Cancer diagnosis and treatment

The last few weeks have been quite eventful. On October 21st this year, I received a cancer diagnosis—prostate cancer. Based on earlier tests, the likelihood of this diagnosis was a 50:50 chance. Just four days later, I underwent surgery and was discharged from the hospital another four days after that. Eight days from diagnosis to leaving the hospital—what a whirlwind week!

As someone who has always been open about my life, I see no reason not to share this experience. For me, talking about cancer is a way of processing and dealing with it.

To keep it brief: the surgery went exceptionally well, and the final histology and pathology results came back completely negative. I achieved the best possible outcome from a medical perspective, thanks to the expertise of my local university hospital, being treated by highly skilled professionals, and the incredible support of my husband, Oliver, whose connections within the hospital were invaluable.

As of today, my physical recovery is progressing smoothly. I am currently unable—and not allowed—to engage in the sports I love or do any heavy lifting. Being unable to ride my bike feels like a nightmare, but I’m staying optimistic—2025 is just around the corner. Remarkably, I’ve already been back to working nearly full-time on my projects for about two weeks, even though the standard recovery time for this type of surgery is around 73 days!

Unfortunately, I had to cancel my plans to attend the Plone Conference 2024 in Brasília. Missing this opportunity is heartbreaking, as it would have been my first trip to South America and Brazil. However, my husband Oliver and I are already planning to visit South America together at some point in the future.

The physical aspect of surgery is one thing; the mental aspect of a cancer diagnosis is entirely another. I’m grateful to say I’ve never had negative thoughts about my diagnosis and remain optimistic about the future. That said, as a man—particularly as a gay man—this type of surgery does have an impact on sexuality. Only time will tell how things evolve in that regard.

I’ve received an outpouring of personal messages and well wishes, even from people I didn’t know or couldn’t remember. To everyone who reached out: thank you. Your empathy has been a tremendous source of strength for me. I hope to see you all in person very soon.

Andreas