To fully understand this can be one of the significant side effects of your treatment. Speak openly with your partner, health personnel, and other support organisations, including PCUK and any FB groups you may be a member of.
After diagnosis, I began to have feelings many cancer patients experience: shock, denial, fear, sadness, avoidance, anger, and guilt. Nevertheless, my wife and I decided to learn more about prostate cancer, its treatment, aftercare and how we can raise awareness of the disease with our friends. This inspired us to begin raising awareness of the disease within social circles we associate with, and now takes up most of my free time. Following a successful project looking at the importance of comfort food during the dark days of treatment. I am currently exploring how a healthy diet plays a role post-treatment in helping to keep my PSA count low and to share this with everyone interested. Having a positive mental attitude toward the disease during treatment enabled me to overcome many psychological side effects of PC and its treatment. It helped me cope more effectively with the physical effects I experienced.
Yes
I was unaware of how important it is for men of a similar age to me to have a regular PSA test. I had been experiencing symptoms which I put down to getting old. I then viewed the BBC interview with the late Bill Turnbull. Following this interview, I made an appointment with my GP and discovered I had an abnormal PSA level. I caught my tumour early, thanks to Bill, who literally saved my life. I want to ensure my friends now take the possibility of PC seriously and take the test.
By sharing your story you can help others. Share what went well, what didn't and everything in between. Your experience is valuable. Help make the prostate cancer community stronger.
