Hormone Therapy (injections)
Tips and advice for any physical side effects of treatment
I think it was important to simply ignore the side effects and behave as if they weren't there - it seemed to reduce their impact significantly
Tips and advice for any mental and emotional side effects of treatment
A supportive partner is invaluable, ESPECIALLY if you are honest and don't try to cover up or hide your feelings and effects.
How this treatment impacted my life the most
Insignificant compared with the concurrent catheter and TURP issues
If I had to do it all over again, would I choose the same treatment?
Yes
Why did I give this answer?
The evidence is that it stopped the cancer in its tracks, which was wonderful for morale.
Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)
Tips and advice for any bladder or bowel side effects of treatment
Tips and advice for any sexual side effects of treatment
If you are going to have a TURP then once it has healed things get nearly back to normal, so be patient!
Tips and advice for any physical side effects of treatment
Immediately post TURP try to stay within earshot of your partner as you might collapse (due to pain and blood loss, I guess). Mine was brilliant at rescuing me.
How this treatment impacted my life the most
It was very necessary. My overwhelming feeling was thankfulness the day the catheter was removed and I was able to urinate.
If I had to do it all over again, would I choose the same treatment?
Yes
Why did I give this answer?
Urine retention can be fatal. The relief at overcoming it was huge.
Radiotherapy
Tips and advice for any sexual side effects of treatment
Do keep exercising the penis otherwise it will shrivel up and can disappear inside the body
How this treatment impacted my life the most
It appeared to have gone swimmingly, but 6 months later the urine flow is reducing and there has been occasional bowel and bladder incontinence. It's the incontinence that affcects morale and confidence.
If I had to do it all over again, would I choose the same treatment?
Yes
Why did I give this answer?
The treatment was painless and so far appears to have been successful, but it is too early to be sure. It's demoralising to start getting incontinence so many months afterwards, but if that is the price to be paid for controlling the cancer so be it.