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Nicholas's Story

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

Radical Prostatectomy (Surgery)

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

Keep doing the exercises, you might revert to leaking of you don't.

Tips and advice for any sexual side effects of treatment

The one thing I was not told was how my penis would reduce in size after treatment. It wouldn't have made any difference as I needed the surgery, but I would have liked to have been told in advance in stead of just finding out!

How this treatment impacted my life the most

Loss of sexual function as only partial nerve sparing was possible, and I was already suffering from ED as a diabetic. However, with a wonderful partner, drugs, patience and a sense of humour, there is a lot of fun to be had, even at 70 and suffering a recurrence of prostate cancer!

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

Yes

Why did I give this answer?

It kept me alive and was recommended as the best option.

Watchful Waiting

Tips and advice for any sexual side effects of treatment

Had a radical prostatectomy in Jan 2012, all clear for 6 years then started a slowly rising PSA indicating a biochemical recurrence. Since 2018 PSA has risen slowly from less than 0.1 to 0.8. Consultant has indicated watchful waiting until number hits 1.0 when probably hormone treatment might be initiated.

How this treatment impacted my life the most

Worried about the recurrence, knowing that the treatment cannot be curative. However, got to enjoy what you can while you can. A bit low now and then as this is my third cancer!

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

Not sure

Why did I give this answer?

No option but to follow the advice given to me by the Consultant.

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