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David's Story

Age
60-69
Work
Retired
Sexual Orientation
Straight
Geography
Greater London
Relationship status
Single/divorced
Listen

Focal Therapy

Tips and advice for any sexual side effects of treatment

Interference and changes to your self well being are very apparent as you start your road to recovery. Speaking with your partner and their understanding is essential. In my case my partner was incredible at first post op .. but the situation with loss of erection became unmanageable. Now only 16 weeks post my treatment it may have cost me that relationship as it has had a direct effect on her personal status as she started to think that she was not sexually attractive (which she was completely wrong about) this caused more stress and ultimately no connection. Compassion and even just deep cuddles in the early days is essential. Touching and feeling is essential for even just your mind and wellbeing.

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

Managing depression is difficult.. your feeling of not being a “complete” male is often huge, and also what the future holds. Time to recover is essential, exercise is essential as is your mental agility, in order to cope with the then unknown

How this treatment impacted my life the most

It was my chosen treatment. It retained my prostate, which was essential for my emotional status, and chances for recovery to an active sexual relationship. I fear more time is required over the 4 months to date is needed along with mental wellbeing needed, which unfortunately is not covered as a post operative treatment.

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

Yes

Why did I give this answer?

It is a day procedure, unlike the radio or brachiosaurus therapy treatments requiring numerous visits to the hospital. The post op side effects are generally less, and does not risk damage to other key body functions like kidneys liver etc.

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By sharing your experience of prostate cancer on the infopool you can help others. Your experience is valuable as they go through their own journey. Help make the prostate cancer community stronger.

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