It is difficult to state categorically that the side effects I selected above are solely due to my cancer or my treatment - I am after all well into my seventies so the natural ageing process is part of the reason behind these effects in my case. Pelvic floor exercise may seem a bit of a nuisance but do help and are easy to do when visiting the toilet. Overall, I'm very glad that I was offered and elected to follow the radiotherapy path - it was promptly delivered, non-invasive, practically painless and - almost 18 months later - my PSA score is 0.19!
After the initial diagnosis and the stress that caused, I found the whole process quite positive - painless, fast and clearly successful. Whilst undergoing my treatment, some soreness was apparent and certainly I became more tired as the treatment sessions porogressed. These effeccts were short-lived. There are a few side effects that came somewhat later but these passed with time. Being treated has removed my fear of this disease migrating beyond the prostate area and the impact of any such spread so it has been an almost wholely positive experience for me. I have talked with others who have had alternative treatments for prostate cancer - mainly but not always successful - and I don't waver from my view that this treatment was the best for me.
Yes
Radiotherapy destroyed my prostate and it will regenerate in time. Given my age, that regeneration may be a good while happening. Meanwhile, the worry of the disease spreading has been removed, the effects of such a spread have not been suffered and I can confidently and comfortably joke about the whole process whilst I continue to advise everyone to get checked and thereby save themselves potentially a lot of grief.
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