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Struggling with emotions

Col23761
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I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in May 2024 unfortunately it had spread to my lower back so classed as stage 4.

I have had chemotherapy and radiotherapy which finished around March 2025. Since January my psa score is so low it’s classed as undetectable.

I am on long term hormone therapy which is obviously affecting how my body works.

My wife and I have not been intimate for many years as she was going through the menopause while this was frustrating for me I accepted this and it never affected me emotionally.
However since my invasive treatment finished I have started to feel more inadequate as a man physically and emotionally due to tired etc. Are these kind of feelings normal for some people and like most things connected with the treatment fade away after time or do I need to source some form help.

  • Hello Col23761 and thank you for reaching out to the Online Community.

    I’m sorry to hear you’re feeling this way, these kinds of feelings are quite common but that isn’t to say you should ignore them, especially if you’re struggling.

    Whatever feelings you have, it can help to talk to someone. You may not need advice, but it can be helpful to have someone just listen. Try to find someone you trust and feel comfortable talking to. This could be your partner, a family member, friend or healthcare professional or of course us on our support line.

    Talking to someone who has been through a similar treatment or situation can also help. Your cancer team may be able to arrange this for you, or you could join a cancer support group, such as our Life after cancer forum (which is also for people who have finished treatment) or our Prostate cancer forum.

    Our publication Cancer and your sex life is about how cancer and its treatment can affect your sex life and relationships. It explains:

    • how your sex life may be affected by cancer and its treatment
    • how to get support and treatment that can help.

    Our team of Cancer Specialist Nurses would be more than happy to discuss any clinical questions you might have about how the treatment has affected you physically as well.

    You’re not on your own with this Col23761, please stay in touch if it helps to talk things through.

    Alex, Information and Support Adviser

    Remember you can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or by email.

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