Good evening.
I'm new here - only made a couple of posts.
My journey can be found in my profile, but I will summarise it by saying Gleason 9, out of the prostate into 1 lymph node. Bone Scan is clear, and CT scan confirms MRI image - "only" one lymph node. Started on hormone therapy; Bicalutamide for 28 days, first Zoladex injection 21/06. That will show you how new I am. I understand this to be high risk locally advanced.
That's the background, and I am not really asking about that.
I am 71 and so, as many here do, come of the generation where cancer = death.
The process has affected me like a series of repeated shocks. When I got my appointment through to see the Oncologist this afternoon, just the appointment made me feel sick. Other times I am significantly more upbeat and nearly normal.
From looking at the discussions I can see that many of you have had this blasted illness for a long time and are still going.
I am going to assume that this happens to other people, and that, eventually a new normal reasserts itself, and you transition to being able to cope, with only minor panics.
What are other people's experiences?
Does this eventually become another thing that you have to deal with that does not give you continuous anxiety (I know there must be some anxiety)?
If that happens, how soon did people find themselves accepting where they were.
Steve
Hello Steve ( mstev2)
I am a Gleason 9 with Lymph Node involvement (we think) and am a T3N0M0 - I am 30 months into Hormone therapy and I have had my Radiotherapy in early 2023. You know what - I have been through every side effect and every emotion possible. You can read my journey by clicking on my avatar.
Three things have got me here apart from my medical team, the support from my wife who has supported me all along, the amazing members of this Community who have been here for me in my times of need (we all have them) and a positive attitude.
There is help available for you - but you need to reach out for it - here's a few ideas:
* Do you have a "Maggie's" near you. this is a cancer support charity where you can drop in for help, advice and a chat. To find your nearest - 0300 123 1801 or https://www.maggies.org/
* Anxiety UK - This is an amazing support service to help you overcome anxiety - 0344 477 5774 or www.anxietyuk.org.uk
* Macmillan offer free counselling to cancer patients if this would help - again here's the link https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/get-help/emotional-help/bupa-counselling-and-emotional-well-being-support
* Would a "Telephone Buddy" help - someone to call you once a week to chat things over - again here's the link https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/get-help/emotional-help/macmillan-buddies
* There's also our support line on 0808 808 00 00 (8am to 8pm 7 days a week). If you feel in need of some extra support - just give them a ring - they are a fantastic team.
Steve - we are all in this together and "together we are stronger". We are a Community and are here for one another - we all have that same bond - Prostate Cancer and we all wish to be here as long as possible.
I hope the above helps - you are not alone. if i can do anything else for you please give me a shout.
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.
I will get a grip on this and then hope to be some help to others the way you have been to me.
Cracking Statement - Very Positive - Good to Read.
Kind Regards - 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.
