His PSA levels are showing encouraging reduction and his cancer cells are currently stable with some resolved. He will continue on the therapy for the foreseeable future.

Following his diagnosis, Peter says: “Initial shock gave way to the desire to fight the disease. It’s essential to balance treatment with quality-of-life issues. A person’s lifestyle will change and certain activities will no longer be possible. But other activities will be enhanced. It is important to have a positive mindset.”

When it comes to clinical trials, Peter would offer the following advice to others: “When it came to my trial, a new immunotherapy treatment – Pembro – was added to my existing chemotherapy, so I wasn’t losing out on anything by taking it. There is a fear of the unknown in the beginning, and not knowing if you are getting the real thing as there is a 50/50 chance of getting a placebo. So, I went in with the hope that I would be one of the lucky ones.

“As with any treatment, there are ups and downs, of course, but the way the trial is run is really good and I follow the results very carefully. The team ask every single detail of how I’m doing. I’m weighed, my blood pressure is taken, and there’s a battery of tests, which is quite reassuring really.

"Be prepared for the discomfort associated with most treatments and accept that treatment is not a quick fix. You will need to allow time for the effects to become visible.”

Notwithstanding the challenges of his diagnosis and treatment, Peter continues to be passionate, if practical, about anything he can do. He competes in several yacht-racing events each year, winning the occasional trophy. He runs an annual chamber music festival on Valentia Island in County Kerry and is learning how to play the piano all over again!

He also assists with the management of the Valentia island lighthouse. As for the future, Peter hopes to one day publish his first full-length novel. Peter has two adult sons, one daughter, and five grandchildren.