After I was diagnosed with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation at the age of 46, I've had to get used to taking chronic medication like beta-blockers and anticoagulants. Up to now I have received three catheter ablation procedures as well as a cardioversion procedure to restore my sporadic arrythmias. I have found that dehydration seems to be the main culprit to invoke arrhythmic episodes, so I try to keep hydrated by drinking enough water during the day and even during night times when I am awake. I also try to minimise known stimulants like alcohol and caffeine and still take a beta-blocker twice a day to keep the arrythmias under control. 

While recovering from an angiogram towards the end of 2024, my cardiologist had a sleep apnea test conducted in hospital. The test results were abnormally high and I was referred to a sleep clinic for a proper apnea assessment. The results were alarming: More than 50 incidents per hour while the norm is below 5! The cardiologist confirmed that sleep apnea is regarded as one of the major causes of atrial fibrillation. I was given a CPAP (continued positive air pressure) machine on lend for a three months trial period, afterwhich I bought my own machine, paid for by my medical aid.

Since then I have been sleeping like a baby every night, and have up to date not experienced any atrial fibrillation incidents. Not only does the the CPAP machine assist with a proper night's rest, but it also finally cured me from more than 25 years' sporadic atrial fibrillation.

The first symptom was an increased urge to urinate. A routine prostate screening by an urologist revealed an elevated PSA level. After more tests and finally a biopsy of the prostate, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the age of 64, one year into my retirement. The urologist explained the risks involved in each of the different treatment options. We decided that a radical prostatectomy was the best option, taking into account my specific circumstances. A full biopsy of the removed prostate indicated that no cancer cells were present near the surface, indicating an improbability that the cancer had spread. The risks of possible incontinence and erectile dysfunction didn't materialise and all subsequent PSA counts have been zero until present.

Did I beat cancer? Or was I was just lucky that the cancer was confined to one organ that could be removed with a delicate operation? Most importantly, I survived because we caught it in time and I was cancer free and could continue with my life. 

The take away? If you're a male and over 50, have a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test done annually. Catch prostate cancer in time, it could save your life!

The diagnosis was formidable: Stage 4 follicular Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma... Already spread throughout the lymph system, bone marrow and spleen. The prognosis: 'Stage 4 lymphoma is treatable. Aggressive rounds of chemotherapy are given as first line treatment.'

The first line treatment was six months' chemotherapy. Although the results proved to be quite positive, I was informed that my lymphoma should be seen as a treatable chronic disease. After completion of the first line of chemotherapy, my oncologist decided on a two year immunotherapy programme. After one year a PET-scan indicated negative results and my treatment plan was changed back to a second line of chemotherapy over the next six months. This proved to be more successful as the follow-up PET-scan did not indicate any significant risks remaining. During the past two years I have undergone six-monthly PET and CT-scans, all showing negative results and I continued with a normal healthy lifestyle. 

Until May 2025. A six months follow-up CT-scan revealed a significant increase in the size of a lymph node in my groin, and I was once again referred to a surgeon for a biopsy. Since I experienced no discomfort or pain, and all blood test were normal, the surgeon suggested that I discuss the possibility of further observation with my oncologist. The oncologist agreed that observation is an internationally accepted practice, and we decided to postpone any treatment for another six weeks. A new PET-scan was scheduled for early October 2025 to determine the way forward.  

The PET-scan results were disappointing to say the least. There was significant growth in several lymph nodes in my groin area. The biopsy results were positive in that  the cancer cells present did not mutate into a more aggressive form of lymphoma, which apparently was a distinct concern of the oncologist. I have now started with a new treatment plan: Chemothrapy once a week for the first month, then monthly for a year. I am also taking oral medication called Lenalidomide, a cancer cell destroying drug.  

However, as expected, the chemotherapy once again affected my heart rythm, and despite my positive feedback above, I'm once again struggling with a bothersome arrhythmia. 

Follow this unfolding story here.