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Facing a Different Battle, Yet Walking a Similar Road

User
Posted 15 Oct 2025 at 05:36

Hi everyone,
My name is Skyler and I am new here. I wanted to share a bit of my story, even if it might be a little different from most.

I have been dealing with breast cancer for a little over two years. The journey has been full of treatments, exhaustion, moments of fear, and sometimes an unexpected calm that comes when I finally stop trying to control everything. Through it all, I have learned how unpredictable the body can be and how much strength it takes just to keep showing up each day.

I decided to join this community because my father was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. Suddenly, the word cancer became something our whole family had to face together, each in our own way. I have realized that even though our diagnoses are different, the emotional side of it all feels very much the same. The waiting, the hope, the relief when the news is good, and the quiet times when you just need someone to understand.

What has helped me the most has been connecting with others who truly understand what this Pips NYT path feels like. Not from a medical point of view, but from real experience and shared strength.

I would really like to hear from others who have cared for loved ones while managing their own health challenges. How do you balance caring for yourself and being there for someone else at the same time?

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I look forward to being part of this community and learning from all of you.

Edited by member 16 Oct 2025 at 02:12  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 15 Oct 2025 at 08:47

Hi Skyler.

You are very welcome here, this forum tries to provide support and information for people suffering from PCa and those who live with them, care for them or are even just friends.

Its good of you to reach out both to ask for advice and offer your own perspective on dealing with your own illness and now having your dad diagnosed with PCa alongside you. 

The emotional journeys must be very similar and so you will find mutual support on this site. 

Best regards, Mick 

User
Posted 15 Oct 2025 at 10:20

Hi, Sky.

Welcome to the forum. I'm sorry to hear that you've had breast cancer and that you're now having to deal with your dad's prostate cancer diagnosis. There can be a genetic link between the two.

If you give full details of your dad's diagnosis, including PSA levels, Gleason score and cancer staging, it would help us, to help you, deal with his disease.

As for helping others when dealing with your own health issues. From experience I found it very taxing at times. Before and during my diagnosis, treatment and recovery, my very elderly and infirmed mum was living with us. It made it much harder caring for her whilst dealing with my PCa.

Unfortunately, my wife is now being tested for a potentially serious health issue. I'm finding it much harder to deal with that then I did my own diagnosis tests. I suspect most of us find it far harder to see our loved ones suffer with their health, than we do our own.

Sometimes you can't help feeling 'Why us?'

 
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