At first it can be a major problem in your life if you let it. But a lot of it can be overcome through exercises, use of a penis pump, having a honest and frank conversation with your partner or significant other. Seeking professional help with always a benefit so you don't think you are in isolation and talking to other user-led groups to find solutions and peace of mind.
Again exercise is highly recommended and talking to your nurse specialist or your doctor. Get referred to a physiotherapist if possible through your hospital as a part of your recovery treatment and seek local assistance with trained physiotherapist.
Most of this can be dealt with by having some sort of counselling or support. Especially getting someone to explain in plain English what is happening to you and therefore having discussions with healthcare professionals combined with user groups would be of benefit. Free counselling is available through Macmillan Cancer Support in partnership with Bupa.
It's hard to say how it impacted my life the most when there are different degrees of impact and different areas of what I believe is important at the time. Relationship is the first point of impact as physical activities are reduced and desire. Physical impact because you just can't get around as much as you like to and there was more fatigue and having to go to the bathroom every 5 minutes. Mental impact because hair in the word cancer just means death and then you're having to cope with what is your life expectations and how your treatment and side effects will affect you in your day-to-day life. How will your treatment, side effects affects your life expectations and enjoyment of life. Coming to turns with the changes that you now have to make for the rest of your life can be a depressing thought and haven't come to terms with the treatments that you'll now will have to implement all the changes to your diet will impact you. One of the biggest difficulties in life to deal with is how other people perceive you when you tell them you have cancer and how they treat you. It's want to have sympathy it's another thing to have pity. Biggest impact his life expectations.
Not sure
The simple fact is that I have seen the rise of so many new treatments and improvements, therefore it is difficult to say if I would choose the same combination of treatments and experimental treatments. The knowledge you gain during your treatment and interaction with other survivors will most definitely change how you see your choices in the future.
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.
