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Gordon's Story

Ethnicity
White British
Age
70-79
Work
Retired
Sexual Orientation
Straight
Geography
South West
Relationship status
Married/In a Civil Partnership
Listen

Radical Prostatectomy (Surgery)

Tips and advice for any sexual side effects of treatment

I was advised by my surgeon to use a pump and masturbate to try to encourage my erection to improve and was also advised this may help combat reduction in penis size. She also prescribed generic "viagra" tablets as long as I promised to masturbate which I did do as long as I didn't go blind - which she reassured me I wouldn't!!

How this treatment impacted my life the most

On the positive side after 48 yrs of marriage it helped bring us even closer together. On the negative I felt I had to work even harder to keep fit and missed some of the treats I enjoyed eating - some may say that's a positive!

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

Not sure

Why did I give this answer?

Largely because the initial diagnosis was flawed. During the post-operative examination it was found that the cancer had just broken out of the prostate affecting some lymph nodes and possibly the prostate bed so I was prescribed a 2 year course of hormone injections and a course of 33 radiotherapy treatments, my PSA was 0.29 some 2 months post op. However, this came down to 0.05 after 2 months of Hormone treatment. Since then my PSA has been "undetectable" other than one "glitch" when it went up to 0.06 but now back to undetectable.

Hormone Therapy (injections and relugolix tablets)

Tips and advice for any sexual side effects of treatment

Stay positive and try and work to keep your sexual drive alight. It's difficult but it's been rewarding for us as a couple.

Tips and advice for any physical side effects of treatment

Keep up your physical exercise to as close to the level you had before - its's good for the body and the soul, and, yes, it's not easy!!

How this treatment impacted my life the most

I'm physically fit and the thought of loosing my fitness and general body strength was something I found difficult to accept - hence I stepped up my fitness regime.

Why did I give this answer?

Yes, probably as it seemd to way to go.

Radiotherapy

Tips and advice for any sexual side effects of treatment

Speak to your CNS - she's heard it all before - and get advice. Also, keep practicing!

How this treatment impacted my life the most

General tiredness. An afternoon nap seemed to help and revitalise my energy levels to some degree. Whilst my "body image" wasn't affected as such I didn't like loosing the hair under my arms or some of my pubic hair and the nails on my right foot are still recovering.

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

Yes

Why did I give this answer?

Probably.

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