I had minor urinary issues and back pain. I was initially worried that I might have had diabetes due to my frequent trips to the toilet. I’d have weak urinary streams but would have sudden urges to pee, sometimes it would suddenly start and stop.

This really affected my sleep. A routine health screening showed high PSA levels. I was referred to the hospital for further checks. I had a rectal exam and they found something in my prostate.

Post-diagnosis, I didn’t change my lifestyle in any major way.

Initially, my cancer care team wanted to observe (watchful waiting) but it got worse over time.

They chose to remove the whole prostate to keep the cancer contained, so I opted for a radical prostatectomy based on the recommendation.

Following surgery, I suffered from erectile dysfunction and occasional leaks of urine especially when coughing. It was harder to control my bladder as well. To manage these issues, I took prescribed medication and did Kegel exercises. I had to wear protective padding for a while.

After starting treatment, I refrained from alcoholic drinks entirely. I stopped exercising too. Another major change was in terms of my sexual relationship with my partner, as we stopped being intimate after finding out I had cancer.

In the near future, I plan to go fishing more often.

I was worried that I would be in a lot of pain and that it would make my life a lot harder. It is embarrassing to explain to other people as well. I struggled to talk about it for a long time. I tried going for therapy to overcome this.

It’s been years since I found out I had cancer and I’m feeling quite neutral now.

Don’t worry about what other people would think. They don’t have time to think about you all the time. Only your opinion matters.