Testimonials

“Living with Prostate Cancer is a difficult and sometimes lonely journey both physically and mentally. Family members and close friends may not be able to understand the effect of this, no matter how hard they try.

Being part of the WhiSPer group, surrounded by colleagues who truly understand your feelings and experiences first hand, really does allow the clouds to part and the sun to shine through.

The camaraderie, shared information / experiences is truly invaluable and certainly lightens the load on me.”

Pierre

“I found from the initial diagnosis that I was alone on this journey. As much as the literature provided basic all-encompassing what if? scenarios the more I read the more I feared. The professional medical staff were very matter of fact but offered no suggestions as to treatment. Some were quite selfless and helpful for which I remain ever grateful, but there is no preparation despite their comprehensive endeavours. The group allowed us to share that fear and talk to others some of whom were undergoing treatment, some with a worse condition and some with a lessor one. I found comfort in being able to speak freely and openly about my concerns and condition and sharing it seemed to lift the burden. It’s still cancer and still life changing but being able to relate to others in the same situation is a relief, whatever the final outcome. I am very grateful for being able to be a part of the group.”

Gary

“Over the last few months I have learnt that PC is unique to each individual however, the management of the treatments are not so varied.

You also find out more about what you can do rather than what you think you can’t.

Anxieties can be eased when you can talk to someone that has already undergone the same treatment that you are about to undergo.

It is good to talk about the side effects of the treatments and know that you are not alone when your waistline increases significantly or you need to take an afternoon nap.

I consider myself quite fortunate at the moment as I have had over two years of hormone treatment with only mild side effects.”

Ken

“I’ve found the meetings informative, interesting and enjoyable. The willingness of the members to discuss and give details of their diagnosis, treatments and side effects has been extremely useful and often very reassuring for those at an early stage of treatment.”

John

“I took a huge risk late in 2023 and stopped taking the Hormone Therapy due to the debilitating side effects….however the risk seems to have paid off as I now have an extremely low PSA level and a relatively normal Testosterone level.

“Last year with advice from Macmillan I located the only Prostate Cancer support group in Bury St Edmunds (WhiSPer) where we can discuss our sometimes very intimate problems and experiences.
“I have learned a lot from the meetings but most important of all I have learnt to appreciate how lucky I am in comparison to many others.”

Christopher