measured at 4+3, suggesting aggressive cancer.

WHAT TREATMENT WERE YOU OFFERED FOR THE CANCER?

The treatment given was the drug, Abiraterone, also known as Zytiga, and the hormone injection Prostap. These commenced between February and March 2012.

WERE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS FROM THE TREATMENT?

There were many side effects; from the treatment, varying from Swelling of my ankles, Brain Fog, Heavy Sweats, Fatigue, Neuropathic pain, Mood Swings, Pain in my thighs, Mental anguish and pain, especially in the areas designated as Cancer hot spots.
 


HOW DID THIS TREATMENT AFFECT YOUR LIFE THE MOST?

The treatment affected me in many ways, but the worst aspects were during the initial offset of getting used to the medications. It was not an easy process because of the medication's strength. My body was not accustomed to this and revolted accordingly; by doing weird and horrible things at times. The result was I became something of a zombie at times.
 
When I look back now and realise where I have reached, I can not believe I got through so much. I have come a long way such that I can now have a sensible and meaningful conversation and now; inform those undergoing a cancer ordeal and their loved ones of the issues that have gone on articulately. I am; seen as a super responder in the medical world; to the Drug Abiraterone, a remarkable achievement.
 


WHAT TIPS OR ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS THAT ARE EXPERIENCING SIDE EFFECTS FROM THIS TREATMENT?

I would say; to men going through a similar journey to remember that you can get through this. It is very much a mind thing. You must have a certain mindset enabling you to get through this experience. I believe that means engaging in conversation with loved ones and also; those going through a similar journey; that is probably the best; advice I can give.
 
Fitness is also very; important. Things such as alternative medication have their place in aiding the immune system but not as a total replacement for standard treatment. Maybe a combination of the two is a; possibility. I have done so, and it worked well, to be honest. Though, on one occasion, they interacted with my medication causing me some discomfort. I would suggest one reads up on what they are looking to take as an alternative supplement, as not everything will agree with you. I have seen many men die; because they reverted to this method as a standard treatment, and it failed. There is a school of thought that supports this route; however, the medical evidence does not stand up in; supporting; much of it.
 


WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO MAY BE, OFFERED THIS PARTICULAR TREATMENT?

Concerning the treatment; that I undertook, I must make it clear that it is a treatment that is not suitable for everyone. Certain people's bodies may not tolerate it for long periods, thus making it unsuitable for long-term use. There are an array of treatments now; in fact, they have an arsenal of treatments; available now, unlike; back in the early days of my treatment when there were only two specific drugs. These days many; different prostate cancer drugs are available; to the oncology world. It shows how remarkable an achievement cancer research has reached over the past 11 years of my treatment pathway.
 
However, I would always say to everyone to research the clinical trial they may be undertaking and get as much information as you; can before signing up and commencing their; clinical trial. There are some things out there that they do not; tell you. I can only say always read the small print, always read the small print. Also, understand that this will not be a smooth ride, but with the help of a supportive partner or a loved one, you will get through this. You have to plan and think it out; carefully; and look at all the available information.



IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WOULD YOU HAVE MADE THE SAME DECISION ABOUT YOUR TREATMENT PLAN?

If I could go back in time with regards to the treatments that I have received, maybe and; it is a BIG maybe, I may not have undertaken the route I went through. Because it was very harsh and because it was; so new to the market, you do feel that you were a bit of a guinea pig, and with that in mind, the answers to some of the ailments that you go through were not necessarily available. Sometimes I would say this about this area in my body or that pain, and the response would be no, it's nothing to do with the clinical trial or the medication. When we well and truly knew that it was.
 
Maybe things have changed, however; when I look back at the harshness of the treatment and what I went through in terms of collapsing, unwell, fatigue, and mental anguish to the point of sending me down the line of suicidal thoughts. I have to say to myself maybe, not. But then, on the flip side, of that I am alive and well, and my condition is still well-managed. So I need to be grateful for that.
 
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR ALFRED?

 My future revolves around my new community interest company HERAC - Help Educate and Raise Awareness Around Cancer. I will continue to help my fellow man by educating and raising awareness around the disease,  by giving men and their loved ones Hope & Inspiration.

 

End Note - A snippet from Alfred's forthcoming new book - 'Why me - Why not me'.

"-   When life knocks you down, it's OK to take a moment to catch your breath and gather your strength but don't stay down for long because the world needs your light.
 
-  You are a beacon of hope, a source of inspiration and a reminder that even in the darkest of; times, there is still beauty to be; found in life, allowing one to get back up and remain smiling. 
 
-  Your resilience is a treatment to the human spirit, and courage is a guiding light to those who may be, lost in the darkness. Keep moving forward, and know you are making a difference; in the world.
 
-  I don't care how hard the storm is in my life; I will not lose faith in God.
 
-  Don't close the book when bad things happen in your life. Just turn the page and begin a new chapter.

-  I am very; conscious of letting people know how difficult a cancer journey is. One of the things that I have done is to become involved in Voluntary and Patient Involvement work. These have shaped me as a person, that is for sure. I am very desirous of letting people know how difficult this journey is. In many ways, I am a completely different person; from my pre-cancer days..

-  If you know me, then; you will know I am a very quiet; person at heart and can find it difficult to talk to people because I never know what to say. Volunteering and patient advocacy work helped me with that aspect of my personality. I quickly realised that I had something that I needed to say that was important to the community. It has allowed me to develop that confidence in a safe environment, and I have had the opportunity to meet so many people from different walks of life and build a great support network. So if you are thinking about it, rest assured that it will be a great decision if you go down this route because it will help you in more ways than you realise."
 
 
Thank you very much, Alfred for this interview that we are sure will be of great help to many people. Anyone reading this interview, can also see some of Alfred's informative and inspirational videos below.
 

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