Hi, I’m Jack. I’m an engineer store manager from New Zealand. In February 2018, I found out I had stage 2 cancer of the prostate. After undergoing surgery and radiotherapy, I’ve been cancer-free since 2019.
My PSA numbers were rising. That’s what led to the discovery that I had prostate cancer. Afterwards, I got a second opinion because I wanted to confirm my diagnosis.
The news left me sad and fearful. The shock of it and being told that if I was hesitant on treatment then I would only have 2 years to live if it spread.
As for my treatment plan, I opted for a radical prostatectomy (removal of the entire prostate), lymphadenectomy (removal of lymph nodes) and radiation therapy. This was based on my doctor’s recommendation due to my age, a good chance of continued survival and the fact that my PSA numbers were climbing. I did feel fearful after deciding on this treatment plan; it was the fear of the unknown and fear of what the surgeon may find, success or failure.
I had a 5-hour surgery, then 2 months later radiation treatment on the prostate area everyday for 7 weeks. My treatment was subsidized and I was declared cancer-free in April 2019.
I suffered from fatigue because of the radiation. It made me very tired at work and I worked half days for several weeks. To cope, I got lots of rest. Besides that, I also struggled with appetite loss and lymphedema.
After treatment, I was suffering from ED. It’s hard to explain but intimacy was difficult. In fact, ED and intimacy with my wife have been the most challenging aspects of being a prostate cancer survivor. My specialist recommended medication for improvement to quality of life.
For the next few years, my plans revolve around retirement planning and enjoying life.
I kept working even after my cancer diagnosis. Truthfully, I needed the income to support myself and my loved ones.
After finding out I had cancer, dealing with my social life and relationships with loved ones was a challenge. But I worked hard on my marriage and had the support of my wife. Life goes on; it is what it is.
My greatest fear is the cancer coming back, so I get regular PSA tests. I live life to the fullest every day.
There are ongoing side effects of treatment but I’m still here walking, so I’m optimistic.
Just relax and breathe. Take time with family. Stay strong and believe in your own strength.
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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