Michael and Ann – Interview 10
Michael found a small lump on his penis, after delaying action a friend encouraged Michael to seek help. Michael’s GP referred him onto a local hospital. Tests revealed the lump was cancerous. Michael went on to have a total penectomy.
Michael had noticed a small lump on the end of his penis, after several weeks it was still there and was getting worse. Michael began to worry about it, but was embarrassed to seek help. He spoke to a good friend about the problem, telling her he had a sweat rash, but not mentioning the lump. When later the problem had not cleared up, Michael’s friend encouraged him seek help. Michael went to see his GP late one afternoon, the Doctor felt that the lump was quite serious and immediately referred Michael onto a specialist at the local hospital.
At the hospital, Michael saw a surgeon who explained what tests he would be performing that night. A few days later the test results came back. The consultant was to the point with his diagnosis, telling Michael he had cancer and he would need to have his penis removed. In that moment, Michael just wanted to make sure things would be okay, and didn’t care what was done. Only when he got home did he think about possible alternatives.
Michael told his family and close friends about his diagnosis. Whilst some members of his family were upset and asked a number of questions, they were supportive. Michael’s close friend did some research about penile cancer on the internet and found lots of disturbing information. She selectively relayed some of the information back to Michael. At this stage Michael was feeling very low and being more active in this way made him feel a little better.
Michael was booked in to have a penectomy (removal of the penis) approximately a week after receiving his diagnosis. Leading up to the operation Michael was a little anxious and wanted it over and done with. Michael had the operation under general anaesthetic and therefore was unconscious through the whole procedure. When he woke he had no pain but his lap was full of blood, the surgeon assured him that this would clear up. He was relieved it was over.
After having his first operation, further tests revealed more cancerous cells in Michael’s lymph nodes, he went on to have an operation to have the nodes removed on both sides of his groin, followed by a six week course of radiotherapy. Michael was then diagnosed with a second cancer in his stomach approximately three months after his radiotherapy. The cancer was also operated on and Michael received skin grafts to repair the wound. After these operations Michael was given painkillers and antibiotics to tackle any infection.
Michael feels like he has been able to cope with the impact of penile cancer very well psychologically. He has had to adapt the way he uses the toilet by sitting down rather than standing up. He also struggles to walk as much as he used to, largely due to the reconstructive surgery. Michael continues to receive much appreciated support from his close friend Ann, who helps Michael manage his condition.