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Patient InsiderHello, I’mPeteI’m more thanprostate cancer.

portrait of Pete Kastanes

Diagnosed…again

I was 56 when I was first diagnosed with prostate cancer back in 2019. Four months later, I had my prostate removed. My PSA went down to zero. My doctor did his best to remove it all, but some cancer cells remained. In August 2021, I went for 39 weeks of radiation and I was cancer-free for a couple of years.

Then, at a checkup, my doctor found a small spot on one of my ribs – I went for 5 more days of radiation. Last year, my PSA went up again, and I was told that the cancer had spread to my pelvis, my spine, and my head.

You’re still the same person. Do what makes you happy.

Enjoying life is still possible

When I got my diagnosis, I was crying every day, feeling bad, and asking God, “Why are you doing this to me?” There were times I felt depressed and I considered giving up the things I loved. But I couldn’t do that. I said to myself, “I’m going to beat this. Just think positively and keep yourself busy.”

Now, I still look forward to doing the things that make me happy, like writing and producing my podcast on vanished businesses in the Chicago area. I love to travel, too, and I made a promise to myself that if I go into remission, I’m going to resume traveling. I just applied for my passport. Greece is on my list.

Even with metastatic prostate cancer, I feel I’m more positive than ever before. Many treatments didn’t exist a long time ago like they do now – and more are coming. Medicine has advanced so much. Don’t give up.

I always tell people, “If something doesn’t feel right, go see a doctor.” It might even save your life. Many men are embarrassed about going to get checked out, but trust me, it’s worth it to know if something’s wrong. My only regret in my cancer journey is not going to the doctor earlier.

I think a lot of men are also scared that prostate cancer treatment will threaten their manhood. To that, I say: You’ve got to think about your health. You want to live a long time. You want to spend time with your family and enjoy your life.

That’s what I’m doing. I’m enjoying my life.

Men: There’s no shame in caring about our health.

Don’t be afraid to seek support

Only my family knew about my prostate cancer at first. A few months later, I shared the news with others. I had anxiety about telling my story, but the outpouring of support I received was phenomenal. Now, I also belong to a Facebook group of prostate cancer survivors, and they’re wonderful and give me lots of support.

My doctor says it’s very therapeutic to be with friends, so lately I’ve also been going out to lunch with people and sharing experiences and advice. Growing up, I was not a people person, but now I think it’s great to be able to meet new people.

I was a lonely child growing up. I was bullied and didn’t have many friends. But now that I have my online communities, it’s amazing to be accepted for who I am. People are very caring and I feel touched. Sometimes I start crying because the genuine love I feel makes me so emotional. But it’s okay to cry. Let it out! You’ll feel better. I feel wonderful when I do.

portrait of Pete Kastanes

My Reading List

Metastatic prostate cancer doesn’t have to hold us back.