Hi, I'm Nathan and this is my experience with cancer.

2 years ago, I had difficulties emptying my bladder, and no matter how hard I tried, the pain wouldn't alleviate. After my family doctor referred me to a specialist center, I was diagnosed with stage 3 prostate cancer. This news took me by surprise, and I was wrought with anger and fear.

I eventually opted for a treatment plan comprising a radical prostatectomy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy and pain medication. This decision was based on my doctor's recommendation and my uncle's advice to opt for long-term hormonal medication.

In 2022, I started experiencing troubling symptoms. The most prominent among them was the difficulty I faced while trying to empty my bladder completely. It was excruciatingly painful, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't alleviate the discomfort. These symptoms prompted me to seek medical help and consult my family doctor. Recognizing the urgency of the situation and considering my family history of prostate cancer, he promptly referred me to the prostate centers where I was formally diagnosed with stage 3 prostate cancer.

Following the diagnosis, I made significant lifestyle changes. In terms of my nutrition and diet, I embraced a healthier diet and committed to it 3 to 5 days a week. Additionally, I recognized the detrimental effects of smoking and alcohol consumption on my health. Consequently, I reduced my smoking frequency and limited my alcohol intake.

Throughout my cancer journey, I underwent various treatments to combat the disease. Initially, my doctors recommended a comprehensive approach, which included a radical prostatectomy, radiation therapy, and pain medication.

After careful consideration and doing my own research, I opted for the recommended treatment plan, alongside hormone therapy and nutritional supplements. This was after my uncle advised me to take hormonal medication long-term to ensure that the cancer won't come back.

I admit, I felt very anxious, scared and discouraged after deciding on my first treatment plan. But once this plan changed to include hormone therapy, these feelings alleviated a little. However, I have experienced financial difficulties because of this treatment plan. More specifically, the long-term nature of the hormonal medication I'm currently taking could possibly mean paying for this medicine for the rest of my life.

The journey through treatment was not without its obstacles. I experienced side effects, such as

• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting

To mitigate these side effects, I implemented various coping strategies. This included improving my nutrition, taking prescribed medication and self-medicating at home.

After starting active treatment, I found myself making some permanent changes to my lifestyle. One significant shift was in my nutrition and diet, in that I'm now eating healthier foods every single day. Another notable change was in my smoking frequency. Realizing the toll it could take on my health, I made a conscious effort to cut back.

Discovering I had cancer brought my relationships into sharper focus. Before, I may have only reached out occasionally, but now, I find myself texting or calling my family and friends more often. Cancer has impacted my relationship with my partner too; we haven't been intimate with each other since the diagnosis.

Looking to the future, I have some exciting plans lined up for myself and my family. I've made arrangements to visit relatives on the East Coast this summer. For myself, there's a desire to travel both for leisure and work.

Throughout my cancer journey, my biggest aspiration has been to return to my job and reclaim a semblance of my normal life after cancer. Equally important are my dreams with my loved ones. I long to spend quality time with my wife and family as much as I possibly can. I feel indebted to them for their unwavering support during my toughest times with cancer.

On my journey to recovery, my biggest fear has always been the possibility of the cancer returning and disrupting my life once again. Despite being in remission for some time now, the thought of facing the battle all over again still lingers at the back of my mind. It took immense strength to rebuild my life after the initial diagnosis, and the fear of having to go through it all over again is something that haunts me, especially because I lost my second uncle to cancer.

Reflecting on how I feel now, it's a mix of emotions. There's a sense of relief and gratitude for being in remission and having the opportunity to live my life more fully again. However, there's also a lingering sense of uncertainty and anxiety, especially when thinking about the possibility of the cancer returning.

Overall, I would describe my emotions as neutral, trying to maintain a balance between hope and cautiousness. To mitigate these thoughts, I'm in regular contact with my therapist to talk about coping strategies. My family and wife have been a huge source of support for me too.

To those currently on their own cancer journey, I want to extend a message of solidarity and support. You're not alone in this journey, so please reach out to anyone who can help you through this experience. Have no regrets, do as much as you can and with the trust of your doctors.