UPDATE - Issue 29 - Spring 2007
Letters
Dear Editor,
Our 2005 prostate lunch brought a major surprise for me. Confronted during the auction with the chance to have my portrait painted by Johnny Jonas, the renowned artist, my husband gave me the green light to join in the bidding. What excitement and what joy when the prize fell to me.
A few days later I met with Johnny Jonas and realised there was much more to a portrait than meets the eye - what story did we want the picture to tell? Who and what should I have in the painting with me? What to wear and what not to wear? Fortunately Johnny was an admirable guide and we soon got our ideas sorted out.
Two visits to the house, with many photos, followed by serious sittings. At last Johnny brought the finished painting home - dare I look, would I like it?
Mary Fretwell's portrait painted by Johnny Jonas
It is wonderful there are now two of me at home and I have a marvellous record to hand to my children and grandchildren. Grandma back from hunting, with Grandpa coming through the door to pull off her boots and hand her a good scotch, and faithful Honey by her side.
And who would have thought all of this would stem from a prostate problem?
Yours
Mary Fretwell
Dear Sir,
Following your article 'Two drugs better than one' in Update 28 readers may be interested in my story.
Several years ago, I experienced all the usual symptoms of benign hyperplasia. My consultant first prescribed Tamsulosin and then, when this was not entirely effective, Dutasteride, in addition. My GP was reluctant to prescribe both asserting that the latter was intended to replace the former. However, after further correspondence, I now take both; one in the morning and one at night. I need only get up once or twice a night now and occasionally not at all. Previously on one occasion I counted nine times!
Yours
Malcolm Yaffe