Dealing with locally advanced prostate cancer as a single man

Hello Followyourfrontwheel4c1d63 

A warm welcome to the group, and sorry to see you joining us in these circumstances.

I am married myself with a good support network however I can appreciate how you feel - I am Self Employed and it's not the same as having plenty of workplace colleagues for day to day support.

You are not alone in worrying about the issues you have raised - here's a few ideas for you:

* We have a thread on the General Cancer Chat group which many people have contributed to - this may help you understand how others have faced this challenge:

 Sex and cancer - Let's talk 

This blog may help:

 Talking with experts about Sex and Cancer: "All good sex starts with a conversation" 

* Making new friends who understand may help too - here's a few ideas:

Andy's Man Club - here's the link - AndysManClub - it's about getting out, talking and keeping your mental health in order.

* How about having a "Macmillan Buddy" - we can pair you up with a "buddy " to chat to once a week, it can be about anything - not just cancer - again here's the link - Macmillan Buddies.

* We have a thread on the General Chat Group you can join in the conversation - people have different cancers - but the conversation is about life - not just cancer -  Awake and up all night 

* Our Support Line is there for you too on 0808 808 00 00 (8am to 8pm 7 days a week) feel free to give them a call.

Followyourfrontwheel4c1d63 said:

it’s an emotional rollercoaster

How right you are - I hope you find some of the above helps in your circumstances.

Do join in any of the conversations on the Community - we are all happy to help.

Best wishes - Brian.

Hi

Just following on from Brian's brilliant response...

Also have a think about mental wellbeing stuff that you can do for yourself - the Headspace App (paid ) is very good I find and has a Coping with Cancer course which is over 30 10 minute sessions but has helped me enormously in controlling. those moments when your mind just seems to go into freefall and you get into a loop of wondering what if/why me/what about the kids etc.

Don't forget to click on the avatar or name in green to see our profiles.

All the very best to you

KrisPy

I can't add much to Brian's reply, other than to say I'm very sorry you've found it necessary to join us.

Feel free to say whatever's on your mind, or just sound off if you need to, on here. I's a source of great support from all of us.

Derek.

I'm in a similar situation, I'm single and am on exactly the treatment path you describe. It doesn't mean I am alone. I found having good friends to share my thoughts and frustrations with is essential to keeping me sane, the treatment can be very frustrating, especially Abiraterone. Being very active will really help you during treatment , keep hitting the gym, HT will reduce your strengths and muscle mass, but training hard it makes it possible to retain or even gain muscle.

In terms of dating I share your worry, I haven't really dated since starting treatment, between the lack of energy and lack of libido it seemed futile. My energy is better these days, but still no libido due to HT. My hope is that once I finish treatment I'll have both the energy and the inclination to start dating again. 

This forum is very helpful in airing thoughts with other people who know exactly what you're going through. 

Hope this helps 

G