Patient Stories:
Colin | David | David B | Geoffrey | Jeremy | John | John P | Kevin | Paul | Peter | Ralph | Richard
Patient Stories - John, 62
In April 2003 I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Because of my medical background I needed to obtain as much information as possible about my cancer before making a decision regarding treatment.
I went to see an oncologist who thought that the cancer had been caught at an early stage. As I was suffering from a poor urine flow treatment was a priority. On return home I switched on Sky News and there was a presenter talking about removing the prostate using keyhole surgery. I contacted The Hampshire Clinic where the program was broadcast from and subsequently saw Mr Eden, who said that I was suitable for the operation.
I had my operation on 3rd September 2003 and my recovery was rapid. After surgery I was 75% continent immediately and within 6 months had total bladder control. The physiotherapy exercises, in conjunction with the skill of Mr Eden, has given me a normal life. The cancer has gone and I can have normal penetrative sex. The only factor that delayed my recovery was medication I was taking for blood pressure. When this was adjusted by my G.P. no further problem occurred.
My decision to have the prostate removed was made having seen two people die who refused treatment. It was also after a close friend had radiation treatment, which failed and the cancer spread. I knew that having radiotherapy may not kill all the cancer because the prostate was still present. Being able to have the operation using keyhole surgery made the decision easier. The alternative of open surgery worried me because of the greater risk of infection by MRSA and the longer recovery period.
I hope that this might help others who find themselves faced with this type of cancer.
Colin | David | David B | Geoffrey | Jeremy | John | John P | Kevin | Paul | Peter | Ralph | Richard
