I Am…One of Many Men
I am one of many men living with prostate cancer. Our journeys may differ, but our voices come together in a shared story.
We know the moment of diagnosis can feel like standing at a crossroads, unsure which path will lead to a better life. Surgery, radiation, hormone therapy—each option carries trade-offs, and the uncertainty can be overwhelming.
Some of us chose to act right away; others waited, watching our PSA rise with caution and fear. Hearing from men who have walked these roads before us helps transform uncertainty into confidence.
I am someone who has faced the side effects that come with treatment. Erectile dysfunction, fatigue, hot flashes, weight gain—these are more than medical terms; they shape our relationships, our self-image, our daily lives. One of us said, “I feel like I’ve lost a part of myself.” He spoke of struggling to recognize his own body after treatment. And yet, we share what gets us through: walking thirty minutes a day to sleep again, lifting weights to regain strength, leaning into therapy, finding new ways to connect with our partners. In these exchanges, we remind each other that healing is not only physical—it is emotional, too.
I am also someone who has sought answers in second, third, even fourth opinions. Some of us sit across from doctors who recommend different paths - each expert convinced theirs is the best. The burden of choosing is heavy, made harder by personal losses and by fears of making the wrong decision. In our community, we hold space for those struggles. We listen; and in listening, we lessen the loneliness of decision-making.
I am always looking for hope beyond standard treatments. When we heard about the ERADICATE study - showing exercise boosts radiation’s effectiveness - it sparked excitement. Many of us already know from experience that movement helps: “When I’m active I feel better, mentally and physically.” Together, we have turned our forum into a kind of virtual locker room where conversations about workouts stand side by side with talk of scans and lab results.
And I am someone who has found solace in connection. Prostate cancer can make us feel isolated, even invisible. But in this space, we don’t have to prove our toughness or explain our pain. As one man said, “Sometimes, it feels like no one truly understands until you’ve walked through this yourself; but here, I don’t have to explain myself. I’m just listened to.”
I am one voice in a community. Together, we are stronger, wiser, and braver than we ever imagined on our own.
This September for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we share our story to remind every man facing this disease: You don’t have to walk alone.
Thank you to our partner, the Prostate Cancer Research Institute, who is here to help you better understand your treatment options. A prostate cancer diagnosis comes with many questions, and their goal is to help you find clear, trustworthy answers that fit your situation.
You’re welcome to explore our website or reach out anytime at help@pcri.org with your questions.