Damian Lazewski, a 45-year-old IT engineer, visited his GP in January after he began waking up twice during the night to use the toilet, a change from his usual routine of once or not at all. He had no other symptoms. His wife, Dagmara, 42, said: “We didn't think it could be anything serious and the doctor said it was probably a urine infection.”
Diagnosis After Routine Blood Test
Shortly after the check-up, Damian travelled to Poland to visit family. Dagmara urged him to have a blood test while there. On the day he returned, doctors informed him that his prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was extremely high. A repeat blood test with his own GP confirmed the result, and Damian was referred to a urologist. Further tests, including blood tests, an MRI scan, and a PET scan, confirmed the diagnosis in May: stage 4, Gleason score 9 prostate cancer that has spread to his bones and lymph nodes.
Prognosis and Family Impact
Damian has been told he has around three to four years to live. Dagmara said: “The oncologist said he has around three to four years, but it might be less because of his young age and the cancer being extremely aggressive. They are also investigating whether he has a genetic mutation that could make the cancer more aggressive and less responsive to treatment.” The couple have two daughters, aged 16 and 12, both with additional needs: the 16-year-old is awaiting an autism diagnosis after more than three years and has been treated for an eating disorder, while the 12-year-old is awaiting an ADHD diagnosis and struggling at school.
Treatment Options and Financial Burden
Damian has started NHS treatment to slow the disease's progression. However, if the cancer becomes resistant, he may need Lutetium-177 therapy, a treatment not currently available on the NHS due to cost. Each dose costs around £15,000, and he would need approximately six doses, totalling £90,000, not including scans, consultations, and other medical expenses. The couple are both working full-time to support their family and prepare for the financial burden, while also caring for their daughters. Dagmara said: “We have never missed a work day in our life here in the UK.”
Emotional Toll and Fundraiser
Dagmara described feeling isolated and scared: “Everything is happening all at once. It is very, very hard. I'm really struggling with my thoughts, my fear of the future and how we are going to cope.” The couple had planned to return to Poland after their daughters finished school, but now feel stuck in the UK for treatment. They have launched a GoFundMe page to help pay for private treatment, specialist consultations, travel to appointments, and living costs. Dagmara said: “This treatment represents a chance not only to slow the progression of Damian's cancer and give us more time together as a family, but also to protect and support our daughters' future, emotionally and financially, for as long as possible.”
