I was diagnosed with PC by pure chance. I visited my GP for an unrelated reason and she kindly reminded me that I am 'of an age' (55). She performed the standard GP inspection and assured me everything was as it should be, but to cover all bases she requested my PSA as part of a blood test i was having for my original visit as a second check.
Lucky for me she was thorough. My PSA test returned a score of 11.3! After a MRI quickly followed by a Biopsy, my urologist confirmed that I had cancer in all 4 areas that samples were taken from. 28 of the 32 samples taken were positive.
After discussions with the urologist and oncologist my partner and I decided that RARP was the best of the 2 options I was provided with.
I am now 15 days post op. Catheter removed on day 10 & now coping with bladder control. Like most, when laying and sitting I remain dry. Walking for any period of time is (at the moment) very frustrating and something that could easily get you down. My partner has been amazing. She attended every appointment so far and no doubt will continue to do so. When I am feeling a bit sorry for myself, she is the one that puts a size 5 foot in to me and brings me round. Self pity is an easy hole to fall into. The incontinence is quite demoralizing although (as her size 5s reminded me) it's early days.
My surgery itself was non nerve sparring so I am now waiting for appointments for both the follow up with urology and a trip to the ED clinic.
We both know the journey ahead may be a long one and it is something we are both prepared for. I have zero regrets of choosing to rid myself of cancer & zero embarrassment talking about it.
As men, I don't think we talk enough. My family have been amazing, mum, brother, sister, nieces, nephews & especially my partner and my 2 sons.
They were initially hard conversations to have but their support has helped mentally and that has been the toughest part of the journey so far.
If you are not luck enough to have that level of support around you, use this community. The journeys men have been through can be both frightening and inspiring but there is always someone here to help.