YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

BRONZE

Colin Gibson lives in New Zealand. He was 44 when he was diagnosed on 6 June 2008. His initial PSA was about 3 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 6 and although he does not give his staging it seems likely he was staged T1c. His choice of treatment was Radical prostatectomy. Here is his story.

Was told about this site by my lovely lady.

A real bolt from the blue and shock. Prostate cancer is something that happens to old men. I felt ripped off!

I am now nine weeks post surgery and coming to terms with the whole thing. Nerve sparing operation was successful (they assure me) so I am waiting for things to come alive again.**1 Am getting better with the continence issue, but still got a little way to go there.

Pre-op I was in denial, sure that something must have gone wrong in the diagnosis on the inside and brave on the outside. Not a smart strategy. I held the person I love at arms length, not wanting to hurt her. In being so brave and heroic I did just that - hurt her. I am now trying to repair that damage and work towards a new future.

The medical stuff. 5% cancer all contained in the prostate. No further cancer treatment planned at this stage (but this has raised another small procedure that I need to get done). Gleeson score ended up 3 + 4. PSA levels down to 0.1 and hoping it stays that way.

Willing to talk to anyone.

 

UPDATED

November 2008

 

 

I am now eleven weeks post surgery. Have finally got continence sorted over the last two weeks. A friend made me a timer that plays a tune every hour. That reminded me to exercise the pelvic floor muscles. I kept forgetting as so busy at work. The timer was a great idea and improvement was very quick. Have now switched my attention to erectile function.

Saw story on this web site about using Viagra to stimulate function. Spoke to my doctor and was referred to a sex therapist about it. Am now trialling Viagra, Cialis and Levitra in stages to see which is best. So far have tried the Viagra. No immediate effect however I suspect some activity is starting.

Biggest issue for me so far was depression. I was very badly affected and pushed the woman I love away. It wasn't me talking. I hope to explain that to her and hopefully get another chance as we had a great relationship up to that point.

If you get this disease DO NOT STOP TALKING TO THOSE CLOSE TO YOU. It is very destructive. I can handle the fact I got cancer. I can handle the physical effects, especially as they appear to be returning to normality. I can't handle the fact I hurt the person closest to me. The lady I love.

 

UPDATED

January 2009

 

 

I am now 4 months post op. PSA levels are below measurable so that is good. I believe the cancer is gone.

I joined a local prostate cancer support group. It is good also but I am the youngest member by far and so many of the experiences and feelings are different. I also went on a mild antidepressant which has helped lift the black feeling I was having and smoothed my emotions out.

Have gone onto Selenium and a good multivitamin just to supplement my diet and make sure I am getting vital nutrients.

Erectile function has still not returned. I had some success with Cialis, but since I am not in a relationship it is difficult getting much happening. Had 1/2 erections twice a couple of months ago. Levitra had no effect except to give me really bad headaches.

I have fairly good control on the continence now. Am using ladies light flow pads for the odd bit of leakage that happens and I am hopeful I will get total control in the future.

Had an operation last week to deal with 2 side effects of the original surgery.

1) I had to have a Bladder Neck Incision (BNI) as the healing of the urethra was blocking flow. Effects started about 8 weeks ago and got steadily worse, until I couldn't empty the bladder fully and it took up to 10mins to wee. Since the op flow is back to normal.

2) I had to have a circumcision. The foreskin had always been prone to tearing but with the continence problems the skin went to pieces. I kept tearing and becoming very tight. Dr's advised that eventually it would close the end of the penis off, so it had to be removed. Bit of a shock as I was quite attached to it :-) I am recovering but the area really aches.

I was told not to have sex for at least 3 weeks. Bit of a laugh considering everything (ED, single, bruised, sore etc). I believe I have beaten this disease.

Now I have to adjust to a different lifestyle. Will have to see how different.

Colin's e-mail address is: colin.gibson@boppoly.ac.nz

**1 Note: There is a view that it might be better to be proactive than waiting for developments - see Use It Or Lose It [back]