I had blood tests done during a routine examination and results showed that I had high PSA levels. Following which, I was referred to a urologist and underwent multiple tests, including:

• DRE: Results showed that I had an enlarged prostate
• MRI scan: I had a PI-RADS 4 lesion
• Biopsy: I had 16 core samples sent for testing and two of them returned positive — 1 was 3+3 and the other was 3+4, with the 4 being only 5%.

That was how I learnt that I had stage 2 prostate cancer.

I am relatively healthy. I don’t smoke, only drink alcohol on special occasions, go to the gym on a regular basis, eat properly and have my weight under control. So, I was surprised when I first received my diagnosis.

With regards to treatment, I made my decision based on my own research and a second opinion from another urologist. Initially, my urologist/surgeon/oncologist recommended that I undergo prostatectomy (removal of a part of or the entire prostate). However, I opted for active surveillance instead. I got a second opinion and this urologist agreed with me that active surveillance was the right choice at this stage of my cancer journey. Currently, the treatment plan is to have PSA blood tests every 3 months for the next 12 months. I also have an MRI scan scheduled in October this year. With regards to treatment costs. I am covered by insurance.

I remember feeling fearful when I decided on this treatment plan. I was not sure if I had made the right decisions as the surgeon/oncologist that I first consulted recommended a prostatectomy instead. However, the fear of the side effects of a prostatectomy drove me insane mentally and I couldn’t proceed with it. I was in a bad place and found myself exploring dark options. Fortunately, through my partner and therapy, I was pulled back from the brink of doing something stupid.

I did not have side effects from active surveillance. I continued with my healthy diet and exercise. However, I have added some supplements and vitamins to my diet.

While I plan to continue with active surveillance, I do find it difficult to plan for the future.

I continued working as a general manager in catering even after being diagnosed with cancer. I needed the income to support myself and my loved ones.

Since I was diagnosed with cancer, I struggled with my social life and relationships with loved ones, self-esteem/self-image and day-to-day life. I have been trying to cope by going for therapy. I think my decision to not go for a prostatectomy helped as well.

Since my cancer diagnosis, I’ve become more fearful about:

• Undergoing treatment
• Changes in appearance or body image
• Not being able to continue with normal life or activities
• Impact of my cancer on family or relationships

I have tried to overcome my fears. I tried seeking support from family or friends, speaking to a therapist or counselor, focusing on physical recovery and staying active and educating myself about the cancer and treatment process.

I am neutral about it. Having a second opinion confirmed the fact that I chose the right form of treatment.

Question everything. Research your cancer, see what all the options and side effects are. Work with what suits you. Do not feel pressured to take an option you do not want to. For prostate cancer specifically, there are many newer treatments with better odds when it comes to side effects.

Do not be pressurized into any decisions. Do your own research and ask questions. Make sure the doctors know what you want out of the treatment. Discuss with them and know the side effects. Remember there are no guarantees. Think about quality of life and not just longevity.