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Ian's Story

Ethnicity
White British
Age
60-69
Work
Retired
Sexual Orientation
Straight
Geography
South East
Relationship status
Married/In a Civil Partnership
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Chemotherapy

How this treatment impacted my life the most

With chemotherapy, I felt unable to socialise, and it restricted my wife, too. I also had terrible toothache related to pre-existent gum disease but made worse. This has since gone.

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

Yes

Why did I give this answer?

It could have been worse; if I am advised to take a course of treatment to prolong my life, I am unlikely to turn it down.

Radiotherapy

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

I was advised that the treatment would inflame the prostate and possibly squeeze the urethra, causing some short-term difficulty in passing urine. This did indeed happen. The best advice is to keep very well hydrated, but perhaps not drink too much just before bedtime.

Tips and advice for any physical side effects of treatment

The hot sweats were not caused by radiotherapy, but by hormone treatment.

How this treatment impacted my life the most

Very little, mainly it increased my visits to the toilet, and made me get up regularly overnight.

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

Yes

Why did I give this answer?

It was painless and side effects have (so far) been minimal. I am also unlikely to refuse any treatment that will prolong my life.

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