In limbo waiting for operation

User

Posted 25 Jan 2023 at 22:51

I’ve recently been diagnosed in November I have a date for my op but I’m struggling . Who to speak to my heads in the shed I’m still trying to go to work but I’m knackered fighting with my head all the time

any help would be much appreciated

tia

mark j

User

Posted 26 Jan 2023 at 00:28

Welcome Mark, you've came to the right place for talk. Most people find the pre-diagnosis to be the worst bit, and find once a treatment plan is in place things get easier. Are your levels of stress getting better or worse? If your mental health isn't improving then don't hesitate to go to your GP and see what can be done. There's no shame in needing emotional help after a cancer diagnosis.

You will almost certainly feel a lot better after you've made a few posts on this site, and had replies from people who are getting on with their lives post treatment.

In your bio, can you fill in what your PSA is, your Gleason score and the stage of the cancer (I'm assuming T2 or T3). When we know your scores it is easier to compare your experiences to other members on here with similar scores.

Dave

User

Posted 26 Jan 2023 at 00:38

Four immediate thoughts:

- you can phone the PCUK nurses - their number is at the top of this page. They are specialists in prostate cancer and very brilliant

- the PCUK nurses can put you in touch with a peer mentor, another man who has had prostate cancer like you and has been trained to provide a listening ear and share their experience

- you may have been allocated a clinical nurse specialist by the hospital when you were diagnosed. Some are employed by the hospital and some are Macmillan nurses

- see where your nearest Maggie's Centre is - these offer safe space, tea / coffee and support for anyone affected by a cancer diagnosis (or similar)

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 26 Jan 2023 at 05:42

Thanks Dave I’ll get in touch with my GP

User

Posted 26 Jan 2023 at 07:38

Hi Mark,

I know what you’re going through, the mental side of this disease and side effects of treatment can be quite debilitating, but please don’t suffer in silence. As others have said visit your GP. When I started on HT I got dreadful anxiety and my head was all over the place. I’d heard on here from others that sertraline(an SSRI) had helped so was prescribed this and the difference has been incredible. It took a few weeks to fully take effect but I am now able to deal with upsets (and there have been many) on this journey.

The other thing that really helped me was joining my local Maggies Mens Cancer Support Group. We meet once a week and can talk openly (and often emotionally) about our feelings as well as our treatments, and anything else related to cancer(travel insurance is an often discussed topic!). Nobody judges you, they just offer support, and I have made friends with some of the members, especially those on a similar path to me. I found this helped immensely in me coming to terms with disease and wish I had joined as soon as I was diagnosed, but I foolishly thought that it wouldn’t be for me.

Good Luck, keep as active as possible, be kind to yourself and you will get through this.

Derek

Edited by member 26 Jan 2023 at 08:33 | Reason: Not specified

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