Billy's Story

Ethnicity
White British
Age
40-49
Work
Unemployed
Sexual Orientation
Straight
Geography
East Anglia
Relationship status
Married/In a Civil Partnership

Radical Prostatectomy (Surgery)

Tips and advice for any bladder or bowel side effects of treatment

Foe many pelvic floor exercises will help get control back. For me this hasn't worked. I have to wear pads all the time but it soon became a normal routine.

Tips and advice for any sexual side effects of treatment

Thankfully, I have a very understanding wife. It was just a case of learning other ways to connect intimately and being open and honest with each other

Tips and advice for any mental and emotional side effects of treatment

I know some can get really down due to the Penis shrinkage and impotence. It doesn't make you any less of a man it's just a new chapter in your life and a chance to learn more about your partner.

How this treatment impacted my life the most

Being left incontinent and impotent at 44 took a bit of getting used to. It took being totally honest about my fears and feelings to get through it.

If I had to do it all over again, would I choose the same treatment?

Not sure

Why did I give this answer?

It was hoped the cancer was contained in the prostate, but once they started the operation, they realised it had spread into the surrounding area. This meant the removal of more than the prostate, which led to the added side effects. Having it removed has probably prolonged my life but with with the side effects.

Radiotherapy

Tips and advice for any bladder or bowel side effects of treatment

I was incontinent due to Radical Prosectomy. Having to have a full Bladder for the radiotherapy was really difficult but the staff were brilliant and so supportive

Tips and advice for any mental and emotional side effects of treatment

I found that having radiotherapy gave me purpose each day. It was when it finished I struggled mentally and spiralled into depression. Get a good support network around you not only during but also after radiotherapy.

How this treatment impacted my life the most

The routine of going everyday was a positive for me. The staff were so friendly and supportive. It was great to have a reason to get up and go out each day. Ringing the bell at after your last treatment is an amazing feeling.

If I had to do it all over again, would I choose the same treatment?

Yes

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