I'm new here, fighting Prostate Cancer and life is still good.

[Ram17]

I know how devastating these words "You Have Prostate Cancer" are. I was diagnosed exactly one week before my 59th birthday on March, 10, 2017. Well guy's, I want to tell those who have recently been diagnosed, that life is far from over.

Between March 10, 2019 and April 24, 2019 when I had my robotic surgery; I knew my life was over. I went into surgery absolutely terrified. I had never been so scared in my life. I lost over 40 pounds, just couldn't eat. I could not sleep through the night. I was running on about 4 hours of sleep per day when I was lucky. I was a mess.

When I woke up from surgery, I felt like the weight of the world had been lifted off of me. Pain was very minimal. I just felt great that the wait was over. I was still very concerned about what the future would hold for me. I am still surprised how everything has turned out.

I lost my job over it. Each time I had surgery my company took away more of my daily duties to untrained people with no knowledge. Eventually the division I had built for them was losing money and fast, so they laid me off. Found me a much better job. The pay is a whole lot better, I set my own schedules and I get to travel all over the place.

They talk about recovery. For me it was no big deal. At 30 days I was RV camping again with friends and family. I gave up all pads at 45 days. In two months I was doing everything I was doing before. At 4 months I was grumbling about cutting up a tree that had blown over. Then it hit me, 4 months ago you had cancer. Life is not so bad anymore.

Through all of this, I have lost 1 thing. I can do anything the guy next to me can do except ejaculate. At 61, I'm OK with that. I'm still around. Having a great time even as I continue to fight this garbage. Yes I still fight. My cancer had seeded so now I'm doing chemo treatments with 1 simple pill of Casodex a night. But I'm still going strong.

So please, WHATEVER you do, don't give up. If you give up, the cancer will take over and destroy you. As hard as it is, keep a smile on your face and a song in your heart. There may be changes in your life but be flexible. There still is a lot of fun left and miles to go.

[westof]

Great post! Inspiration to all. Thanks!

[Leeaussie5]

Great post Ram. Such a positive story.

[Trvl-wrld521]

Great post, you're positive attitude is the best. I feel much the same about this whole process - very thankful things have turned out so well. Keep going strong.

[NashTim]

I know what you mean, all I heard from doc was ' you have prostate cancer'. I am sure there was a lot more conversation after that but I think I stopped listening...sure am glad my husband was there with me so he could tell me what doc said. Sounds like you got this covered Ram, you go boy...……..

[Handdrummer777]

So impressive is your spirit and your go-forth-and-live attitude! Your great post shows those qualities in you in a beautiful way.

Recovery of your potency after RP is truly a blessing. Did you get good advice on what to do about penile rehab? Or did you have to initiate the discussion? (I hope the former).

[FellowSurvivors]

Wonderful advice Ram. I was feeling a bit anxious the past few days.