My cancer journey began with a PSA test that led to a stage 3 prostate cancer diagnosis in January 2023. To be thorough, I consulted four different doctors for second opinions.

After careful consideration, my wife and I decided on hormone therapy and I am currently on a treatment plan that includes Zoladex, abiraterone, and prednisone. Though I’ve experienced cognitive slowing, hot flashes, and fatigue, regular exercise and improved nutrition have helped me manage these side effects.

Everything started when my new doctor sent me for a PSA test. I had no symptoms. After I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, I consulted my family doctor, a urologist, and two oncologists for a second opinion.

Finding out I had cancer left me fearful, sad, surprised and worried. I was worried about my wife if I died. I was also worried about finances if I could not work.

I opted for hormone therapy for a few reasons

• My urologist gave me reading material and suggested websites for my own research
• My wife and I made the decision together
• All my four doctors agreed

I was on Zoladex and bicalutamide initially, then Zoladex, abiraterone, and prednisone. There were no changes unless or until symptoms get worse or PSA increases. My PSA is currently 0.08. CT scans show that the spread to lymph nodes is not growing. Bone scans are negative.

I’m still on hormone therapy and my treatment costs are covered by the BC Cancer program*. Deciding on hormone therapy made me optimistic because of the research and talking to other patients on this treatment plan.

* BC Cancer is an organization that provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia, Canada.

Slower cognitive ability and hot flashes are the side effects that have affected me the most. Because of them, I have to concentrate on tasks and I stopped driving. Apart from that, I’m also suffering from fatigue.

To cope with these side effects, I exercise more often. I bought a bicycle and ride regularly. I’m also taking free exercise and yoga online from Prostate Cancer Foundation of Canada. Besides that, I improved my nutrition based on online dietician videos from BC Cancer.

I was recommended some medical advice on my exercise frequency and nutrition, both of which I was very compliant with. The biggest change in my lifestyle is in my exercise habits. I regularly exercise and do yoga. I walk or bike ride every day. This had increased my energy level and helped with the fatigue.

For the next couple of years, my plans are to continue working and continue with any treatments recommended by my medical team.

A piece of practical advice for others like me: “Get advice from a dietician. Research. Ask your doctors for help. Diet and exercise can improve your life.”

Things I found particularly helpful in my cancer journey were online support, Zoom meetings and YouTube videos.

Since my cancer diagnosis, I’ve faced challenges in my day-to-day life and social life and relationships with my loved ones, but the latter has affected me the most. I am 70. My sexual life was waning. Now it is nonexistent. Now my wife and I had to come to terms with this and find other ways to maintain our relationship.

I continued working after finding out I had cancer. My employer was very understanding and offered some accommodations. Also, I needed the money to support myself and my loved ones. I went from working five days a week to four.

My biggest fears?

• Money
• Leaving my wife alone if I died. How would she survive without me?

To cope with them, I kept working. Through research and talking to my doctors, I realized death was not imminent.

Years on from my diagnosis, I am now feeling optimistic. Treatments are working. I feel healthier due to lifestyle changes.

“Stay positive. Research! But beware of poor websites and scams. If you have questions, ask your doctors.”