During my annual medical check-up, my family doctor discovered a high PSA level, but the digital rectal exam results were normal. This was the start of a series of tests (transrectal ultrasound with biopsies) to understand the significance of this elevated value. In November 2002, I learned that I had prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 6/10. What a shock!

Facing this new diagnosis, I questioned what the future held and the implications of the disease. At what stage was my cancer detected? Was it confined to the prostate, or had it already spread beyond the prostate gland? Shocked by this particularly stressful news, I thought everything was over for me and that I wouldn’t make it. We all know we have to die someday, but for the first time in my life, I was confronted with my own mortality. How much time did I have left? I was then overwhelmed by a flood of emotions—sadness, discouragement, fear of the unknown, and, of course, fear of death.

I eventually came to terms with the news, telling myself that I absolutely had to take action if I wanted to survive. I was too young to die and wanted to do so many things. To help me make the most important decision of my life, I did intensive research online and in medical books. I also consulted my family doctor, two urologists, and a medical team from an organization covered by my private health insurance. I bombarded them with questions because the more I learned about this cancer, its treatments, and its side effects, the better I would understand what was happening to me. This would allow me to make an informed decision about my treatment options.

The specialists offered me the following options: the “wait and see” approach, radical prostatectomy, radiotherapy, or brachytherapy. As you know, all treatments have side effects, and they would influence my decision-making. Temporary loss of urinary control, erectile problems, or gastrointestinal issues were among the side effects that could affect me, which I didn’t like at all. I was prepared to undergo certain treatments, but I also wanted to maintain my quality of life.

After weighing the pros and cons, I ultimately chose brachytherapy, a procedure that involves permanently implanting about sixty small radioactive seeds into the prostate gland. According to the information I gathered, the likelihood of side effects from this treatment seems lower than with other treatments. So, I went to Quebec City, the only city in the province where this type of procedure is offered. It’s a same-day surgery, and everything went very well.

In the months following the implantation of the radioactive seeds, I felt some fatigue and reduced my activities. The only side effect I experience is slight difficulty urinating, especially in the morning. The pressure during urination has also decreased. These effects are apparently temporary.

I’m happy with my choice: I wanted a treatment with tolerable side effects that would allow me to preserve my quality of life. I did a lot of research to better understand my illness. I also consulted a psychologist and participated in support group meetings. All these steps informed and reassured me. Currently, my only fear is not knowing if my cancer is cured or if it might resurface one day. I’m told that my reaction is perfectly normal, and I now live day by day. I try to make the most of every moment life offers me. No one should wait until they’re 55 to do that.