Hello all. My first thread. I’m 70 years old. I was first diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018. Was deemed low risk so was put on active surveillance. 18 months later they found another bigger and nastier tumour so was upgraded. Had three years of Androgen Deprivation Therapy and a month of radiotherapy. Long story short I’m cancer free now but living with the consequences. Basically I’m now left with a libido but have total erectile dysfunction. Sadly all this coincided with my marriage ending so I have no partner to understand the situation either. Not sure what I expect from telling you this but it’s helpful to get it off my chest and maybe contact others going through the same thing. Many thanks if you’d read this far anyway.
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I have prostate cancer but am on a wait and see regime, I was originally supposed to have radiation treatment but they pulled me off that saying there are better ways to preserve quality of life and put me on this survey/scheme basically to see what happens.
I am 79 BTW.
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Reading through this topic really makes me reflect on how tough prostate cancer can be, not just because of the treatment itself but also the consequences that follow. It’s not only a physical battle but an emotional one too, and I admire the courage of those who share their experiences here.
Treatments may help fight the cancer, but they often leave lasting changes in daily life whether it’s fatigue, side effects, or adjusting to new routines. I think it’s important we talk openly about these realities, because it helps others feel less alone and reminds us that resilience comes in many forms.
Sending strength to everyone going through this journey. 
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Well, I got the radiation treatment and it took eight weeks continuously. I then got single checks about six monthly.
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Thanks for your reply mate. Have they given you a Gleason score? My first tumour when I was put on active surveillance was a Gleason 6. The later one they found that prompted treatment was a Gleason 8. Given my physical condition they advised against surgery hence the ADT and EBRT route. Hope all goes well for you.
Too true mate. I know it can depend on your Trust but in mine I was only told about the treatment itself. I was never told about the consequences. I was never told about atrophy of penile tissue. I was never told I may never have an erection again. I was never told that I will never ejaculate again. I was never told that once I came off ADT it would take another two years for testosterone to come back. Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful for being alive. I’m not stupid! I’m just annoyed that I was never told what quality of life I could reasonably look forward to once treatment had ended. Basically forewarned should be forearmed. You should not be left to find out for yourself. All the best mate
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