My doctor sent me for a blood test as I was having really bad sweats and thought it may be Covid. I’d also been having difficulty starting urination and was urinating frequently, especially at night. The flow of my urine was weak and interrupted and I had trouble emptying my bladder completely too.

It turns out my PSA had gone up. They then sent me to have an MRI which resulted in the discovery of neuroendocrine prostate cancer.

Tests done to confirm my cancer diagnosis:

• Blood test
• MRI
• Biopsy

When I found out about my diagnosis, I was sad and surprised. There hadn’t been any cancer in my family history.

My cancer journey started with a blood test, MRI and biopsy, the last of which was done in December 2023.

My doctor recommended the following treatment options:

• Radical Prostatectomy (removal of entire prostate)
• Lymphadenectomy (removal of lymph nodes)
• Radiation therapy
• Hormone therapy

But, I opted for the radical prostatectomy and hormone therapy because based on my own research, this offered the best quality of life option. I’m very optimistic for the future.

I underwent the radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) in December. I started on Zoladex in June 2024. Following another PSA test, I went on Darolutimide and Metformin in the following September. I’m on both Zoladex and Darolutimide for future.

The tests and treatments I underwent in chronological order:

The medical costs are covered by insurance and myself.

The only side effect I’ve had is fatigue from the hormone therapy I’m currently on. I’m trying to push through it and still work full time, while resting when absolutely necessary.

My doctor recommended medical advice related to my alcohol intake, which I was very compliant with. But when it came to exercise-related advice, I didn’t really follow through. I was also only somewhat compliant with his suggestions on my nutrition and diet.

I have to say the biggest impact in my lifestyle was the time required to rest – especially when it comes to working day to day and getting extremely tired in the afternoon. I really wish that I didn’t have cancer.

For the next few years, my plans include three trips to Weipa - to our son's place, to fish, etc. I’m also going on a cruise to Northern USA and Canada.

I found my doctor, the tele nurses and my medical oncologist to be particularly helpful during my cancer journey.

I had challenges in my day-to-day life and professional life, but those in my day-to-day-life affected me the most. I push through the tiredness by getting up from my desk, having a coffee, etc. On days off I just laid down and slept.

I am the SVP of an international company running 9 branches globally so it keeps me occupied and my mind off problems. This is why I continued working even after my cancer diagnosis.

While not knowing my life expectancy, I’ve been worrying about not having all my personal and financial situations in place. So, I got all my future travel plans put in place, stopped all business/company travel, appointed an employee to learn my job and get all my finances in place.

Now I feel optimistic. I had RRP and am now on hormone androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with Zoladex and Darolutimide.

In terms of practical advice, I’d say “Keep busy all the time. And only go with the treatment that offers you the best quality of life. No hospital visits Monday to Friday for 33 sessions. DON’T FORGET THE WORLD REALLY IS WONDERFUL!”