My PSA was checked in blood work. That’s what led to my diagnosis of prostate cancer.

To be honest, I felt rather neutral at first. I was 67, had a good life and just accepted it.

Treatment-wise, I opted for a radical prostatectomy (removal of the entire prostate) according to my doctor’s recommendation. My doctor explained all the risks and I had confidence in him. Plus in Canada, surgery is free but there are long wait times.

After surgery, I spent 7 weeks recovering. Bone scans showed no cancer cells got out of the prostate even though there were 18 samples with cancer. But I wish I’d known about the reduction of the penis to build the urethra.

What’s changed the most after treatment is my alcohol intake. In fact, I’m drinking more than I did before surgery.

As for future plans, I am going to travel with my wife back to her country Scotland.

Pads and pull ups were some things that I found useful.

My cancer diagnosis has affected my personal life in various ways, namely my:

• Social life and relationships with loved ones
• Day-to-day life
• Self-esteem/self-image

I had ED already due to diabetes. On top of that, it’s been challenging dealing with the reduction of penile length and urinating.

My greatest fears? Dying and loss of sexual performance. But I’ve accepted what has happened and dealt with it.

I had a choice between surgery and radiation. But after seeing the damage done by radiation to surrounding areas, I opted for surgery. It makes me feel optimistic today.

Just live life to the fullest. Cancer is survivable and you can resume most things.