PC Chat with Wes | I was in DENIAL about Prostate Cancer: Facing Diagnosis, Surgery, and Depression

PC Chat with Wes | I was in DENIAL about Prostate Cancer: Facing Diagnosis, Surgery, and Depression

In this episode of PC Chat with Wes, I open up about one of the hardest parts of my prostate cancer journey—the shock of diagnosis, the pain of surgery, and the unexpected battle with depression afterward.Hearing the words “You have cancer” is something no one can ever prepare for. I share what it felt like in that moment, the denial I went through, and how the support of my wife Sarah and my friend Nate (an oncologist) helped me take the first steps forward.You’ll also hear about:The physical recovery after prostate removal surgery (catheters, pads, and regaining bladder control)The emotional toll of losing a part of your bodyHow depression slowly crept in—and how I realized I needed helpWhy support, love, and honest conversations are essential for healingThe importance of recognizing it’s the cancer that caused the pain, not your body failing youIf you or someone you love is facing prostate cancer, I want you to know you’re not alone. Healing is physical, emotional, and mental. With support, information, and the right mindset, you can move forward.👉 Subscribe for more honest conversations about prostate cancer and men’s health.👉 Share this with someone who needs encouragement today.Remember: You’re not broken. You’re just becoming more of who you really are. You’re stronger than you think.📌 Hashtags#ProstateCancer #MensHealth #CancerAwareness #CancerSupport #ProstateCancerAwareness #CancerJourney #HealingJourney #CancerSurvivor #MensMentalHealth #YouAreNotAlone #CancerPodcast #ProstateHealth #PCChatWithWes #StrongerThanYouThink📌 SEO Keywords & Searchable Termsprostate cancer diagnosis storyprostate removal surgery recoveryprostate cancer depression and mental healthlife after prostatectomyprostate cancer survivor storyhow to cope with prostate cancerprostate cancer support for menprostate cancer and relationshipsprostate cancer surgery side effects (catheter, bladder control, sexual function)men’s health cancer awareness podcastemotional impact of prostate cancerliving with prostate cancer recovery journeycancer survivor encouragementhonest prostate cancer conversation

PC Chat with Wes | The Questions We Didn’t Know to Ask About Prostate Cancer Surgery

In this episode of PC Chat with Wes, I sit down with my wife Sarah to talk about the questions we never knew to ask before prostate cancer surgery — and the answers we wish we had.From the shock of reading “cancer” on a medical app to the confusing, rushed doctor visits, we share the real and raw side of this journey. We dig into the physical, emotional, and relational impact of a prostate cancer diagnosis, including:💬 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:Why urinary issues should never be ignoredHow an enlarged prostate can mean more than “just getting older”What it feels like to see the word “cancer” in your test resultsQuestions you should ask before surgery (catheters, recovery, intimacy, side effects)The emotional toll of losing part of your body and identityWhy robotic surgery matters for long-term quality of lifeHow to support a spouse through the mental and physical recoveryIf you’re facing prostate cancer, supporting a loved one, or just want to better understand the realities of diagnosis and surgery, this conversation will give you clarity, hope, and practical next steps.📌 Please share this with someone who needs it. The more we talk about prostate cancer openly, the less alone men and families will feel.

PC Chat with Wes | How I Found Out I Had Prostate Cancer — My Story from Diagnosis to Cancer-Free

Prostate Cancer Diagnosis & Surgery: My Personal Journey | PC Chat with WesIn this episode of PC Chat with Wes, I share my full story of how I learned I had prostate cancer — and the life-changing decisions that followed.From years of urinary issues to an unexpected diagnosis, I walk through every step: the tests, the biopsy, and the shocking moment I read the word “cancer” on my medical portal. I explain the choices I faced, why I opted for robotic surgery, and what the recovery looked like.This is real talk — no sugarcoating — about what it’s like to go from symptoms to surgery, and why early detection is critical for every man.💬 You’ll hear about:The early warning signs I didn’t realize were connected to cancerWhat a PSA blood test is and why it mattersHow a trusted doctor and a friend’s advice guided my decisionsThe pros and cons of robotic surgery vs. radiationWhat “cancer-free” means — and what still needs healingWhy you need to talk openly with your partner and your doctor📌 If you’ve thought about getting checked — do it. It’s as simple as asking your doctor for a PSA test. It could save your life.#ProstateCancer #MensHealth #CancerSurvivor #PCChatWithWes #CancerAwareness #CancerJourney #CancerSupport #RoboticSurgery #CancerPrevention⏱ Timestamps00:00 – Welcome to PC Chat with Wes & episode overview01:00 – The urinary issues that started it all02:18 – Multiple doctors and the road to finding the right one03:15 – Elevated PSA and the decision to do a biopsy04:45 – The moment I read “cancer” in my medical portal05:38 – Advice from my oncologist friend Nate06:15 – Choosing a surgeon & the benefits of robotic surgery07:40 – Surgery results and catching the cancer just in time09:00 – Why early detection matters so much10:25 – No cancer in lymph nodes & what that means11:15 – Six-month follow-up PSA results: cancer-free12:20 – Why you can have no symptoms and still have cancer13:55 – The importance of getting a PSA blood test15:20 – Why I chose surgery over radiation17:15 – Two years cancer-free & what still needs healing19:00 – Advice for men and families facing prostate cancer20:10 – Closing thoughts: You’re not broken, you’re becoming more of who you really areprostate cancer, mens health, cancer survivor, cancer journey, prostate cancer symptoms, PSA test, robotic surgery, cancer support, prostate health, PC Chat with Wes, cancer awareness, early detection, cancer treatment, cancer recovery, men talking about cancer, cancer survivor story, cancer education#PSATest #EarlyDetection #ProstateCancerAwareness #MensHealth #CancerSurvivor #MentalHealthAfterCancer

PC Chat with Wes | The Truth About Prostate Cancer, Recovery & Depression (Real Talk Before, During & After Diagnosis)

Welcome to the first episode of PC Chat with Wes!I’m Wes Verhoef — a husband, dad, and just a regular guy who got hit with something unexpected: prostate cancer. In this new podcast, I’m getting real about what life is like before, during, and after diagnosis. No sugarcoating. No confusing medical jargon. Just honest conversation about the physical, emotional, and relational impact of prostate cancer — plus the side effects no one warns you about, including depression. In this episode, Sarah and I talk about why I started this podcast, what you can expect from it, and why it’s time men have a real, supportive community to share their stories. 💬 Topics We Cover: * Why “Oh good, it’s just prostate cancer” is a harmful myth * The questions we didn’t even know to ask our doctors * How cancer changes your marriage, identity, and mental health * Why depression is so common after treatment * Building a space for men to talk openly and honestly If you’ve been through prostate cancer, know someone who has, or want to support someone going through it — this is for you. 📌 Connect with Wes:📧 Have a question or story? Drop it in the comments or DM me📹 Subscribe for weekly episodes🔗 Follow Sarah’s channel for more conversations ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to PC Chat with Wes: Why I’m starting this podcast00:46 – A tough day turns into action: the push to hit record02:23 – The real reason I’m passionate about this topic04:44 – “Oh good, it’s just prostate cancer” – why that’s wrong06:51 – What to expect from this podcast: length, format, and guests08:22 – Why some episodes may not be family-friendly09:21 – My diagnosis, surgery, and the road to recovery11:11 – The link between prostate cancer and depression12:24 – Men’s need for real conversation and community13:17 – Immediate impact: a friend shares his own connection to cancer15:03 – Invitation to connect, ask questions, and share your story16:02 – Closing thoughts: You’re not broken