My prostate journey
I recently turned 76, a milestone marked by a significant health journey. Last year, the day after my 75th birthday, I underwent a prostate biopsy, a procedure that would ultimately lead to a radical prostatectomy six months later.
Prostate cancer diagnosis process
The delay in surgery was due to a necessary change in urologists, a transition that impacted the timing of my treatment. Following the surgery, I spent a night in the hospital and returned home with a catheter, a temporary but inconvenient companion. A week later, the catheter was removed, and I received the pathologist's report, which revealed a Gleason score of 4 + 5 = 9 and the concerning news of cancer cells spreading to the prostate's margins.
The initial post-surgery period was challenging, marked by severe incontinence. Frequent toilet visits, especially at night, disrupted my sleep and overall quality of life. However, over time, there were noticeable improvements, albeit in steps rather than a gradual progression.
Recovering from surgery
Six months post-surgery, I'm nearly back to normal, with some leakage. Leakage increases during light exercise, however, my daily 4km walks are now manageable, and leakage is minimal during sedentary periods of which there are too many.
To aid in recovery and future management, I began pelvic floor exercises pre-surgery and continue to practice them daily, as advised by my physiotherapist.
Today, I met with my oncologist to discuss potential follow-up treatments. Surprisingly, the recommendation was to defer radiation therapy until my PSA levels rise again. This approach, based on a recent trial, suggests that early radiation may not offer significant benefits.
Prostate cancer and comorbidity
In addition to prostate cancer, I'm also monitoring a separate health concern: pancreatic cysts. These were first detected during an MRI scan prior to the prostate biopsy and have since increased in number. I'm currently on a watch-and-wait list for further evaluation and potential intervention.
This report provides a brief overview of my prostate cancer journey, highlighting the surgical intervention, post-operative recovery, and current management plan. As my health situation evolves, I will continue to monitor my PSA levels and consult with my healthcare providers to make informed decisions about future treatment options.
Join the conversation