I kept going to the washroom at night but whenever I tried to pee, it hurt and I couldn’t force it out. The flow of urine was also weak/interrupted, and I noticed blood in my urine or semen. This continued for a few weeks before I sought medical help that led to me being diagnosed with stage 1 prostate adenocarcinoma.

At first, I was fearful and taken by surprise. I felt regret and anger because I should’ve gotten it checked sooner.

Taking my doctor’s recommendation and advice from family and friends into consideration, I opted for a radical prostatectomy (removal of the entire prostate), radiation therapy and hormone therapy. I recall feeling optimistic about starting treatment, as I figured it could be a cure.

My radiotherapy regimen involved 40 sessions of brachytherapy over two months. After completing radiation treatment, hormone therapy medication has been ongoing for 12 months.

I had a temporary urine bag after surgery, but the attachment did not affect me personally.

In terms of medical costs, my treatment is subsidized. I am covered by insurance, whilst receiving support from family and friends.

The most severe side effects I had to deal with were incontinence and erectile dysfunction (ED). In the first few months after surgery and radiation, I was always using a diaper for adults. It was embarrassing. I also suffered from weight fluctuations and fatigue. I did not do anything to manage my side effects because they just felt like a temporary thing. I’m also not sure if I want to let my doctors know about fixing the ED.

In the next two years, I will hopefully be free of cancer!

I continued to work after my cancer diagnosis, since my employer offered some accommodations.

Since the diagnosis, I faced some challenges in my day-to-day life, but my self-esteem/self-image took the biggest hit. Now I’m just trying to accept that this is my new self.

Since the diagnosis, I fear:

• The cancer returning (recurrence)
• Not surviving or dying
• Undergoing treatment (e.g., side effects, pain)
• Losing my independence or the ability to care for myself
• Changes in my appearance or body image

Dealing with these fears has meant:

• Seeking support from family or friends
• Speaking to a therapist or counselor
• Educating myself about the cancer and treatment process
• Joining a support group or connecting with other cancer survivors

In fact, I wish I’d known earlier that talking to other patients can help immensely.

Today, I feel neutral; I am just cautious about how treatment will go.

To other people on their own cancer journey, I’d say take your time. Do your research and talk to other people who have been in your position. Oh, and prepare yourself for the incontinence after surgery and radiation.