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Paul's Story

Ethnicity
White British
Age
60-69
Work
Volunteer
Sexual Orientation
Straight
Geography
East Midlands
Relationship status
Married/In a Civil Partnership
Listen

Chemotherapy

Tips and advice for any sexual side effects of treatment

Use of pump: my penis and testicles have shrunk considerably. There was a time when I thought my penis would become nothing more than a flap. Luckily, it was explained to me that using a pump helps to maintain health, size and shape of my penis. Now I use it about five times a week and fears of the flap have gone away. However, as an aid to sexual intercourse, it has not worked for me. I do not get an erection and so the rings are very uncomfortable. I have used both viagra and cialis. They were both good at first, for a few months. I still use them and I do get a short lived response. This requires a lot of concentration. Sometimes we manage penetrative sex in this way. I have tried two different injections. I dreaded using these, but once I tried it, it wasn't so bad. Unfortunately, I had a priapic response, which only stopped when I got to the hospital, about five hours after the injection.

Tips and advice for any physical side effects of treatment

Hot sweats: at first they were magical, like an orgasm as the heat rose through my body. But then the sweats really started. They don't last long, usually about 20 seconds and the heat is intense. I find wearing a string vest helps with wicking. Tried evening primrose oil without noticeable benefit. My breasts have swelled, not much, but enough for my grandchildren to mention. Weight has stayed constant, but I notice weight has moved from my legs especially to my backside and belly. I do monitor my weight. Muscle weakness: Before I loved long distance walking. I've done 100 miles non-stop three times. Now the hills kill me. Fatigue: I need a five minute sleep at least, every afternoon. Body hair: it's all gone, apart from pubic and head hair grows quickly and may soon cover my bald patch.

How this treatment impacted my life the most

I have injections every 12 weeks. I take tablets every day. Very hard to differentiate the impact between the two. I had 20 days of external beam radio therapy in May 2022. This caused a bit of fatigue towards the end.

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

Yes

Why did I give this answer?

At the time of my diagnosis, this appeared to be the best course of action - hit it hard and early. Of course, developments are moving fast, so there may be different options. My PSA has been undetectable for about a year and my lymph nodes were back to normal size at last scan in early 2022.

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