I was complaining of lower back pains and my doctor sent me for blood work. He checked off a box for requisition and the next thing I knew, I had a call from a urologist scheduling me for an appointment, not knowing that there was a problem. It turned out that my PSA numbers were high. The urologist sent me for a biopsy to which I was scared to death. I wished I had known more about these tests, examinations and biopsies before I started treatment. As it turned out, 12 of the biopsy tests came back as aggressive cancer. That was how I found out that I had prostate adenocarcinoma. I went for more tests and confirmed that it has not spread. Thank God for that.

Although I mostly experienced lower back pains, other symptoms that I had include:

• Difficulty starting urination
• Weak or interrupted flow of urine
• Urinating often, especially at night
• Trouble emptying the bladder completely
• Pain or burning during urination
• Blood in the urine or semen

When I first learnt about my prognosis, I was fearful because my family history of dealing with cancer all led to deaths. But I believe early detection is key.

Based on my doctor's recommendation and advice from my family and friends, I opted for radiation therapy and hormone therapy. I never did chemo. I felt fearful about not knowing the outcome, especially considering my family history with cancer. After receiving my diagnosis, I started my external radiation and hormone treatment. I did 25 sessions of radiation therapy, 5 days a week for a month before I started on hormone treatments, which I am still undergoing, for 18 months. The results from my last blood test after radiation treatment and hormone treatment showed that my numbers for PSA and testosterone were very low and my oncologist called me to tell me that I only have to do checkups every 6 months. I was eventually declared cancer-free in December 2024. I think I beat it. It was a scary journey.

In terms of medical costs, I was covered by insurance from Alberta Health. I am Canadian and healthcare is somewhat free here.

As a result of treatment, I struggled with diarrhea, fatigue and weight fluctuations. I was tired and went to the bathroom a lot. I tried to manage these side effects by improving my nutrition.

My future plan is to keep going on no matter what.

I stopped working after receiving my cancer diagnosis as I was put on sick leave. I’m back at work full time and I feel great now that a few life changes are in order.

When I was diagnosed with cancer, I struggled with my social life and relationships with loved ones. My loved ones know my family history and the outcomes, but I worked through it.

Even after I was declared cancer-free back in December 2024, I still faced certain challenges, which include:

• Emotional or psychological impact of cancer
• Physical side effects
• Changes in body image or appearance
• Ongoing medical care or check-ups
• Financial or employment challenges
• Fear of recurrence
• Coping with a ‘new normal’ or lifestyle changes

I try to cope with this by taking it one day at a time.

Throughout my cancer journey, I have felt fearful of many things, namely:

• Recurrence/the cancer returning
• Not surviving or dying
• Being a burden to loved ones
• Impact of my prognosis on family or relationships

To manage these fears, I seek support from family or friends, engage in mindfulness or relaxation techniques, focus on physical recovery and staying active as well as focus on positive thinking or gratitude.

Today, I feel optimistic. I’m healthier now, more than I ever was in my life. I’ve gained some weight from treatments which I needed and I feel more active now. I’m told by a lot of people that I look really good, health-wise. I feel good about myself.

Be positive although it is hard at times. Stay positive, they have come a long way with medicine. Most important of all, keep the faith.