Prostate cancer and work vs. retirement

I was diagnosed at 62 and had surgery. I was running a computer consulting business with around 80 different clients. I was working all day every day. I had surgery and four days later I went to three different offices and worked on their computers. Three days later, I went back to work full-time, even though I had a catheter in. None of my clients had any idea I had surgery.

At 65 it came back and I had to have radiation for 8+ weeks. I went every morning for radiation and went to work immediately after. Never had any problem or need to slow down. I did retire at 67, Too many ransomware possibilities As well as possible server breakdowns, things I no longer wanted to be responsible for. Turned my clients over to another company that I had found that had some really great expertise.

You’re going to have to figure out what kind of treatment you’re going to have and how much it will affect your every day life.

Ì didn't work during my six-month ADT and treatment period. Way too weak, too much brain fog and no drive or initiative.

My testosterone has recovered in recent months and I will return to the workforce at age 64 next month.

Gotta admit I'm scared to restart work. Don't know if I will be able to perform properly. Definitely not the man I was 9 months ago.

I was in my mid/late 50s when cancer knocked me off my feet. I was unable to work for several months, but as soon as I could sit up in a wheelchair, I started back in at 8 hours/week (my job was already work from home). I eventually took that up to 15 hours/week, which cut my private disability insurance benefits in half, but it was important to be to be engaged with the world after so many months of staring at the ceiling from a hospital bed, so I didn't mind.

Unfortunately, my position ended just after I turned 60. I'm looking for small contracts in my field, international humanitarian aid, not so much for the money (and health insurance is a non-issue in Canada) as for the personal connections and teamwork. No luck yet — they all require things incompatible with my cancer treatment, like living in Africa for a year — but I haven't given up.

My husband had surgery mid August and was back to full time work in 2 weeks. He also has 2 start-ups on the side which require more work that "regular work". He turned 70 in October and he never plans to retire - he LOVES working and in this situation his creative work helps him keep "cancer" thoughts on a back burner.

He had to travel just about 6 weeks after surgery and he had no problem traveling. He, however, had very fast and uneventful post surgery recovery, so everybody is different and unfortunately nobody knows of how their body will react to either RP or RT.

It is great that you have options of either retire or not : ))) ! So - just take it easy and make one step at the time and act accordingly depending of how you feel. Maybe you will feel great but still decide to stop working and just enjoy your free time, or you might find that retirement is just too of a slow pace for you and would miss your colleagues and working environment if it is fulfilling for you. Maybe you will find some part-time option OR start a new career altogether : ))) - doing something that you always wished to do but were postponing.

Wishing you super successful treatment in the future : ))) and I am sure that it will be as such since you caught your PC early.

@kenk1962 I’m sorry you went through that, and could see myself feeling the same. I definitely need to be “on” when working/traveling and would probably have a similar experience if I have to go through ADT, etc. Thank you for sharing your story. It’s all very helpful.