It's actually a bit of a challenging ride, this one.

[returner]

It's now about 6 weeks since my op. Actually, I'm not doing too bad at all. Catheter was taken out, which wasn't nearly as awful an experience as I expected, in fact it was a doddle. I'm getting my urinary continence back, though it's not quite fully there yet and I'm still wearing pads. I still tire a bit quickly, but I am increasing the activity bit by bit.

I haven't had the pathology results of the removed prostate yet, so I don't know whether I'm currently clear of cancer or if I'm going to need further treatments, nor what those will be or what the implications / side-effects of those might be and what those might mean for my functioning as a member of society and a member of long-term relationship. My OH has been really supportive, but it does stress her out too.

That issue, together with having lost - at least for the time being - my erectile function and having lost - for good - due to lack of prostate and seminal vesicles, my ability to produce ejaculate, has kind of rattled me a bit emotionally and psychologically. And - like many people who face any type of cancer - coming to terms with (or perhaps having a reality check about) my profound lack of immortality is also rather unsettling.

However, currently I just wait to find out the ball-game I'm actually in. Once I know that, then I'll have some better idea how to play the ongoing game.

[Hidden]

Hi returner

so pleased to hear that you really are coming on so well. When is your appointment to have the results and see your consultant. I hope you have good news and are able to share it with us.

There are 89 folk listed but no one seems to join us, in contrast the CLL site here (my particular affliction) has over a thousand members many of whom are active and support and share new treatments, share information on new trials. Be so good if that applied here. Will check why as when I tried to post I hit a brick wall.

Best wishes for continued success ,

Bubnjay

[returner]

Hi Bubnjay,

Yeah, I've kind of noticed that. Perhaps, you would find - if you're not already on it - the Prostate Cancer UK blog more helpful / supportive. It certainly is a very useful resource with masses of information and the blogs - though sometimes not that easy - are very supportive.

[Hidden in reply to returner]

Just a quick reply to ask how you are doing ? I hope the answer is better than you hoped.

Best wishes always

Bubnjay