Mazdageoff - my prostate cancer journey

I went to my GP with a knee problem and left with an appointment at a hospital in Bristol for a biopsy. I was diagnosed with  type 2 prostate cancer, was offered radiotherapy, but opted for a radical prostatectomy in April 2016. It took 5 months to get my continence back, I was prescribed with Viagra type drugs for ED which don't work for me.I had 2 sessions with erectile disjunction consultant, who offered me self- injected drug which does work, but leaves me with a certain amount of pain so I've only used 3 of the 4 syringes I was given, but things will never be the same and I have given up on sex, content to be still alive and cancer clear 3 years on. If anyone asks for my views I advise them to get a PSA test, if you are over 50 you have a RIGHT to one. Don't be put off by reluctant GP.  

  • I'm sorry about the impact this has had on certain parts of your life Mazdageoff but it's lovely to see you're happy and cancer free three years on. 

    I have no doubt that our members will take your advice on board.

    Kind regards, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi Mazdageoff. Welcome to the forum.

    If you're going to have prostate cancer, then Bristol is one of the best places to get it treated! They have Da Vinci robots and excellent surgeons with the skills to use them. 

    Five months is a reasonable time to get back your continence; it can take up to a year.  I would say don't give up completely on sex, but keep trying the tablets from time to time. Also you don't need an erection to have an orgasm (although it makes intercourse difficult!).

    You're quite right about PSA testing; every man over 50 should ask for the test.  I did when I was about 54 and it meant my prostate cancer was caught nice and early, and I'm still here to tell the tale at age 65.  My RRP was way back in 2010. 

     

  • You are right about getting a PSA check done I asked for one and had it done last august aged 60, the results came back good. Ironically a month later I started with symptoms of throat cancer and went through 7 months of scans an operation to remove the tumour and 30 sessions of radiotherapy, Iv just 2 days ago have been told the treatment has worked and Im cancer free. I caught it early and didnt hesitate and thats the moral of the story, dont wait.

     

    Dave

  • Hi I was a bit like you went to doctor for I thing finished up something else something worse unlucky mine had gone to far to operate they said they could do op but it would be a waste of time because of C other places to op could do more harm than good don't like hormone therapy one bit but I'm on it rest of life.. Been with mine over 3 years as well hope you keep well.

    Billy p.s. When they checked my psa it was 1500 I was very surprised.