Hi, my name is Ranjit, and I was diagnosed with Stage 2 prostate cancer.

Based on suspicious symptoms, which included difficulty starting urination and blood in my urine/semen, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 prostate cancer.

I made several changes to my lifestyle after I received my diagnosis. I exercised more frequently and decreased my smoking. I chose a healthier diet as well.

The specialist diagnosed me with prostate cancer and recommended I have radiation therapy. I got a second opinion from a surgeon who offered to do a radical prostatectomy. I didn’t want to have radiation as a couple of friends recommended surgery and I decided I wanted to get the cancer out. My doctor was very forthcoming and answered all my questions. He even drew me diagrams. I was happy to have him as my doctor, and I knew focal therapy was one of his specialties. So I opted for that procedure.

Unfortunately, I faced some financial difficulties as my insurance could not cover the whole procedure.

Thankfully, I didn't experience any major side effects.

After the diagnosis, I made significant changes to my lifestyle. I started eating healthier every day, exercised twice as much, and reduced my smoking.

I keep pretty active, and go hiking with my wife once a week.

My biggest dream is to spend most of my time with my wife and my 3 girls.

I feel quite optimistic. Since my treatment at the hospital, I’ve been back to normal. Everything worked out well. I’ll continue with active surveillance and see where that takes me. I’ll meet with my doctor again in a few months. I’ll get my digital exam and MRIs and possibly another biopsy down the road.

Once they heard I had cancer, everybody, especially my wife and my kids were very concerned. But I stayed pretty calm. I knew that prostate cancer was treatable if caught at the earlier stages. I know my way around healthcare. Before I retired, I worked for 30 years at a large pharmaceutical company, mostly in cardiovascular and inflammation research. So I had a handle on looking up medical information.

To those on their own cancer journey, I'd say: "My advice is, don’t put off taking care of your health. Do everything you can, and you’ll feel better in the end, physically and mentally."