I’m Hermel from Canada. I am now retired but worked in woodworking for 45 years. I found out I had stage 3 prostate cancer in May 2012. In fact, my father died of lung cancer at age 55. After undergoing a radical prostatectomy, I am now in remission and cancer-free.

My family doctor made the discovery of abnormalities and referred me to a specialist. This eventually led to the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Finding out I had cancer surprised me. I had no symptoms whatsoever.

My doctor advised that I get a radical prostatectomy to remove my entire prostate, and that’s what I proceeded with based on their recommendation and my own research. I had made sure that I had all the necessary information before taking any decisions on the treatment offered to me. Deciding on this treatment plan gave me optimism.

So, I had a surgery and did not need any other treatments. I had a 2 month recovery and everything went well. I was declared cancer-free in September 2012 and my treatment costs were covered by insurance.

The only side effect I had was fatigue.

My doctor recommended some medical advice on how often to exercise and I was very compliant with it. The biggest lifestyle change, though, was in terms of my nutrition and diet. I made a few changes to my eating habits and it helped me achieve better health.

For the next 2 years, I plan to keep living my life as if it had never happened and not to let that experience get in my way of seeing the everyday life ahead. You have to continue to live your life and not let yourself fall for the fear of having cancer. It made me accept whatever life reserved for you. You have to be strong and not let the experience put you down. You must accept the information that is available and make the best of what you have.

I had the support of my wife and two daughters; that’s what was particularly helpful to me.

Fortunately, I didn’t face any challenges in my personal life after my diagnosis. However, I did continue working even after I found out I had cancer; I needed the income to support myself and my loved ones.

I never gave up to fear and remained confident through the whole process. I had no problems accepting my verdict and made the best of it.

Years on from my diagnosis, I now feel optimistic. My specialist was very good at providing different options on treatment.

Never give up and keep hoping for a quick recovery. Make the best of any chance you have of fighting to be able to live it to the best way possible.