Hi all, not been on here for ages and would like to thank everyone for all the support and advice to me when I needed it.
Just wanted to pop back to tell you all how well my hubby is doing. I hope this will give some support and hope to those that are newly diagnosed and going through treatment.
My hubby is 54 and was diagnosed in 2013 with prostrate cancer followed by a diagnosis of non hodgkins follicular lymphoma. For someone who had never been ill in his life, and recently married we felt as if our blissful world was falling apart.
I can't fully remember all the scores on the doors but are on my profile, except to say his PSA was 14 and he was Graded 7.
He was lucky to be offered, RT, RP and Brachy, however hubby decided on open RP - robotic not available in NI. Surgery and the after effects were pretty horrendous and involved repeated trips to A&E with bladder retention issues. Hubby needed further surgery for bladder stricture.
Then his PSA post Op was still detectable so 7 weeks RT was started as well as 2 yrs HT and Tamoxifen.
Once all this was done it was time to start treatment for the lymphoma which involved further sessions of RT on his head.
Thankfully all is now going well. He has had amazing results for lymphoma, lumps on head have gone and so far 3 monthly blood tests are normal. Its not curable but thankfully keeping at bay.
Bladder function and continence has continued to improved, dry most of the time since last few months though always conscious of seeking bathrooms when out of house. He does suffer from a lot of wind from bowel but fully continent in that respect.
Our sex life has returned, albeit at a different level. He did have to push the doctors for cialis and viagra. As a "morning person" often cialis will do the trick, but Viagra is needed often, although sometimes half a tablet is enough. He initally suffered muscle pain with the cialis but this has settled down with perseverance. Viagra when used can give him heartburn and sinus problems but he seems to be able to cope with. I have just had to rein in my feelings and not push for sex as often as before.
Steve has amazed me and all the family with his positive attitude and often he has been the one keeping me strong. He is pending his 2nd post RT psa test so fingers crossed. I hope our story will help others to know that whilst this can be a devastating diagnosis and treatment is tough there can be light at the end of the tunnel.
All the best to everyone on their journey and fighting this horrible disease.
Lorraine