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Radiation causing constant urge to urinate and burning
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Mar 24 9:36am | Replies (39)Comment receiving replies
It sounds like you're having a tough time, and of course, you don't want to feel like you're being lectured (even if that wasn't someone's original intention).
My own experience is that sharing my stage-4 cancer details with family and friends (including my then 80-year-old mother) was really tough at first — heartbreaking, even — but eventually turned out to be a positive experience. I learned that people loved me unconditionally, not just because I was strong and helpful, and that was one of the few actual gifts cancer has given me. It's also been important to them (both remote and nearby) to be on this difficult journey with me since 2021.
Of course, everyone's experience is different, but if you do see an opportunity where *you* think it might be appropriate to share with the people you love, I think you won't regret it.
Best of luck, whatever you choose.
Replies to "It sounds like you're having a tough time, and of course, you don't want to feel..."
@northoftheborder This was my thoughts entirely and expressed exactly the feedback I received from others who opened up to their fmaily and friends . Several reasons were expressed , however one in particular stood out from an individual who was having a tough mental challenge with his condition , namely . " I feel inadequate having cancer and I feel I let my family down " -- i.e. As thought it was his fault he had cancer .
As you referenced : On telling his family , love came pouring out . His composure and new positive outlook is contributing to a healhier relaxed lifestyle .
A happy outlook, is the best medicine .
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No, I'm not having a rough time.
In the six months since the post on which you are commenting, the urinary issues I mentioned have largely resolved. Fourteen more months of ADT sucks but I can take it. The side effects are no fun but I am secure enough to actually enjoy my enhanced (but temporary) feminine side and I can easily joke about that and my chemical emasculation with a select audience.
Some members of my family had a need-to-know due to my CHEK-2 mutation and happily they have all had good results from genetic and PSA tests (which are less routine where they live). A few additional friends know as a courtesy. I have had superb support from my core group of friends and colleagues. Despite all the doctor appointment, tests and scans, I did not miss a single day of work since I was diagnosed fifteen months ago. I've travelled domestically and internationally ten or more times. PC treatment is tough but I feel that I have maintained a positive mental attitude throughout.
I appreciate your immensely more polite response but I do feel that the other poster is doing the real disservice by telling people how to manage their disease and that you have unfortunately bought into his incorrect analysis.