It’s been a good month from my perspective; yeah, the weather has been a bit wet and it’s not been cold enough, but I’ve carried on increasing my fitness, eating the right foods, losing a little more weight and generally feeling alright. Enjoying life even… what a change; I used to hate the dark months!

No real changes on the cancer front for February: I’m still experiencing fatigue, hot-flushes and brain-fog, although I’m dealing with these problems much better and they rarely get me down these days. More worrying is the pain/discomfort “down there”. How do I describe that? Stanley says, “From my bum-hole to the end of my penis doesn’t feel right at all. My bum-hole feels like I’ve been smuggling watches; the perineal area aches and the end of my knob stings and burns all the time. Sometimes I accidently shit myself… can’t help it… I don’t get much warning.” Nice work Stanley, I couldn’t have put it any better myself. “Perineal”… big word too.

Elsewhere, I have begun attending a second prostate cancer support group. Both groups meet on a monthly basis (same day… doh!) and give the opportunity for men with prostate cancer to meet and discuss their challenges and successes. These meetings are useful, although it sometimes dismays me that I’m always the youngest there and have, or have had, the highest PSA. I’m keen to get more involved with these groups, maybe use some of my OT skills to help support and develop others. I’m keen to spread awareness of all things around prostate cancer too… possibly through visiting other groups to talk about it? Or events? We’ll see.

March will be a busier month for the cancer treatment: I have my Zoladex implant in the first week, a PSA test in the third, and I see the oncology team in the forth week. Fingers crossed that it’s a lower PSA score and they have some ideas regarding my “down there” issues.

No real adventures in February, although my wife and I enjoyed an overnight visit to a microbrewery (just after I temporarily gave up the booze) and I have done a couple of longer bike rides. My first big adventure of the year begins in late March: a trip to the Highlands. Traditionally I’ve gone on the motorbike but this year I’m having a bit more comfort and going in the van. I’ll take a motorbike and pushbike with me. Can’t wait 🙂

Summary of the exercising: It seems to be one of the few things that the experts all agree on, “Men with prostate cancer benefit from regular exercise.” Luckily for me, I enjoy engaging in exercise… usually. I’ve been riding the road and gravel bikes (standing up a lot though), really getting into the yoga, and I’ve started running a bit too. I did the “couch to 7k in two weeks plan” and seem to have got away with it; knees are a bit sore though. I’ve continued with the strength training although I’m not particularly well motivated for that… I’d always rather be outside 🙂

Thanks again for all the positive comments, and my apologies if I have not yet responded to personal messages… Ill get there!