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Clifford's Story

Ethnicity
Black Caribbean
Age
50-59
Work
Office
Sexual Orientation
Straight
Geography
Greater London
Relationship status
Married/In a Civil Partnership
Clifford's Profile Picture
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Radical Prostatectomy (Surgery)

Tips and advice for any sexual side effects of treatment

incontinence pads are helpful. May feel that because of the catheter, may stop a few things you want to do but can still do things. being aware of the medication you are on and the effects it has on erection. finding someone to talk through. Speaking to your partner about the issues.

How this treatment impacted my life the most

the prostatectomy wasn't as successful, there is ongoing treatment. Because of my underlining condition, I couldn't do the 'normal' course of radiotherapy. currently on hormone therapy. Figuring out the next steps that have affected my life the most. Impacted my sexual life; because of hormone therapy, can't get an erection the way I used to.

If I had to do it all over again, would I choose the same treatment?

Yes

Why did I give this answer?

Because its the option that gives me the most opportunity to keep living.

Active Surveillance

Tips and advice for any physical side effects of treatment

to talk about it with consultant ASAP because there can be another option for you. (in my case went from tablets to injections) talk to the appropriate people. don't bottle it up. talk to necessary people before searching on the internet because of the misinformation

How this treatment impacted my life the most

it means that I have to remember to diarise and make appointment. so be more proactive about this process speaking to specialty agency to talk about the process. to research more. speaking to the appropriate people. specialist knowledge in the area.

If I had to do it all over again, would I choose the same treatment?

Yes

Why did I give this answer?

choose to be more proactive so that the active surveillance procedure is followed up more robustly.

Hormone Therapy (tablets)

Tips and advice for any physical side effects of treatment

speaking to the 'right' people about these side effects. Finding solutions and/or better dealing with these side effects

Tips and advice for any mental and emotional side effects of treatment

Talking to the appropriate people about any issues you are facing.

How this treatment impacted my life the most

mainly around breast, chest, growing and painful. thinking about what I needed to wear to hide the fact that I was growing breast.

If I had to do it all over again, would I choose the same treatment?

No

Why did I give this answer?

I would go straight for the injections next time. I would not choose the tablets again.

Hormone Therapy (injections and relugolix tablets)

Tips and advice for any physical side effects of treatment

for hot sweats: telling your close friends, family, coworkers that you have this side effect. So I don't have to pretend that it isn't happening. be aware that during the injections, that your ability to have sex is 0. ensure that you are aware of that before starting and during the injections. being aware of the general side effects and that you need to make others aware about how you are feeling.

How this treatment impacted my life the most

had an impact on my travelling as the injections need to be taken regularly. It affects when I can go on holiday.

If I had to do it all over again, would I choose the same treatment?

Yes

Why did I give this answer?

yes I would, but I would go for the injections every 3 months, not the monthly one. as the 3 month one is in the arm and the monthly is in the stomach

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