I am 76, in good health, or so I thought.
I had penile cancer in 2022, given all clear December 2022. Follow up in April 2023 inc PSA. Result 11.9. Biopsy produced positive fir local advanced prostate cancer. PSA 11.9 : CPG 9 (5+4). Group 5 (high). Started chemotherapy, have my 3rd session on 29th September. Chemo plus steroids plus hormone injections.
I now know what women go through during the menopause. Hot flushes weight gain etc.
Apart from 3 days in Oncology Ward after 1st session when my white cell count went through the floor, I have been relatively free from side effects.
I am very fortunate in that I have the loving support of my family.
What happens after final treatment on 22nd December ( some Christmas present) I don't radiotherapy I expect.
The support from MacMillan has been great. The treatment at my local hospital has been excellent.
The message I am trying to get across, is that after the initially shock of diagnosis, in my case life goes on. It has to go. My children and grandchildren are the power behind my positive attitude. I want to see them grow up, tge youngest is 10.
Good luck to all those going through this trauma
Hello Horus - A very warm welcome to the Prostate Group, we are a decent bunch.
You have been through the mill although you are now doing very well and you look like you are able to cope with the Chemo very well. We have had a good few days on here with plenty of positive stories and it's great to read another.
You are so right though - I agree 100% the positive attitude can get you through this cancer and like me I tend to think of my children and grand children if I am "down" and that gives me the energy to carry on.
If you can cope with Chemo - Radiotherapy is just like lying on a "sunbed" for a few days - it's easy going.
I fully understand your comments on the Hormone Therapy - I have a cracking pair of "boobs" however I have sorted the hot flushes out with sage tablets. The weight gain is my only issue a present - but I am winning. One Community member has now renamed it "the MANOPAUSE"!.
Your user name is interesting - it'a an Egyptian God - Are you into Classics or is this just the Wilbur Smith River God Series of books you are taken with?
Anyway - welcome to the club - please feel free to join in with any conversations, we are serious when we need to be but we do sometimes wander off topic a bit!
Best wishes - Brian.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
Strength, Courage, Faith, Hope, Defiance, VICTORY.
I am a Macmillan volunteer.
Hi Rod
Thanks for the answer to my question (My user name is a bastardisation of my surname given to me by a "Brummy" mate many moons ago when I was driving steam engines on a preserved railway and it's stuck - yes I know - we all have diverse interests!!).
I get my Sage Tablets from H & B online and they are called Menoforce - the are expensive but for me they have stopped my hot flushes. (Other retailers are available!!).
You can read my PC journey by clicking on the icon of the beach.
Nice to have a word. Egypt is on my "bucket list".
Best wishes - Brian.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
Strength, Courage, Faith, Hope, Defiance, VICTORY.
I am a Macmillan volunteer.
