Life after prostate cancer radiation treatment

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JackWest
JackWest CSN Member Posts: 80 Member
edited January 16 in Gay Men Talk About Cancer #1

My life has changed, then maybe not, just extended? Do you feel the same? My close male friends have asked "how are you doing? Then we just go on. However, I am not the same as in so many recent changes of my past consistent body and expected functions.

I will share what happened to those that want to listen. It has changed me. Am I wrong or am I reading too much into it? Your experiences are welcomed and appreciated. Thank you.

Comments

  • reluctant_member
    reluctant_member CSN Member Posts: 24 Member
    #2

    I feel treatment ruined me as a man and wish I had done nothing and just taken the shorter lifespan. If I were braver I would off myself. Before treatment my sex life was amazing. In fact, since I was 16 I’ve never gone more than a few days without sex and now it’s just masturbation and p0rn, the latter just reminds me of what I’ve lost. I chose radiation since I was told it preserves potency more than surgery. It doesn’t. Also, orgasms are dry, which means I’ve lost all my FWBs who were into ****. I’m embarrassed and ashamed of what I’ve become. My doctor gives me Xanax for anxiety but I take way too much just to make myself feel better for a short time and the. The prescription runs out early and I’m back to square one. If you don’t care about sex I suppose you can make peace with it but if you do you’re in for years of unhappiness and anger.

  • JackWest
    JackWest CSN Member Posts: 80 Member
    #3
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1720755#Comment_1720755

    Hello reluctant-member, thanks for your feelings on this. I knew there would be a tradeoff. I choose life. Yes, my sexlife is not the same. Erections and penis size are somewhat less. I also had some blood in my ejaculate (****). My penis exercise has increased so penis size has followed accordingly. The more work done by my penis equally gives it muscle strength, size and better nerve function.

  • reluctant_member
    reluctant_member CSN Member Posts: 24 Member
    #4

    I wasn’t told any of this before treatment. Basically just treated and sent on my way. The only follow up I get is PSA tests every 3 months but I decided to stop those because TBH I don’t care anymore. I tried a support group but it was all just a bunch of old guys who no longer had sex anyway so I didn’t go back. I envy those who can adjust to living a greatly diminished life. I’m bitter and angry and don’t communicate with any of my friends or family since my treatment a year ago. I got tired of them constantly saying “you’ve just got to have a positive outlook”. Easy for them to say.

  • JackWest
    JackWest CSN Member Posts: 80 Member
    #5

    Hello reluctant,

    Hope you are doing well and moving forward as we all have to adjust. We all have had an advantage and a choice. Let us know. Please stay strong.

    Jack

  • JackWest
    JackWest CSN Member Posts: 80 Member
    #6

    Back from my urolgist 6 month visit earlier today. My last PSA was 0.02. He finger felt my prostate and it was smooth, therefore all is good. I told him about my ejaculate (****) being pink/somewhat darker in color. From blood I asked? He said not to worry. He asked about my erections, their size, length and hardness.

    Anyone have similar or different? Have any comments? Thanks all!

    Jack

  • reluctant_member
    reluctant_member CSN Member Posts: 24 Member
    #7
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1721917#Comment_1721917

    That is fantastic! Did you just have radiation (I assume since you say you still have a prostate). I'm at .04 nine months post-radiation and hoping to get to .02 or less. Congrats!

  • JackWest
    JackWest CSN Member Posts: 80 Member
    #8
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1721929#Comment_1721929

    Thanks, 0.04 and 0.02 are the same, just a lab variation. Good for you! Yes, I still have a prostate. See also my message to you.

  • JackWest
    JackWest CSN Member Posts: 80 Member
    #9
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1720755#Comment_1720755

    Hello, anything to help in the erection and hardon area after prostate cancer helps. I don't care what it takes. Getting the blood to the penis muscle and having any improved ejaculation and semen flow is certainly welcome. What works for you should be shared to help all of us have better male orgasm pleasure, ejaculate volume, hard ons and semen quality. Please share and stay strong. Happy 4th! Thanks! Jack

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