A Gulgong man – battling terminal prostate and bone cancer – has used Movember to urge all men in the region to have a simple blood test that could save their lives.
A courageous Ross Brown shared his story at Club Mudgee recently while renewing 16th anniversary wedding vows with wife Lorraine.
The two used an engagement and two wedding rings that Lorraine won in a Take 5 magazine writing competition for a story she wrote in June.
“My cancer journey is the result of my inability to simply go for a test,” Ross told his guests.
“Had I done so, I wouldn’t be suffering the fateful consequences of terminal prostate and bone cancer today.”
About a year ago, Ross got the devastating news. The doctor called to say he had prostate and bone cancer and, with medication, could have one to three years to live.
At the time, Ross and Lorraine were planning to celebrate their 16th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows but that was put on hold until earlier this month when they finally had their ceremony at Club Mudgee.
Ross used to work at the club. In addition to having a big fundraising tin behind the bar, marked ‘help Ross and Lorraine stay magical,’ the club paid for all the food and auditorium costs and ‘Maz’ made the cake.
In his speech, Ross also thanked Lorraine for all the difficulties she has faced as primary carer.
He also applauded the efforts of the Greater Western Area Health Service through his cancer journey, and, in particular, Mudgee palliative care nurse Annette Wilson, for her wonderful care when entering a difficult stage of his cancer.
Ross and Lorraine asked the newly-formed Can Assist, Mudgee and Districts Branch, to increase awareness of cancer issues, palliative care and where to find support by providing an information table at the wedding.
Ross asked all patrons attending the wedding to offer a donation to Can Assist as an alternative to gifts, which resulted in $420 being raised on the day.
There were thanks for the many family and friends in both Gulgong and Mudgee who have helped the Browns out.
“Ross Brown is a truly remarkable man in going public with his testimonial which implies how easy it is to avoid prostate cancer,” welfare officer for the local branch of Can Assist, Ian Carter, said.
“It should urge every man that reads this article to see their local doctor for a talk and a test. Thank you Ross and Lorraine, for allowing this very timely reminder in this, the month of Movember – prostate cancer month”.
Ross said his journey had encouraged one mate to get the test and he has found out early that he has prostate cancer. He said if he can save just one life, telling his story has been worth it.
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