Sucks

Morning mate,

I'm 58 and just had my first anniversary of being diagnosed with Prostate Cancer.  It was a hell of a year.  Something you wouldn't wish on anyone.

My Gleason score was 7(3+4) intermediate risk, T2, confined to the Prostate.

You are in a good place in this forum, you can ask anything, there's always someone who has experienced whatever you'd like to know.

I wasn't able to get the surgery (other health problems knocked me out of the reckoning).  I'm not sure if I would have been brave enough to opt for the surgery, but if the Oncologist recommended it, I'm sure I would have followed his advice.

I opted for the Hormones and Radiotherapy.  Don't regret that decision, for all of the ups and downs, fast forward 12 months and I am in Biochemical Remission.

Blame Covid or whatever, but there are so many new men being diagnosed with Prostate Cancer now, some even in their 30's.

I'm much stronger now mentally because of the Cancer.  Previously I would keep my emotions and problems locked away but now, nothing is taboo, I can freely talk about anything.

One of my problems now is I can waffle on and on and on.

As you said, you were very anxious, I was too, I put it down to the fear of the unknown.

Once you are in for the surgery, you will probably think "Why was I so worried?"

Best of luck for next Thursday.

Let us all know of your progress.

As a coping mechanism, my partner said why don't I keep a "thought diary"?

At the time I thought "what could I ever write in a diary?"  Fast forward a year, l am over 1/2 way through my 5th diary.  It's a great release, nobody and no subject is exempt.  The swear words...

Now, when I am filling it out I am going back to the same day last year and reading it over.  It's very interesting, sad but interesting.

While you are recovering from the surgery it could be a good release for you.