I was suffering from some symptoms, but what really worried me and pushed me to seek medical help urgently was when I noticed blood in my urine.

Tests showed I had high PSA levels, and scans revealed that the tumor spread to my bones. A biopsy ultimately confirmed that I had stage 4 prostate cancer.

I was experiencing pain in my pelvis, difficulty starting urination and started feeling very tired. When I saw blood in my urine, I sought medical attention immediately. I had high PSA levels, and a subsequent MRI and bone scan showed that the tumor had spread to my bones.

A biopsy confirmed the diagnosis: stage 4 prostate cancer. This was in February 2023.

Post-diagnosis, I cut back on smoking, and completely cut out alcohol from my diet.

Chemotherapy (docetaxel) and hormone therapy were the treatment options recommended to me by my doctor. I was also prescribed prednisone to manage the treatment side effect. I also took denosumab for bone metastases.

I decided to proceed with this treatment plan, even though I felt very discouraged and scared. Apart from trusting my doctor’s expertise, I didn’t want to bother looking for other options. I was too tired to look for anything else.

I struggled with fatigue, nausea and vomiting, and hot flashes over the course of treatment. I couldn’t concentrate or think as clearly as I used to.

Thankfully, with the help of prescribed medication, these side effects were alleviated. I’ve tried meditation to help me stay more calm too.

Apart from continuing to cut back on smoking and refraining from alcohol completely, I also exercise a lot less frequently than I used to.

Another aspect of my life that’s changed since having cancer is my relationship with my 2 kids. While we aren’t able to go on yearly family trips anymore, we spend significantly more time hanging out together.

To be honest, I don’t have any concrete plans. But I feel like I have to write my will. I want to finish saying my goodbyes to my family and friends.

Having cancer has been very demotivating because the diagnosis caught me by surprise.

The greatest fear I have is that I’m not able to say goodbye to everyone I know before I leave. Thankfully, my wife and kids are with me. My sisters are flying down to see me too.

It’s been just over a year since my cancer diagnosis, and the feelings I had then still linger now. I’m still fearful and worried.

Appreciate the people that stay for you.