Steve's Story

Ethnicity

White British

Age

60-69

Work

Retired

Sexual Orientation

Straight

Geography

West Midlands

Relationship status

Married/In a Civil Partnership

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Active Surveillance

How this treatment impacted my life the most

It didn't because it was simply monitoring. The only 'impact' was going initially for a biopsy then for regular PSA blood tests and the occasional scan. These questions seem a bit odd to me for this simple 'monitoring' process ie no surgical, radio or chemo or hormone treatment at that stage.

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

Yes

Why did I give this answer?

Simply because it gave me reassurance that although I was living with Prostate Cancer it was no significant threat at that time.

Hormone Therapy (tablets)

Tips and advice for any physical side effects of treatment

Try to keep mentally positive even losing physical strength through the hormone treatment which commenced around Feb 21. Even at 65 years of age I tried to keep as fit as I could since I knew surgery was on the horizon. I walked 1000 miles in 2021 and ran the virtual London Marathon locally in Oct 21 knowing I was due for surgery in Nov 21.

How this treatment impacted my life the most

Having always been a 'mans man' I think the loss of physical strength, slight loss in libido and loss of body hair plus breast enlargement resulted in a little anxiety.

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

Yes

Why did I give this answer?

I'm pretty well aware now that this treatment could have saved my life. In Nov 20 I had an MRI scan that showed aggressive activity which needed to be controlled whilst on the waiting list for Radical Prostatectomy which I eventually had in Nov 21.

Radical Prostatectomy (Surgery)

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

I think I was very lucky in that I kept pretty fit for my age and am very fortunate (apart from the odd tiny dribble) to have suffered no incontinence which was probably my biggest fear. Do your exercises!

Tips and advice for any sexual side effects of treatment

Difficult one this! So far I've only tried Tadalafil which has been partially successful in helping with erections but does raise blood pressure a bit! At 67 I have to admit it has been frustrating but not life changing with a very understanding partner.

How this treatment impacted my life the most

Incontinence was always my biggest fear but I was lucky that this was never an issue. I knew my sexual function would be significantly affected which has had the biggest personal impact on my life.

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

Yes

Why did I give this answer?

Simply because it has undoubtedly given me more years of life than I could have expected without the treatment.

Steve's Story

Active Surveillance

How this treatment impacted my life the most

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

Why did I give this answer?

Hormone Therapy (tablets)

Tips and advice for any physical side effects of treatment

How this treatment impacted my life the most

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

Why did I give this answer?

Radical Prostatectomy (Surgery)

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

Tips and advice for any sexual side effects of treatment

How this treatment impacted my life the most

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

Why did I give this answer?

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