Thank you Sailor for your words. I didn't think it was that normal, feeling like this. All I seem to read about in terms of post-cancer life is, "how I got this second chance and I'm making the most of it like you wouldn't believe!!" or "It's all gung-ho! I'm fitting two lives in one, now with my second chance" or "I'm off climbing the Himalayas and after that I'll be diving for pearls near the Maldives and after that ..." My new job is part-time currently which appealed to me so I could gently ease myself back into the workforce but I find I'm battling anxiety every evening before I have to go in the next day. I just like living simply and quietly now without stress or challenges and all the stimulation. Cancer forced me to slow down and the recovery period extended that and now over the years it's become ingrained and I adapted to it and don't want to leave and it's quite clear my personality has changed because of it. I'm actually seeing a counsellor today at my hospital to talk about another issue so perhaps I can touch base on this, too. Thanks again. ... View more

Sailor, Sorry haven't been in contact lately. Time just escapes me. Will be in contact again soon. ... View more

I also have short term memory issues after having brain serjurey March 2014. Also my phone hone has become essentially my memory as I set many reminders to try and get around the impairment ... View more

Hi there Gong Traveller I had a Gleason 9 cancer and still have it fifteen years later. Gleason seven is considered, from my understanding, to be at the upper end of the probability of a good outcome. Make sure you get hold of the "Localised prostate cancer a guide for men and their families". If you urologist doesn;t have a copy, Google it and odwn load it. That will explain the options and the liklehood of you ending up with side effects. I had no side effects from my initial treatment, it was only following salvage treatment for a recurrence four years down the track that these occurred. Don;t be afraid to explore the options for different types of treatment. Don't be afraid to seek a second opinion. Ring the Helpine 13 11 20 and ask to talk with people from cancer connect who have had the different types of treatment available. Whatever you do, don't rush. Prostate cancer is slow growing and you can afford to take your time deciding what to do. Also ask about penile rehabilitation following treatment.\ if you have some initial ED. Cheers Sailor An incorrectly identified mark is a hazard, not an aid, to navigation. Alton B. Moody ... View more

Sailor I think that you are starting to feel human again is a good sign. I am glad to read that you are still sailing and hope that you can have a good Christmas and enjoy your family. Julie xo ... View more

Hello to all that responded to my message - and thank you :-) Reading that I am not alone and that others have felt this way makes me feel a whole lot better. I have since spoken to my breast care nurse and she has given me some great advice and some information that has helped. Great DVD from Peter McCallum called -Just take it day to day. I have sat down and spoken with my husband and told him how i am feeling too. Although he is caring and reasurring , im not sure he fully understands. I am taking it day to day and at the moment Im feeling okay.I think coming to terms with the new you and the new life will take some getting used to. Just nice to know you can voice your concerns here and so many understand and just get it - thank you xx I have just had mum diagnosed with breast cancer too at 73 !! Damn that bastard of a disease. She is lucky and has had the lump removed, no nodes involved and will have radiation only. Shes a strong one and doing well. Bring on 2014 I say !! ... View more

Sailor Mixed emotions in reading your post. Glad that the chemo is working but sad that you are having to have more treatment. You do amazingly well in managing to keep going and that is truely inspiring. The mental/emotional "stuff" is as difficult to deal with as the physical and yet it is that, that remains unseen. You always express yourself intelligently and with dignity and I thank you for sharing. Julie ... View more

Thanks so much for your response. It always helps to hear about what other people are experiencing with the hormone therapy. I will buy my husband one of those pocket fans too, that's a good idea because as you know the hot flushes have a habit of popping up when you least expect them and they can be quite distressing. My husband also likes to write everything down in a notebook as he is becoming very forgetful. It's good that you have learnt to manage the side effects rather than let them manage you. I think my husband is trying to do that too, but it takes time and he just becomes so frustrated with the tiredness he experiences. Thanks again Cheers Anere ... View more

Sailor So very sorry to read of the lack of listening to the patient and there lack of knowledge and respect shown to you hope every thing improves for you soon, gee i must be one of the lucky patients I had nothing but kindness and compassion ,it shows you really must stand your ground and listen and know your own body good luck get well quick kj ... View more

Sailor We all have our fingers crossed the drug works well - you are one true fighter and an inspiration to all fighting cancer :) Take care Rubes ... View more