Hi to everyone. Firstly I do not normally do forums or online chatting but reading through some of the posts and some of the stories I admire peoples strength and bravery. Some make me feel that I have it quite easy.
I'm 48 and was diagnosed with prostate cancer in January 2021 with a psa of 2976. I also had cancer in two places in my spine and was told another month and i probabably would have lost the use of my legs as my spinal cord was being pressed upon on mr MRI.
I had strong radiotherapy straight away and went on to steroids, enzalutimide and degrelix. 23months later my psa is stable around 6. I have the normal back pain,fatigue that comes with the treatment and the degrelix hits mee quite hard every month.
I'm a typical bloke and just get on with it I still work in construction industry.
My question and experience is since I was diagnosed I thought my family of 3 young daughters and wife of 18years would become closer but in fact it has driven us further apart. I get no support. I'm never asked how I am, how I'm feeling. I've always supported my family but this has really damaged my family. My wife really does dismiss it and even negatively comments about it. Has anyone else experienced this as I have no idea what I've done I never wanted this and would wish it on no one.
Hi and a warm welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your diagnoses.
A cancer journey is such a stressful and challenging time but you have done the right thing in reaching out to a place where you can ask questions and getting support from others who are on the ‘exact’ same cancer and journey.
The Community is divided into support groups (discussion rooms) so can I recommend you join and post in our supportive Prostate cancer support group. This is a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the Green (Bold) Group Link I have created above. Once the group page opens click on the black banner that says [click to join] at the bottom, or the [Join] button under "Group tools."
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘new post’ by clicking in the box near the top right with + New or + (Depending on the device you are using) and you are ready to go. You could copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
The Macmillan Support Line is open from 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 where you can talk with someone about specific cancer and practical information, get emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just connect with a listening ear. We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
We also have our Telephone Buddy Service where you can be matched with someone who understands what you're going through, and they'll give you a weekly call.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing and aim to give support to all the family.
Do get back to me if you need further help.
