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Newly Diagnosed: Removal vs Radiation
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Nov 1 8:45am | Replies (33)Comment receiving replies
I am both a realist and a pragmatist and am immersing myself in as much education about all the possibilities as I can. The info provided by all of you has helped to alleviate some of my worry about maybe there being a better quality of life after this than I originally thought, but it's hard to turn off the what-if noise as I know everyone is aware. Needless to say I didn't sleep last night, even with pharmaceutical assistance. I've been reading these forums and, honesty, it's hard to find much bright side in all of this, it seems like most accounting of the experience and/or life after is absolute misery, but perhaps it is a vocal minority that I've been reading.
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@survivor5280
We hear you!
The diagnosis of prostate cancer can be very hard to deal with. Some handle better than others. That is just life. You mentioned sleeping. Before I was diagnozed with prostate cancer I had developed PTSD that went into Anxiety/Panic disorder I was put on medications that really helped me.
I too had trouble sleeping and just made life miserable. I was put on Trazadone. It really helped me sleep. Once I started getting sleep I became stronger both physically and mentally. Medications and type can work for some and not for others just know they are out there. When I got diagnosed with prostate cancer it was not easy but knew I was in good hands at Mayo Clinic and UFHPTI.
Do you have access to physicatric department or a specialist that looks at your symptoms and hopefully find something that helps you? Mental health is just as important as physical health. I was taking Xanax, and Trazodone every day and night. I was able to slowly move off that and no longer take either. I do continue to take Escitalopram and was told most likely would be lifelong. I have no problem with that it the very lowest dose.
I also strongly believe in finding an exercise or hobby that can balance out your life. Finding something that you like to do will greatly affect your mental outlooks which will affect our physical health also.
I have been going to Mayo Jacksonville since 2006. Not only are the medical providers excellent but they have an excellent psychiatric department. My specialist I see is a medication specialist. All my doctors and specialist work as a team with everything being passed among the team and discussed when medications and treaments are prescribed.
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Hey Survivor - you chose your handle for a reason, I think…SURVIVOR.
You are quite correct in your thinking : PCa is NOT a gift where you come out better or happy that you got to experience it. It is a major life disruption!
But we all SURVIVED it and most of us have adapted to a new normal which is not too different from before except for the sexual aspect which can be devastating for some men and not a big issue for others.
In life, YOU GET WHAT YOU GET….it’s not fair, negotiable or deserved. Healthy lifestyles are great but they guarantee nothing.
Whatever treatment you choose you will be doing what’s right for you and your mindset. You will get through it (as you did before), realize the anxieties and fears were far worse than you imagined and you will SURVIVE.
Best of luck on your treatment and please keep us informed on your progress.