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Desmond's Story

Ethnicity
Black Caribbean
Age
60-69
Work
Office
Sexual Orientation
Straight
Geography
Yorkshire
Relationship status
Married/In a Civil Partnership
Listen

Radical Prostatectomy (Surgery)

Tips and advice for any sexual side effects of treatment

Try to ensure that the Consultant doesn't cut the nerves to your Penis.

How this treatment impacted my life the most

The major impact was in my sexual activity with my wife. Also having to wear pads for leaking, which has only got worse.

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

Not sure

Why did I give this answer?

Because it didn't end there and the cancer still spread. I was warned by my oncologist that because of my Gleason score that this would happen.

Radiotherapy

Tips and advice for any sexual side effects of treatment

Hopefully catch the cancer before it gets too big. So the nerves for sexual activity can continue.

How this treatment impacted my life the most

Because of the radiotherapy my sexual activity decreased and my feeling of self worth was on the floor. However one has to keep moving forward.

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

Yes

Why did I give this answer?

Because it was the only option open to me. The cancer had started to grow again. The treatment was acceptable and the staff at the hospital were excellent.

Chemotherapy

Tips and advice for any bladder or bowel side effects of treatment

Please keep doing the pelvic floor exercises they can help reduce this side effect. Doing this will help in the long term.

Tips and advice for any physical side effects of treatment

Wear good compression socks and try to keep cool when you get the hot sweats, which might be a lot.

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

The chemotherapy treatment was very hard to deal with. The steroids caused mental health issues and caused psychological problems. The support from family and friends helped me through the phase. I can say that without them the journey would have been extremely difficult.

How this treatment impacted my life the most

The treatment brought up a lot of emotional feelings. I was angry depressed and my thoughts were all over the place. I was hospitalised twice because of my emotional state. Stress was at the highest levels ever. Since the treatment I have had to have therapy and anti depressants. It's very difficult to take but I'm working through to overcome these issues.

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

Not sure

Why did I give this answer?

Because of the side effects of the treatment,

Hormone Therapy (injections and relugolix tablets)

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

Please see my earlier answers.

How this treatment impacted my life the most

The treatment is every six months so it doesn't affect my daily life.

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

Yes

Why did I give this answer?

Because it's now my only option left.

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