I had difficulties when urinating (e.g. trouble emptying the bladder completely, weak/interrupted urine flow) and painful ejaculations. Sometimes I passed urine containing blood. That made me seek a medical examination, but only after a few months because I thought the symptoms weren’t serious and I had a busy lifestyle. Eventually I was diagnosed with small cell/neuroendocrine prostate cancer.

When I heard the news, I was so shocked and lost hope of life. I never thought I could recover and even thought that I would be counting the days to die.

As advised by my doctor after diagnosis, I went through chemotherapy combined with radiation therapy. After deciding on this treatment plan, I felt optimistic due to the right counseling from my doctor. I was covering the treatment costs myself and receiving support from family/friends.

In all, external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) with 60 Gy in 30 fractions was administered. 8 Gy in four fractions was administered with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) (four fixed beams), and the remaining 52 Gy in 26 fractions was administered with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) (seven fixed beams). Etoposide + cisplatin (EP) therapy was administered concurrently. The chemotherapy was started in the second half of radiotherapy (at 36 Gy in 18 fractions), and a total of six courses of chemotherapy. I was declared cancer-free in March 2014.

Because of chemotherapy, I suffered from weight fluctuations. I was generally stressed out by my weight loss and felt odd from other people. Besides that, my hair fell out and I lost my appetite. To cope with these side effects, I improved my nutrition.

After treatment began, my nutrition and diet changed the most in that I began having a strict routine diet. My practical advice to others with cancer would be to stick to the dietary advice provided by their doctors upon diagnosis.

For now, my plans are to get back to a normal lifestyle, like before my cancer diagnosis.

I found therapy to be particularly helpful in my experience with cancer.

I resigned from my job after finding out I had prostate cancer. My condition after diagnosis could not allow me to continue with my work.

Since my diagnosis, I’ve encountered some difficulties in my professional life, social life and relationships with loved ones. However, challenges in my day-to-day life impacted me the most; I had to limit my day-to-day activities.

Being a cancer survivor, I find that the aftermath of side effects is still a challenge. But people should know that there is hope of life even after a cancer diagnosis.

Dying was the thing I used to fear most. But I am now comfortable and have overcome this fear.

Since I got the right medical attention needed and recovered, I am happy and optimistic now.

Always have hope of recovering and follow your doctor's advice.