My name is Bob and I am from Malaysia. I sought medical attention for urination issues and I was subsequently diagnosed with stage 1 prostate cancer in November 2018. Since my diagnosis, I have undergone surgery and I was eventually declared cancer-free in February 2025. This is my personal account of cancer.
The first symptom that I experienced was urination issues. 6 months to a year later, I found out that my friend who had similar symptoms also had stage 4 prostate cancer and this prompted me to see a doctor. I underwent a few tests which returned a Gleason score of 3 + 4 and a PSA of 6.5 and I was eventually diagnosed with stage 1 prostate cancer in November 2018. Thankfully, the cancer was localized within my prostate and there was no spread to other organs.
I was neutral upon being told by the urologist that I have cancer and learning about the treatment process. Life goes on.
Following my doctor’s recommendation, I opted for radical prostatectomy (removal of entire prostate). I felt neutral after deciding on this as I had a good, experienced surgeon/urologist and I believed that this would help improve the odds of my recovery. I just hoped for the best. Fortunately, I had a successful surgery and no further treatment was required. I only needed to monitor my PSA levels and I was eventually declared cancer-free in February 2025. I also had a urine bag attached to me post-surgery. This catheter was only temporary. I had mine for 6 weeks and I did not have any preconceived notions about it.
As for the medical costs, I had my surgery in a government hospital so the fees were minimal.
I'd like to keep on being positive, happy and healthy.
Since I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, I’ve struggled with ED. To cope with this, I had a discussion with my wife about it and slowly tried to accept the fact that I had this condition.
As a cancer survivor, I think that the most challenging part is coping with a “new normal” or lifestyle changes but I believe that I have been coping well so far.
I would say that my greatest fear is of the cancer returning. I manage this by joining a support group or connecting with other cancer survivors.
Today, I still feel neutral. Life must go on.
Be aware of prostate cancer. Go for PSA tests. Life goes on. Be aware of your condition and find out more but stay positive. As a prostate cancer survivor, one of the best things happening out there is that there is a prostate cancer society in Malaysia (PCSM) where there is a lot of information and sharing which I can learn from.
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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