Should we be truthful.

It's a difficult call to make. But I think that deciding on whether to tell everything that flows from a high psa test to PCa diagnosis and treatment and ultimately death is something that must be the choice of every individual, regardless of what impact that could have on someone reading that content. For many putting things down in black and white is a cathartic and necessary process as well as documenting their journey. 

For others holding back on detail is just as necessary to protect their own mental wellbeing as well as a prospective audience.

I think the burden should be upon those that are seeking information about their condition to be responsible about what they access and also to try and ensure that they have support from family or friends if they do choose to view content that is harrowing. Especially those new to the forum and process.

I hate horror films, never been a fan, get scared way too much....so I don't watch them. Unless there is someone there lol.

I made the first part of the journey no man wants to with very little pre-knowledge of the condition. I used this site to increase my awareness. But I was very strict with myself, I did not leap forward beyond the stage I was at myself. If I had wandered forward into treatment etc it would have been very tough to put up with both the process of undergoing tests and taking in the information I needed to understand my status. 

I have seen a lot of men with a raised PSA level thinking that means they have PCa and will be suffering from terrible side effects from treatment they may never need to undergo. 

High profile cases such as Bill Turnbull and Chris Hoy raise the profile of prostate cancer but we only hear about them when things turn terminal, making men think PCa is an immediate death sentence. 

I'd hate to see men or their partners here have to limit the things they write because they may cause concern  for those that will follow them. Cancer is a desperately difficult and scary issue for everyone who is touched by it, there is no way to sugar coat it, or protect people from the honest truth that it may be a bumpy ride and ultimately take your life. 

I know this new might cause some people to react and I think Chris wanted to spark an open conversation  about this matter. 

Although I got the all clear I'm staying around here to pass on my good fortune and story to those who walk in at the ground floor. It's not an express elevator to the top floor, it stops on every level and if you're lucky, you will get off on one of the lower floors as I did. 

Best regards Mick 

C.Chris, I would tend to agree with your approach when responding directly to newbies. My story isn't particularly good either so I would not want to be creating a distorted view of likely outcomes for a newcomer.  However in general posting I feel we should tell things as they are and avoid putting a sugar coating on it. I've been on here for three years now so I guess that must mean "long term" member and yes, I'm here because I have ongoing issues. Chris

I also try to be frank as I can in my postings, particularly as it might be useful to seeking advice/help. I don't think it serves any purpose sugar coating the challenges I have faced (and still facing) as that would be counter-productive and you might not get the correct advice. As regards whether one rides into the sunset and never to look back post treatment if all goes well, my view is that some folks have a willingness to help others make sense of their predicament, regardless of whether they have had a cure or not.

I see this forum as a community that was there me in my dark days when I struggled to make sense of what was happening to me post treatment. So it is only fair one is as honest as possible when you try to give back.

Puts a whole new spin on Baldricks slug balancing act doesn't it? Lol