In November 2013, Paul Moseley’s world was turned upside down when he received a diagnosis of prostate cancer. “I don’t scare easily, but I was shook,” he reflects. The longtime Fort Worth Star-Telegram news photographer, now retired, was used to handling stress, but this news hit hard. “You think you have a long way to go, and then realize it could be very short.” Seeking guidance from experienced prostate cancer specialists became a crucial step in his journey, as they helped him navigate through the complexities of his diagnosis and treatment options.
As a journalist who faced numerous challenges throughout his career, Moseley was accustomed to dealing with tough situations by tackling them head-on. However, this was different. With Thanksgiving approaching, he and his wife, Pixie, chose to keep the diagnosis to themselves until after the holidays. “It was a great Thanksgiving and a great Christmas,” Moseley says. Despite his efforts to stay optimistic, he began preparing meticulously. “I contacted my attorney and made sure all the wills were done and all the bills were paid. I was in full defense mode.”
Taking the First Step
In January, Moseley met with a prostate cancer specialist and robotic surgeon, Dr. Richard Bevan-Thomas. “I was kind of in a fog, but he explained all my options, the biopsy process, and what each step involved,” Moseley recalls. “He wasn’t cocky; he was confident. Just talking to him built my confidence.”
Moseley was also impressed by Dr. Bevan-Thomas’s approach to his wife, Pixie. “He was gentle and caring, reassuring her that everything would be alright. She appreciated that deeply.”
Getting a Second Opinion
Moseley’s trust in Dr. Bevan-Thomas was significant, but he wanted to be thorough. “I asked for a second opinion, and Dr. Bevan-Thomas was completely supportive. He offered to set up a consultation at MD Anderson, which he did.”
At MD Anderson, Moseley explored various treatment options — surgery, radiation, and proton therapy. A key moment in his decision-making came when a physician at MD Anderson suggested that Moseley was in good hands with Dr. Bevan-Thomas. “That was reassuring and solidified my decision to stay with my initial specialist.”
Making the Decision
Given that Moseley’s cancer was confined to the prostate with some suspicious spots, he opted for a robot-assisted radical laparoscopic prostatectomy. “Dr. Bevan-Thomas explained that the robotic surgery would avoid the creation of scar tissue, which could complicate future treatments if needed,” Moseley says. His research on the da Vinci surgical system confirmed it was the right choice for him.
Moseley had taken proactive steps in his health prior to his diagnosis. After discovering he was prediabetic, he lost 40 pounds and got back into shape. By the time of his surgery on April 4, 2014, he was in excellent physical condition, which contributed to a smooth recovery.
Life After Surgery
The robotic procedure went well, and Moseley was amazed at how quickly he recovered. “The incisions were small, and I felt like I had just done too many sit-ups,” he describes. The post-surgery care was efficient, and within a week, he was back to his normal life, feeling better than expected.
Life on the Survivor Side
More than six years post-surgery, Moseley reflects on his journey with gratitude. “My PSA is zero, and everything works just like before,” he says. “The process was profound, and meeting Dr. Bevan-Thomas was a significant part of it. It’s one thing to go through surgery and diagnosis, but it’s the doctor’s role that really makes a difference.”
Though Moseley retired from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram in August 2018, his legacy endures, including a notable photograph of legendary Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry. Now, as a freelance photographer, he continues to work with high-profile clients, including President George W. Bush and President Bill Clinton.
Despite the remarkable figures and events in his life, Moseley holds his prostate cancer specialist in the highest regard. “I know Dr. Bevan-Thomas probably doesn’t like to be put on a pedestal, but he saved my life. He’s my hero, and I’ll never take that for granted.”
Moseley’s experience underscores the vital role of dedicated prostate cancer specialists in the journey from diagnosis to recovery. Their expertise and compassion are crucial in navigating the complexities of prostate cancer, providing hope and effective treatment options for patients like Moseley.