189: Frank’s Journey: Prostate Cancer, Data, and Milestones

189: Frank’s Journey: Prostate Cancer, Data, and Milestones

Author: Sexologist Melissa Hadley Barrett March 13, 2025 Duration: 36:38
In this episode of The Penis Project Podcast, we sit down with Frank, a 74-year-old prostate cancer survivor who has meticulously tracked his recovery through data and milestones. Frank’s journey is a testament to the power of knowledge, proactive health management, and the importance of open conversations about men’s health.  Frank shares his experience from diagnosis to post-op recovery, including:  ✅ His prostate cancer diagnosis at age 72 ✅ The decision-making process between surgery and radiation ✅ The importance of pre-op preparation, including pelvic floor exercises ✅ His post-surgery recovery and continence journey ✅ Erectile function rehabilitation using medication, self-stimulation, and vacuum pumps ✅ Tracking nocturnal erections with a FirmTech Ring ✅ His return to a fulfilling sex life and overall health improvements  Frank’s story is both informative and inspiring, shedding light on the importance of proactive healthcare, honest conversations with partners, and the role of tracking progress in recovery.  🎧 Tune in now to hear Frank’s journey and insights!  Episode Highlights:  🩺 Diagnosis & Treatment Decisions – Frank shares how his rising PSA levels led to a prostate cancer diagnosis and why he opted for surgery over radiation.  💪 Pre & Post-Surgery Rehab – The role of pelvic floor exercises, continence recovery, and adjusting to life post-prostatectomy.  📊 Tracking Progress with Data – Frank’s detailed logging of continence, erectile function, and the use of tools like the FirmTech Ring for nocturnal erection monitoring.  🔥 Erectile Recovery & Sexual Health – Frank discusses the importance of self-stimulation, medication, and devices in regaining erectile function and intimacy with his partner.  🩷 The Emotional Side of Recovery – How prostate cancer led to deeper conversations about intimacy and a renewed focus on overall health and well-being.  If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! Your feedback helps us continue bringing important conversations to light.  Connect with Us:   Websites:  https://rshealth.com.au/  All genders  https://makehardeasy.com.au   http://www.menshealthphysiotherapy.com.au/  http://prost.com.au/     Facebook:  https://m.facebook.com/p/Melissa-Hadley-Barrett-100085237672685/  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085146627814    Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/melissahadleybarrett/  https://www.instagram.com/restorativehealth.clinic/  TikTok: @melissahadleybarrett  YouTube: Melissa Hadley Barrett  Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hadley-barrett/   TEDX  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjHj1YTmLoA     

For anyone who’s ever felt alone or confused about a sexual health issue, The Penis Project Podcast: Breaking Taboos in Men’s Sexual Health provides a rare and essential space for honest dialogue. Hosted by Australian Nurse Practitioner and Sexologist Melissa Hadley Barrett, this podcast emerged in 2020 from a collaboration with physiotherapist Jo Milios, born from a shared frustration with the silence and stigma surrounding men's bodies. The show has since grown into a substantial resource, with nearly 200 episodes and over 219,000 streams, reflecting its vital role. What you’ll hear here isn’t just theoretical; Melissa blends her clinical expertise with direct, anonymized conversations from her practice, often including the perspectives of patients and their partners. This approach transforms each episode into a nuanced exploration of real-life concerns-from erectile function and pelvic pain to intimacy and communication-topics that are routinely avoided yet universally impactful. The discussions are grounded in science but delivered with a relatable, compassionate tone that makes complex information accessible. Tuning into this podcast means joining a community where awkward questions are welcomed, evidence replaces myth, and personal stories illuminate the path to better health. It’s a practical guide for men and those who care about them, dismantling embarrassment one conversation at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Penis Project Podcast: Breaking Taboos in Men’s Sexual Health
Podcast Episodes
137. Rise of the Phoenix - Meet Phoenix [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:31
Today, we speak with Phoenix, a 54-year-old man, who underwent surgery for prostate cancer in July 2022. Over a period of three years, Phoenix monitored his PSA levels, until one test showed an elevated result and him ex…
136. Doing What Dad Said - Meet Rod [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:52
"I hoped I gave you guys the gift of life. Cause unfortunately it’s not gonna work my way. So, it’s up to you guys to get checked regularly and stay in tune". This was Rod’s message from his dad which he religiously heed…
135.Losing Weight After Prostate Cancer Diagnosis; Star Trek Paul [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:41
If you’re looking to lose weight and have been finding it difficult, this might just be the podcast for you. In just two months, our guest for today lost 9 kgs. ;) Meet Paul. We also have our guest host, Kendall. Paul wa…
134. Joe’s Prostate CancerJourney [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:52
For today’s episode, we have Joe. Joe was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer before his daughter’s wedding. A difficult decision had to be made whether to have his surgery before or after the event. But due to possible Covid…
133. Melissa’s Talk on Sexual Dysfunction [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:56
For this episode, get to hear Melissa as she presents her talk on sexual dysfunction, patient perceptions, and more to health practitioners - another step taken to help bridge the gap for Men’s Health. This is the last o…
132. Melissa’s Radio Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:15
For this episode, get to hear Melissa’s Plenty Valley FM radio interview - a station all the way from Melbourne. This just shows how The Penis Project is reaching men. So thank you to everyone who is spreading the word a…
131. Melissa in NZ [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:41
Last March, Melissa and Dr Jo were invited to speak at a conference in New Zealand. And… you’ll be able to listen to one of those talks, today! For this episode, you’ll get to know more about what Melissa and Dr Jo are d…
130. Lonely Nights, A Poem Reading Episode [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:40
It’s the Easter Week and we’d love for you to enjoy this poem as you take a break. ;) This poem is written by Steve Jones, entitled Lonely Nights. Enjoy! For anyone who would like to share their poems and want us to read…
129. The Universe of Deliciousness, With Author Julia Hollenbery [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:07
Get ready for a sultry, pleasurable episode with our guest Julia. For today’s episode, we speak with Julia. Julia is the author of the book entitled The Healing Power of Pleasure, Seven Medicines for Rediscovering the In…