I googled the symptoms, and as with anytime you google symptoms, it always ends with cancer or death so I tried to be realistic and not jump to worse case scenario. I came across many conditions or causes, but the one that stood out and seemed to pop up regular with my symptoms was Penile Cancer. I kept reading that it’s extremely rare for anyone in their 30s, 40s and rare for men in their 50s and 60s... I’m 33 so whilst the chances of it being that was extremely low, I didn’t want to ignore it because I had convinced myself it was bad news. So, I had my first appointment with the GP October 1st and told them I was concerned my symptoms could be cancer. After a GP appointment every week for 5 weeks they were able to rule out many other conditions and I seen a urologist early December and expressed my concerns to him. The urologist said chances of it being cancer are extremely low so it’s probably something else and to try not to worry myself and they will take steps to rule it out. I was convinced it was bad news then January 19th I had my first Op (partial circumcision) and they took some biopsies. He said I’d have a 3-4 week wait for results due to Covid impact on NHS. When I googled penile cancer, it said only 2 or 3 people in their 30s in the whole of the UK will get diagnosed with penile cancer each year and my immediate thought was, someone has to be those unlucky people, why wouldn’t it be me, why should it be someone else. Last Friday, February 26th I went back to see my consultant to discuss the results, I walked through the door, he was straight to the point, my arse had barely touched the chair when he said “results are back, it’s not good, it’s cancer but we’re going to sort it”. He confirmed exactly what I thought it was when I phoned the doctors back in October. Everything else he said for the next 10-20 mins didn’t really register but he seemed very positive that it had been caught early and it could be treated... and now I find myself here, writing down my experience whilst I’m in isolation waiting for my surgery planned for March 16th.
Hi Ktw09 and welcome to the Macmillan Online Community although sorry that you needed to find us and especially sorry to hear about your Penile cancer diagnosis. I noticed no-one’s been around to answer your post just yet but I do know any cancer diagnosis brings many questions, confusion and lots of stress but talking with other people who are walking the same type of journey will help you navigate this rollercoaster ride. It might be a good idea to join the Penile cancer group where you will find others making the same journey.
When you have a minute, it would be helpful if you could pop something about your journey so far into your profile as it really helps others when answering or looking for someone with a similar diagnosis. (It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself.) To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can update it at any time.
We all agree, looking at Dr Google isn’t a good idea. It’s always good to talk and the Macmillan Support Services provides lots of information, support, financial guidance or just a listening ear.
Most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week and it's free to call on 0808 808 00 00 have a look by Clicking here to see what is available and we also have our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two working days for replies from our expert team.
To find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers can be found on our Online Information and Support Section.
Sending good wishes, B x
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
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