Kevin's Story

Ethnicity
White British
Age
80 or older
Work
Retired
Sexual Orientation
Gay
Geography
North West
Relationship status
Widowed

Hormone Therapy (injections)

Tips and advice for any sexual side effects of treatment

Just be aware that it happens.

Tips and advice for any physical side effects of treatment

Go on a diet and join a gym ! And sleep in a towel dressing gown for the night sweats !

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

My partner of 51 years ( husband of 11 years) had just died before I was diagnosed so I went down hill rapidly. I joined a support group called Silver Rainbows who provided me with counselling. I had always though that this was hogwash but no more. It brought me back from the brink.

How this treatment impacted my life the most

It took away all sexual drive and as a gay man whose husband had just died greatly diminished the chances of finding anyone. As it happens I did although I can only be the passive partner now.

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

Yes

Why did I give this answer?

Life is better than death, but I would query the medics to see if there were different options to radiotherapy followed by hormone treatment. I have read other stories since mine of men who have had different treatment and have normal sex lives.

Radiotherapy

Tips and advice for any physical side effects of treatment

The radiotherapy passes through good tissue on its way which includes the hip joints. After the treatment some mornings I could barely walk because of the pain. Fortunately the good tissue repairs itself and I am in a gym most mornings now for an hour and the hip pain is rarely noticeable.

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

Go and have counselling. it worked wonders for me.

How this treatment impacted my life the most

The temporary damage to my hip joints and the inability to ejaculate and the frequent passing of blood with bowel movements. A colonoscopy showed damaged blood vessels in the rectum.

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

Yes

Why did I give this answer?

Life is better than death, but I would ask a lot more questions about alternative treatments as some don't seem to have the same side effects.

Share your story with others

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.

Share story