It all started with urinary issues and a persistent pain in my left thigh that later moved to my hip.
This led to my eventual diagnosis of stage 1 prostate cancer. I underwent a prostatectomy and radiation therapy, and am currently taking pain medication. I want to stay as fit as possible, continue hitting the gym and not let cancer stop me.
The journey started when I felt a nagging pain in my left thigh while lifting weights at the gym.
The first time I noticed something was not right, I was at the gym, working out. I always worked out, always exercised, always kept myself in shape. One day, when I was picking up weights my left thigh started hurting, and the pain persisted.
I started taking Motrin. The Motrin helped, but the pain from my thigh moved to my hip. That’s when I went to the physician and he suggested that I get tested.
Besides that, I also had difficulty starting urination and some pain or burning sensation during urination.
I was saddened and grief-stricken when I first found out about my diagnosis.
Post-diagnosis, I adopted a healthier diet every day.
My doctor’s recommended treatment plan comprised of
- Prostatectomy (removal of part of the prostate gland)
- Radiation therapy
- Pain medication
Trusting in their expertise, I followed through with these treatment methods.
After the treatment plan was confirmed, I felt slightly motivated, hopeful and very relieved. I’ve completed treatment, but I’m still taking pain medication now.
I suffered from
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Weight fluctuations
as side effects from the treatments, but I managed them with prescribed medication.
Since treatment began, I've continued to eat healthier on the daily. I have quit smoking and plan to keep doing that. I want to stay as fit as possible.
Other aspects of my life that I’ve changed are my relationships with my loved ones. I’m calling and visiting my folks more often now and spending more time together with my 2 kids even though we’ve cut down on our yearly family trips.
My dream is to open my own gym. I want to stay fit, keep going to the gym and not let cancer stop me.
Since I am a smoker, my biggest fear was that the cancer could spread to my lungs. My doctor has talked to me and helped me overcome this fear.
Today, I feel optimistic and inspired.
I would recommend everyone to stay strong and keep fighting.
This patient's story is published and shared with their full consent. Any personal data that can be used to identify the patient has been omitted.
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