In November 2013, Paul Moseley’s life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. “I don’t scare easily, but I was shaken,” Moseley admits. “You think you have a lot of time ahead of you, only to realize it might be very limited.”
As a seasoned Fort Worth Star-Telegram news photographer now retired, Moseley was accustomed to handling high-pressure situations. “I’ve seen it all—many times over. When things get tough, I just dive in and deal with it,” he says.
With Thanksgiving approaching, Moseley and his wife, Pixie, chose to keep his diagnosis private until after the holidays. “It was a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas,” he recalls. “Despite my best efforts to stay calm, I was already preparing for the worst. I contacted my attorney to finalize our wills and ensure all our bills were paid. I was in full defense mode.”
Taking the First Step
In early January, Moseley met with Dr. Richard Bevan-Thomas, prostate cancer specialists and robotic surgeon.
“I was a bit disoriented, but Dr. Bevan-Thomas outlined all my options, explained the biopsy process, and detailed how the cancer was assessed,” Moseley remembers. “He’s exceptional in many ways. He understood that men can be tough yet vulnerable, and he managed that balance with confidence, not arrogance.”
Moseley was impressed by how Dr. Bevan-Thomas interacted with Pixie. “He was incredibly gentle with her, reassuring her that everything would be okay. She needed that comfort, and he provided it.”
Seeking a Second Opinion
Moseley valued Dr. Bevan-Thomas’s support and agreed to seek a second opinion. “I asked if it would be alright to get another perspective, and he immediately offered to arrange it with MD Anderson,” he says. “He set everything up for me.”
At MD Anderson, Moseley explored various treatment options including surgery, radiation, and proton therapy. Despite the impressive facilities, his decision was solidified when a doctor at MD Anderson said, “I know Dr. Bevan-Thomas, and unless you really want to move to Houston, you’re in great hands here.”
Making the Decision
Given that Moseley’s cancer was contained within the prostate with some suspicious areas near the edge, he opted for a robot-assisted radical laparoscopic prostatectomy. His research into the da Vinci surgical system made this choice seem like the best fit.
“What Dr. Bevan-Thomas said about other treatment options influenced my decision. He explained that radiation or seeds could create scar tissue, complicating future surgery if the cancer recurred. The robot-assisted surgery was precise, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues,” Moseley explains.
Proactively managing his health, Moseley had lost 40 pounds after his family doctor identified him as prediabetic. “I’d let myself go, but I got serious about getting fit,” he recalls. By the time of his surgery on April 4, 2014, he was back to a healthy weight of 180 pounds.
The procedure went smoothly, and Moseley was amazed by his rapid recovery. “The robotic incisions were tiny and closed with super glue. Recovery was so easy; I felt like I’d just done too many sit-ups,” he says. The temporary tube he had in place for a week replaced the need for a catheter, and he was back to his normal routine within a week.
Life After Cancer
More than six years post-surgery, Moseley feels fortunate. “I’m doing great. My PSA is zero, and everything is functioning normally,” he says. “The experience of making choices and facing a life-threatening diagnosis was profound. It’s not just about the medical procedures; it’s about the bond with the doctor who saved your life.”
Although Moseley retired from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram in August 2018, his legacy lives on. One of his photos, capturing legendary Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry, was celebrated among the top 100 NFL photos of all time. Moseley now enjoys a freelance career, photographing prominent figures like Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, and working with various corporate clients.
Despite his high-profile assignments, Moseley holds Dr. Bevan-Thomas in the highest regard. “I know he might not like being seen as a hero, but he saved my life. I’ll never take that for granted.”
Need Help with Prostate Cancer?
If you’re facing a prostate cancer diagnosis and want to explore your treatment options, contact USMD Prostate Cancer Center at 1-888-PROSTATE (1-888-776-7828) or schedule an appointment online.
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