Richard's Story

Ethnicity
White British
Age
70-79
Work
Office
Sexual Orientation
Gay
Geography
South West
Relationship status
Married/In a Civil Partnership

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

Firstly, if you think there is any chance that you have urine retention report it asap before your bladder loses its elasticity and/or the kidneys get infected. The catheter itself is managable, but often causes a urine infection which is unpleasant, so if offered a TURP go for it. Post TURP you may get a lot of blood in your urine and/or leaking from the meatus for a couple of days. This is to be expected. Post TURP and catheter removal urine flow should be good, but it may start to reduce months later. Avoid constipation as this can restrict the flow.

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.

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