I was rendered completely impotent and unable to get an erection, so it wasn't so much not being interested in having sex, I was incapable of doing so. Both my wife and I appreciated that there was no alternative and discussed ways in which we could enhance our lives which did not include a sexual relationship.
I had to regulate my diet to help with keeping my weight to a manageable level and take a lot of exercise by playing golf, walking and using a local gym. I consulted my specialist nurse regarding the hot sweats and she got a course of Cyproterone Acetate prescribed which helped for a couple of years and then had to be repeated.
I found it very frustrating and annoyed at suffering from these side effects. However, I found it helped to discuss my feelings with my wife and the specialist nurse plus other men with similar problems.
Most of the answers given in this format relate to the initial treatments of hormone treatment, the TURP operation and radiotherapy that I had in 2011 and 2012. However, the cancer subsequently spread to my bladder and ureter which resulted in a trans urethra (TURBT) operation to remove a tumour and insert a stent in the left ureter. The diagnosis following that operation was Gleason 4 + 4=8 T4 N1. I am currently recovering from a Gastrectomy as the cancer has spread to my stomach. So, over the years from 2011 till now my life has been severely impacted with over 80 appointments. It is therefore difficult to identify identify any one treatment/side affect that has impacted most. However, the most inconvenient side effect is the incontinence coupled with the paralysed bladder as treatments such as artificial sphincter, botox, permanent catheter etc are not suitable. Therefore I have to wear a conveen and urine bag, which needs to be changed daily, is sometimes unreliable and when it is, can cause extreme embarrassment.
Not sure
I presented to my GP with symptoms about two years before I was finally sent for a biopsy, by which time the cancer was locally advanced. Had I been diagnosed earlier before it had spread I would have opted for radical surgery in the form of a prostatectomy.
By sharing your story you can help others. Share what went well, what didn't and everything in between. Your experience is valuable. Help make the prostate cancer community stronger.
