220: Rob’s Recovery Story: Prostate Cancer, Peyronie’s and Penile Implant Surgery

Host: Melissa Hadley Barrett  Guests: Rob and Linda  Category: Penile Implants| Prostate Cancer | Buried Penis | Penile Rehabilitation | Erectile Dysfunction| Men’s Health | Peyronie’s Disease  Episode Summary:   On this episode of The Penis Project Podcast, Melissa Hadley Barrett speaks with Rob about his experience of prostate cancer, recovery after treatment, and the very real ups and downs of getting back to life after diagnosis.  This is a practical, honest, and hopeful conversation that walks through what recovery can look like for a man after prostate cancer treatment. Rob shares his story with openness and humour, talking about everything from preparing for surgery and losing weight beforehand, through to dealing with a catheter, continence recovery, penile rehabilitation, Peyronie’s disease, and eventually having a penile implant.   Melissa reflects on working with Rob across different stages of his recovery, including using tadalafil, a vacuum pump, injections, and later navigating a period of Peyronie’s disease. What comes through strongly in this episode is that recovery is rarely a straight line. Sometimes things improve steadily, sometimes there are unexpected detours, and sometimes the plan changes along the way. That does not mean things have failed it just means the journey is real and sometimes there is a bend in the road(pun intended).   Rob also talks about the emotional side of surgery and treatment. He was not necessarily thinking the worst would happen, but there was still worry about consequences, loss, and what life might look like on the other side. Melissa also brings in Linda, Rob’s partner, which adds another important layer to the conversation, the support of a positive, involved partner can make a real difference during recovery.   One of the really valuable parts of this episode is the reminder that there is no single “right” recovery story. Rob had early continence challenges, but improved quite quickly with pelvic floor exercises, walking, and staying engaged in his rehab. He later developed Peyronie’s disease, which Melissa discusses in the context of connective tissue tendencies and risk factors, and eventually went on to have a penile implant, which he describes as something he noticed was there but did not find especially troubling and has improved his quality of life.   Rob shares that his PSA is now undetectable, and despite the wobbly recovery path, he and his partner are active, travelling, getting on with life, and doing well. That matters, because many men fear that prostate cancer treatment means life is permanently diminished. This episode is a good reminder that life can still be full, active, intimate, and meaningful after treatment.   Thankfully, recovery is often less about one magical fix and more about stickability(Melissa’s favourite made up word), persistence, support, and finding the right next step.  Who should listen:  This episode is for:  men preparing for or recovering from prostate cancer treatment  men dealing with erection changes or continence issues after surgery  men curious about penile rehabilitation or penile implants  partners supporting someone through prostate cancer recovery  health professionals wanting a real patient perspective on rehab and recovery   Need support?  At Restorative Health Clinic, we support men and their partners with:  penile rehabilitation after prostate cancer treatment  erectile dysfunction  peyronie’s disease  premature ejaculation  intimacy and sexual recovery  partner-inclusive support where appropriate  practical, evidence-based strategies for getting confidence back  We offer telehealth consultations Australia/ World-wide, making it easier for men to access experienced, compassionate support no matter where they live.  Resources & Links:  Book a telehealth consult with our sexual health nurse practitioners at Restorative Health Clinic  For more information check out our websites www.rs