Peter's Story

Watch Peter answer the following questions about himself and his treatment:

Can you tell us your first name and briefly, tell us a little about yourself?
When were you diagnosed with prostate cancer and what was the diagnosis?
What stage was your cancer when you were diagnosed?
What treatment(s) did you have and when?
Did you have any side effects from this treatment?
How did this treatment affect your life the most?
Do you have any tips or advice that may help other people who are living with the same side effects from this treatment?
Do you have any tips or advice that might help others who are thinking about having the same treatment as you?
If you could go back in time, would you choose to have the same treatment?

Radical Prostatectomy (Surgery)

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

Starting kegal exercises 3 times a day pre op is a must. You then have to stop these exercises whilst catheter is fitted post op which is usually for 2 weeks but then restart and continue doing them for as long as is necessary.

Tips and advice for any sexual side effects of treatment

I am taking meds for erectile dysfunction. After 4 weeks they still do not seem to be having any effect. I have been advised to keep taking them for upto 8 weeks and then seek further help if still not working.

Tips and advice for any physical side effects of treatment

After 8 weeks I got an infection in my lower abdomen. My GP believes I did too much too soon as I had started gym work and was probably doing too much. I am now on antibiotics, which seem to be working although the area is still sore and containing a build up of fluid. Advice: Don't do too much too soon.

How this treatment impacted my life the most

I feel and my wife feels that my treatment and the side effects has taken away my sparkle. I've felt severely restricted in what I can physically do such as relationship, exercise, managing and attending two volunteer groups that I am lead for, visiting my children and grandchildren plus much more.

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

Yes

Why did I give this answer?

I could think of nothing worse than having a dead cancerous lump of prostate being inside of me had I chosen the hormone therapy and radiotherapy route. As it stands I have been told that pathology results identified that the cancer had spread to the seminal vesicles and that I may still need radiotherapy. That is something I/we will have to deal with when it happens. I am due my first post op PSA test at the beginning of September, 14 weeks after the op (usually 6 weeks but delayed due to the pathology findings).