One year on

Hello Simon (Simon64 ) 

Wow, brilliant post and it's great news you are now 1 year past your surgery and are doing so well. I can't believe it's over a year ago I tried to talk you out of surgery over a pint(s) in Stalybridge. It just shows I am not always right (having said that you still follow the wrong football team too ).

This journey affects us all in different ways - it puts a strain on your relationship, you need to be mentally and physically fit and you need a positive attitude. I also know what you mean about "our" cancer being different than others and having had 2 spells in hospital and seen others who have been ill with different cancers I can agree with you.

Keep well, stay safe and here's to many more low PSA tests - once the football season finishes next month drop me a line if you have a free Saturday and we can have a pint(s) and chew the fat.

Thanks for popping back onto the Community from time to time helping others on the surgery route.

Kind regards - Brian.

Thanks Brian.    It’s means a lot     I don’t like to pontificate but wanted to mark an anniversary and let people know  there’s light at the end of the tunnel.     I’m always happy to help people if surgery is their  route as I’ve been there and done it.  I lurk on here but only offer advice on surgery.   I still go to my local group every month which helps me understand what I went through.  Will defo meet up in summer for a few pints.     I would never advocate surgery as I’ve learnt from yourself that it’s an individual decision      Cheers Simon 

Hello Simon64 ,

Thank you for posting your update, its far from pontificating but immensely helpful to others, especially those earlier in their journeys. Please continue to do so.

I do the same for both of my cancer experiences which hopefully also helps and encourages others.

All the best,

Derek.

Thanks.   I’m always happy to help anyone who’s going down the surgery route.    Cheers 

Hi  Simon good positive post ,I agree with the not really thinking of yourself as having or being a cancer patient  can't really explain it myself either. Good luck going forward .

This is really helpful Simon, thank you.  Found out only last week I have stage 4, my biopsy is Thursday so obviously I am just commencing my journey. Currently I’m an emotional wreck to be honest but feedback from yourself and others on here have given me a great deal of reassurance. Best of luck moving forward. 

Hi sads.   Sorry to hear that and I can imagine the turmoil you are going through with the biopsy etc.   There’s no magic bullet that’s going to stop you worrying, but I found reading posts on here can help.   The majority of them all have positive messages which tell you pca is not a death sentence ( I’m loathe to use that phrase to be honest ) but is really treatable      Initially it consumes your life but slowly you take back control and  when you weigh up the positives and negatives your realise your going to be ok and get through it     The biopsy scares people although it didn’t bother me as I was chatting to a nice nurse about holiday and it went quickly.   I opted for surgery although it’s not for everyone and isn’t always offered as an option.    Good luck and you will be fine.   All the best.   Simon 

Hi Simon, thank you for your response. I had my biopsy yesterday, not pleasant but very bearable. I’ve just started my hormone treatment so my journey begins I suppose. I’ve slowly starting to feel better about things and having chats with the likes of yourself and others on here have realized there is a future with PCa and can be a long and fruitful one. 

I’ve changes my diet, which has already improved my toilet routine, continued the fitness routine and induced a positive attitude. I’ve realized it’s not just about me but also my wife, kids and family so I’m doing it for them. 

Really appreciate the feedback and best wishes to you too. All the best. 

Hiya mate.   Yeah.      Thats a great attitude.   You will get through it     We often forget our families worry as much as it becomes all about us     Yeah post biopsy isn’t pleasant but what’s the alternative?  Hahah.    I had a catheter for 2 weeks after surgery and had to do injections every night for 30 days.     Before all this I would have been horrified to go through that but a year on “  i did it “ !      Keeps us updated.       Keep positive.    Best wishes.   Simon