My name is Jonghwan, and I am 52 years old. I am married and, back in September 2012, I received a diagnosis that would reshape my life—prostate cancer. At the time, I had no discernible symptoms. The revelation emerged during a routine blood test when I casually requested a PSA test. The results came back elevated, and a subsequent biopsy confirmed the presence of cancer.
Faced with the diagnosis, I opted for surgical intervention. Just before Christmas that year, in December 2012, I underwent a procedure utilizing the DaVinci robotic system. While I was informed beforehand that the surgery might have collateral effects, particularly concerning erectile functionality, I don’t believe I fully comprehended the extent of those repercussions. The sheer urgency to eliminate the cancer dominated my thoughts, leaving little room to dwell on potential aftermaths.
The reality of those side effects became apparent during follow-ups in early 2013, around January and February. During these appointments, my consultant would inquire if there were any signs of recovery in that department. Unfortunately, there weren’t.
I began exploring various solutions. The first was a device called Muse—a sort of applicator designed to administer a small pellet into the urethra. To my dismay, not only was it ineffective, but it was also profoundly uncomfortable. The frustration only mounted as each subsequent appointment—often spaced three to four months apart—brought yet another recommendation that failed to yield results.
Next, I tried Cialis. Regrettably, this too proved unfruitful. Between each consultation with either a specialist nurse or my consultant, I faced months of waiting, only to experience the disappointment of ineffective treatments. The drawn-out process of trial and error felt exasperating and mentally exhausting.
This journey, marked by slow progress and mounting frustration, underscored the emotional toll of navigating post-treatment challenges.