Having had prostate cancer myself, I can understand what you say. Having cancer cant help but change us in ways we may not always understand. I know it has changed me but in my case for the better. I now appreciate all the simple little things in life so much more and had made me more sypathetic to others. It also has a big emotional impact on our live and this take time to come to terms with.
I dont know what treatment you had Mick but the hormone therapy I finnished finished four years ago is still giving me hot flushes. Please keep in contact. Wishing you a full recovery, Brian
Mick, I was at a group meeting yesterday. Some people were incurable, like myself, but there were others who, life yourself, were a few years down the line. We got to talking about how everyone felt and it was those that were in remission that were suffering the most with what ifs. We all decided that it was something that we had to live with, however hard, and had to make the most of the good times. We none of us know what is going to happen to us, whether we have cancer or not. I think we all have really bad days when the depression takes over - and then you just have to go with it and drag yourself kicking and screaming out of the other side.
Sometimes its a good idea to talk to a counsellor - speak to your Macmillan nurse. You may think its not for you but it can help. Wishing you all the best.
Brian,thank you so much for the reply.This is very hard for me anyway Brian becase i was an angry person before i had cancer,but it seems to have elevated it self !!Hate the way i feel some days,i am having therapy at the moment, again, and i really want to succeed and have that appreciative way of life, i had a restorative operation when they took my prostrate away but,nearly three years on and i still cannot get an erction and that is very very frustrating !! thanks again for the reply.
Anger is a side affect that quite a lot of people feel. After all, being diagnosed with cancer is most definately a life changing experiance. With regard to not being able to get an erection, I do sympathise. I also have the same problem but at 72, I have looked at it as a price worth paying. In my case, I was also diagnosed with diabetes and this also causes E.D. Raiodtherapy can also cause problems a few years after treatment so I reall didnt stand much chance.
I do think talking about sex is always a difficult and embarssing area. But lets face it, for a lot of people, it a big part of life. The worlds population would be decimated without it. When I was first diagnosed, I read as much as I could. I remember one thing I read on an American web site. I thought this lady doctor was talking about a local shop when she said "Either use it or lose it" but I soon realized what she was refering too ha ha. When you think about it Mick, when we have a leg (or an arm) in plaster, we have to learn how to walk again.
There are tablets/ drugs/ vacume pumps that are available through the NHS as I expect you amy be aware but from talking to other prostate cancer patients, one has to ask about them. Not being able to perform does affect a mans well being and has caused the break up of marriges/ relationships so it is important to talk about it.
I understand I am 5 years out and am just coming to terms with the idea I Will be alright. I have realized thru this room what I feel is normal. A source of confusion my kids and myself thought it should just get up and get on with life
