Back in 2018, I had some suspicious symptoms like urinating issues and pain in the hip and lower back. I got a referral to the hospital where I had a series of tests that got me diagnosed with stage 2 prostate cancer.

I went on to have a radical prostatectomy, taking my doctor’s recommendation and financial reasons into account. I’ve since completed treatment and my cancer is in remission.

I wasn’t able to control my urine flow. It was intermittent. I had lower back and hip pain. This made me want to see a doctor. I got referred to the hospital where I got a rectal exam, MRI and blood tests. I got high PSA levels and had a Gleason score of 7. They did genomic testing after my diagnosis.

The diagnosis certainly caught me by surprise. I was confused and perplexed. I thought the pain and urination problems were due to old age. It turned out to be for cancer.

After receiving my diagnosis, I tried to eat more healthily on most days.

My doctor advised that I undergo a radical prostatectomy, and after taking financial reasons into consideration, I proceeded with their recommendation. I did feel very anxious, discouraged and scared after finalizing this treatment plan.

I had dry orgasms. Also, I pee a little when I cough or laugh too much. To cope, I tried certain exercises recommended by the hospital. It helped but the symptoms didn’t completely go away. It’s been more than 4 years since the surgery and I still pee a little when I cough too hard or laugh too much.

Apart from continuing to eat more healthily, I stopped exercising after treatment began.

Prostate cancer and treatment has also affected my relationships, as I spend less time with my kid since my diagnosis. My intimacy with my partner has dwindled too.

It’s been many years since the surgery. I plan to continue living my life and continue going for checkups and health screenings every year. You never know when cancer could return.

I hope for the pain caused by the cancer to end. Otherwise, I don’t have any big dreams.

My biggest fear is the fear of the cancer returning.

I feel rather neutral now, years after I was first diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Just keep moving forward. Every step is progress for us. Keep trying your best to find a way to recover. Your diagnosis may be overwhelming but you will learn to handle it. There is always hope as long as you are breathing.