My name is Bill and I’m a retiree from the United Kingdom (UK). It was in April 2019 that I found out I had stage 2 prostate cancer. After getting a radical prostatectomy via the da Vinci method, I was declared cancer-free in May 2021. My practical advice is to be positive and communicate how you are feeling, don't bottle it up.
It all started when I was having difficulty starting urination while urinating often, particularly at night. I had trouble emptying my bladder completely too. After a few days, I sought medical attention and found out I had an enlarged prostate, then biopsies led to the eventual diagnosis of small cell/neuroendocrine prostate cancer.
Finding out I had cancer left me fearful and sad. Just hearing the ‘C’ word invokes fear.
With my treatment costs covered by insurance, I underwent a radical prostatectomy to remove the entire prostate, as per my doctor’s recommendations. My prostate was removed by the da Vinci method, and I spent a week in hospital. Having to make treatment decisions was fearful - the fear of what could happen. Fortunately, I was declared cancer-free in May 2021.
I didn’t experience any side effects from the surgery.
My doctor advised me on my alcohol intake, exercise, and nutrition, all of which I was very compliant with. Notably, the biggest lifestyle change was in terms of my exercise frequency. This included losing weight, being healthier and exercising. I also undergo regular blood tests every six months.
For the near future, I’m planning to travel and have shared experiences with loved ones.
I found the pads and pants to stop leakage to be particularly useful in my cancer journey.
Throughout my cancer journey, I had difficulties with my self-esteem and self-image, but challenges in my social life and relationships with loved ones affected me the most. Before starting treatment, I wish I’d known about the potential loss of sex drive and being aware of the effect on my partner.
Having a positive outlook with great support from my family helped me get through these challenges though. I met two sisters who lost their father to prostate cancer, and it made me feel so blessed to have survived. People should know that life goes on after cancer—you can keep on living and enjoying life and family.
Being given a bad diagnosis and a low life expectancy was my greatest fear. But I just tried to be as open and positive as I could, keeping my family in the loop.
Today, years on from my initial diagnosis, I feel optimistic. It's been 5 years since my prostate was removed and the signs are good.
Be open and honest to yourself and your family, be positive as much as possible.
This patient's story is published and shared with their full consent. Any personal data that can be used to identify the patient has been omitted.
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